Chapter 5 Beach Resort and Destination Resort Marinas: Managing the Operation

Identify the changing trends in the demographic profiles of the market for beach resorts and destination resort marinas. Beach Resorts Beaches and Islands People who travel to beaches for vacation: take longer holidays, and spend more money. They are more likely to take their children along, to fly to the destination, and to rent a car. 110 million person trips are made annually to beaches Top states that benefit from coastal tourism are: California, Florida, New Jersey, and Hawaii

Changing Trends Scuba Travel Scuba diving is a $2.6 billion annual business in the U.S. There are over 3 million certified scuba divers in the U.S.; a six-fold increase since the 1980’s. “Live Aboards” are upscale dive resorts in Asia “Big Animal Encounters” include swimming with and photographing animals.

Changing Trends Romance Related More than 42 million Americans take at least one trip a year to attend a wedding, go on a honeymoon or celebrate an anniversary Most common among baby boomers and those who live in the South

Changing Trends Destination Resort Marinas Boaters It’s estimated that 69 million people participated in recreational boating in 2004, in 17.6 million boats The major boating states include: Michigan, Florida, California, Minnesota, and Texas The increased interest in boating is due to a growing economy with increasing disposable incomes, leisure time and individual mobility

Identify operational environmental standards for both beach resorts and destination resort marinas. In 1987 the Blue Flag concept began as an eco-label “certifying” beaches (and later marinas) as meeting quality standards relating to water quality, environmental management, and safety and services.

Operational Environmental Standards Water Quality In the Caribbean and South Pacific the microbiological limit values for E. coli faecal enterococci are set at 100/100 ml and 40/100 ml respectively Water samples should be taken every two to three weeks, where the concentration of bathers is highest No wastewater, industrial or urban, should affect the quality of the beach

Operational Environmental Standards Water Quality (cont.) Storm water outlets must be clean at all times Once a year, divers should collect data regarding a site description focusing on the extent of human imprints on coral reefs Algae should not be allowed to accumulate to the point where it is a hazard or a nuisance to beach users Seaweed dried on the beach can be used as fertilizer

Operational Environmental Standards Environmental Management The operation of a beach and its immediate surroundings should comply with local and regional land-use plans There should be no signs of litter on a beach Trash containers must be available on/by the beach in adequate numbers, regularly maintained and emptied

Operational Environmental Standards Environmental Management (cont.) Recycling facilities must be available on/by the beach The number of sanitary facilities will depend on the average number of beach users during peak season, the length of the beach and the number and location of beach access points Cars should be kept at least 65 feet away from the water’s edge In most Blue Flag beaches, pets are not allowed on the sandy part of the beach

Operational Environmental Standards Safety and Services Determining the appropriate number of lifeguards and equipment requires a risk assessment of the beach Where no lifeguards are present, lifesaving equipment should be provided every 120 feet with visible instructions Separate geographic zones can be set up for various activities; separated by buoys, beacons, or signs The beach should be managed in a way that helps protect the environment

Operational Environmental Standards Safety and Services (cont.) Emergency plans should be developed in order to be proactive in planning for hazards Safe access can be provided by: securing stairs with handrails, designating crosswalks, and reserving disabled drivers parking lot spaces. Security guards may be necessary to provide a safe environment Potable drinking water must be available on the beach A map of the beach indicating different facilities must be displayed

Operational Environmental Standards Destination Resort Marinas Irresponsible activities can seriously erode the health and aesthetics of near-shore marine environments and coral reefs

Operational Environmental Standards Managing Environmental Impacts Anchoring Using anchors for mooring recreational boats can cause extensive damage to coral reefs Anchoring can result in: fewer fish, fewer living corals, fewer new corals, more stressed corals, more algae growth, cloudy water, and destruction of sea grass beds. Using mooring buoys and educating resort guests can minimize or prevent damage.

Operational Environmental Standards Boat Operation Improper operation of a boat can result in accidents that crush and kill areas of coral and other reef dwelling organisms. Boaters should be urged to follow proper navigation and mooring principles in regards to staying within designated channel markers and obeying all speed signs. A comprehensive educational program should be offered to guests prior to renting a boat in such areas as basic navigation, boat handling, and safety principles.

Operational Environmental Standards Boat Sewage and Garbage Disposal When raw or partially treated sewage is dumped in coastal waters, people and the environment are subject to risk. Plastic objects and styrofoam debris are often consumed by turtles, seabirds, fish and marine mammals Boaters should be urged to use pump-out facilities on land

Operational Environmental Standards Snorkeling, Diving and Snuba Irresponsible or inexperienced snorkelers and divers can crush and break corals and other reef-dwelling organisms with fins, equipment, and body parts Swimmers should be made aware of local laws when touching marine life

Operational Environmental Standards Seafood Consumption and Souvenir Purchasing The near-shore environment is threatened when marine resources are over-harvested for seafood and/or ornamental souvenirs. Over-consumption reduces the very resources that attract tourists in the first place. Resorts can educate guests about which species should not be consumed as food or purchased as souvenirs. Gift shops should not be selling or purchasing marine ornamental souvenirs. Restaurants on the property should not serve fish that are threatened or endangered.

Operational Environmental Standards Recreational Fishing Recreational fishing can result in the over-harvesting of a number of marine species. Management can encourage catch-and-release fishing to help protect endangered species. Many think that spear fishing also contributes to excessive harvesting.

Operational Environmental Standards Marine Wildlife Viewing Marine species have a greater economic value when they are viewed rather than harvested. Improper boating practices and corralling of animals during viewing can be detrimental Resorts that offer tours can avoid chasing marine animals, practice a no-contact policy, and avoid feeding and surrounding wild animals.

The End!