MODULE 2 - Coastal Tourism

Summary

Coastal tourism in Europe is a major sector of the Blue Economy, offering vast growth potential and job opportunities. This industry encompasses both land-based and maritime tourism, including accommodations, gastronomy, water sports, yachting, and cruise services. In 2017, European coastal tourism welcomed 500 million international visitors, contributing 65 billion Euros to the economy. The sector provides 2.2 million jobs, with significant employment in accommodation, transport, and maritime activities. It also offers diverse educational and career opportunities, from traditional roles to emerging fields focused on sustainability and digital services, making it a dynamic and evolving sector for young professionals.

Takeaways

• 😀 Coastal tourism in Europe is a major economic resource, with over 72,000 km of coastline and a high potential for growth and job creation.
• 😀 Coastal tourism is divided into two sub-sectors: land-based tourism (e.g., accommodations, gastronomy, and sunbathing) and maritime tourism (e.g., boating, surfing, and yachting).
• 😀 The European Union's coastal tourism sector welcomed 500 million international overnight visitors in 2017, making up 40% of the world's total coastal tourism visitors.
• 😀 Coastal tourism generates 65 billion euros annually, contributing nearly 25% of all profits earned in the Blue Economy.
• 😀 Spain, Greece, Italy, and France are the leading countries in coastal tourism employment, with Spain providing 25% of all jobs in the sector.
• 😀 Hotels and accommodation sectors create nearly 1 million jobs, representing 45% of the direct employment in coastal tourism.
• 😀 Other expenditures such as gastronomy and maritime tourism activities account for 43% of coastal tourism jobs.
• 😀 Coastal tourism offers diverse job opportunities across sectors like accommodation, transport, guiding, maritime tourism, and sustainability efforts.
• 😀 Young people can pursue various educational and training opportunities in coastal tourism, from short courses to university degrees, in both traditional and innovative areas.
• 😀 Maritime tourism jobs, such as stewardess, deckhand, and yacht mechanic, often require basic nautical safety training (STCW 95), opening career opportunities for unskilled young workers.
• 😀 The future of coastal tourism requires adaptation to sustainability challenges, creating new job opportunities in environmental consulting, small-scale accommodations, and research on sustainable solutions.

Q & A

What is the definition of Coastal Tourism?

Coastal Tourism refers to all tourist activities in coastal areas, which are regions bordering the sea or within 10 km of the coast. It includes both land-based and maritime tourism.

What are the two sub-sectors of Coastal Tourism?

The two sub-sectors of Coastal Tourism are beach or land-based tourism and maritime tourism. Land-based tourism includes activities like sunbathing, gastronomy, and visiting aquariums, while maritime tourism covers water-based activities such as surfing, swimming, yachting, and cruising.

How important is Coastal Tourism to the European Union's economy?

Coastal Tourism is a major contributor to the EU's economy, accounting for a significant portion of the Blue Economy. It generated 65 billion Euros in 2017, which represents nearly 25% of all profits earned in the Blue Economy.

Which European countries are the most popular destinations for Coastal Tourism?

The most popular coastal destinations in Europe are the Canary Islands, several Spanish coastal regions, the Croatian coast, the Venetian area in Italy, the Greek mainland and islands, and the Cote d'Azur in France.

What percentage of EU jobs in the Blue Economy are related to Coastal Tourism?

Coastal Tourism employs 2.2 million people in the EU, which constitutes 54% of all jobs in the Blue Economy.

What are the three sub-sectors within Coastal Tourism that are evaluated for specific employment data?

The three sub-sectors within Coastal Tourism are accommodation, transport, and other expenditures such as gastronomy and maritime tourism activities.

What are the major job opportunities in Coastal Tourism for young people?

Job opportunities in Coastal Tourism for young people include roles in accommodation, gastronomy, guiding, travel and tours, as well as innovative areas like digital services and sustainability management.

What educational pathways are available for those pursuing careers in Coastal Tourism?

Educational pathways include short informal courses for entry-level positions, vocational education and apprenticeships for hotel staff and chefs, as well as university programs in tourism management, with 45 out of 52 Tourism Bachelor programs offered across European universities.

What qualifications are necessary for maritime jobs in Coastal Tourism?

For maritime jobs in Coastal Tourism, the STCW 95 Basic Training is often required, which takes 1-2 weeks to complete. This certificate qualifies individuals for various onboard roles such as stewardess, deckhand, or chef on yachts and cruise ships.

How does sustainability affect job opportunities in Coastal Tourism?

Sustainability concerns create new job opportunities, such as roles in environmental NGOs, small-scale accommodation, and research positions to find sustainable solutions. Traditional jobs may be reduced, but new career paths are emerging as businesses adapt to environmental challenges.