Measuring the local economic benefits of surfing tourism

Questionnaire Beach Survey Surfer Tally Street Survey Informal Interviews Wider Research Review The management of responsible surfing tourism in destinations throughout the UK. By Christin Radtke, Leeds Metropolitan University, September 2013 The Economic Impact of domestic of surfing on the United Kingdom Dr. Bryan Mills & Andy Cummins, Surfers Against Sewage ABTA – Destinations Approach Methodology Methodologies

Comparative Study of the Impacts of Surfing Tourism on the Coastal Resorts of Bundoran, Ireland Newquay, England The study attempted to assess the impact of surfing tourism on the two towns; Newquay England and Bundoran, Ireland using the triple bottom line of environment, social and economic impacts It was intended to focus on the economic impact of surfing tourism in particular

General Approach To rely on primary data due to lack of published information on surfing tourism on the two destinations (year 2000)

Questionnaire Survey: Fistral Beach Profile - background information Social and cultural issues to identify the “atmosphere” in the water Doxy’s index of irritation Ranking the popularity of the resort Economic (Spending habits) Strong winds & rain Limited Environmental Assessment Broad remit of questions Small sample size

Questionnaire Survey: The Peak Bundoran Limitations: The number of total surfers was much lower. It was only possible to question 35 surfers

Surfer Tally

Street Survey Stakeholder Interviews

Further Research The management of responsible surfing tourism in destinations throughout the UK (Swansea, Porthcawl, Pembrokeshire & Newquay) By Christin Radtke, Leeds Metropolitan University, September 2013 Secondary Research Quantitative Research: Theoretical Background Questionnaire (via web, distribution of hard copies) Qualitative Research In depth interviews with key-informants Interviews or questionnaires with businesses Limitations: low response rates, direct contact with key people in businesses was difficult and questions delegated down the line, the accuracy of the questionnaire is questionable as it is not certain if respondents answer questions directly or try to answer in an ethical way. Open nature of questions made it difficult to cross-analyse with others. Focus on more closed questions next time.

The Economic Impact of domestic of surfing on the United Kingdom Dr. Bryan Mills & Andy Cummins, Surfers Against Sewage, October 2013, On line survey conducted with 2,159 usable responses Limitations 1. Sample database was the SAS membership 2. The study appears to slightly over represent Cornwall. This is possibly due to the stratification of the original databases used (SAS members initially) 3. Respondents have self-completed the survey and no third party confirmation of their spend or behaviour has been possible 4. Under 18s are probably underrepresented. This is possibly due to the stratification of the original databases used and to a survey that may appear, in their eyes, is aimed more towards adults (with questions relating to employment etc.) 5. The study has not examined in detail indirect and induced effects, relying instead on multipliers Recommended areas for additional research : 1. Additional field based studies to test the reliability of the data with regards to actual expenditure. 2. Additional field based studies to test the reliability of the data with regards to actual numbers of surfers frequenting breaks 3. Expansion of the survey to included better representation from under 18 year olds 4. Establishment through addition economic analysis of reliable multipliers associated with surfing and the surfing industry Further Research

ABTA’s Destination Approach - Methodology Methodologies are led principally by a qualitative approach Key Informant Interviews Interviewing stakeholder groups Structured meetings Refined through web research; e.g. legislative background, national and international laws & agreements Quantitative (less so) e.g. Recording monthly energy consumption Identify key themes