1. BEACH RESORTS AND DESTINATION RESORT MARINAS: MANAGING THE OPERATION
Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
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CHAPTER FIVE
BEACH RESORTS AND DESTINATION RESORT MARINAS:
MANAGING THE OPERATION

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Learning Objectives
Identify the changing trends in and demographic profiles of the market for beach resorts and destination resort marinas.
Identify operational environmental standards for both beach resorts and destination resort marinas.
Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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Identify the changing trends in the demographic profiles of the market for beach resorts and destination resort marinas.
American beach travelers take longer vacations, spend more money on their trips, and are more likely to stay in a timeshare than the average traveler.
Going to the beach is more of a family affair than some other trips.
Over one third of American beach-going households take a child on the trip compared with one in five of traveling households which included a child when traveling.
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Beach travelers enjoy the following activities while at the beach:
Dining out: 46%
Touring or sightseeing: 39%
Shopping 37%
Entertainment activities: 33%
Night life activities: 14%
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Dollars Spent
California: $38.0 billion
Florida: $21.6 billion
New Jersey: $12.1 billion
Hawaii: $10.4 billion
Texas: $ 4.6 billion
Puerto Rico: $ 1.7 billion
Georgia: $ 1.4 billion
Alabama: $ 1.2 billion
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Changing Trends
Scuba Travel
In 2008 there were over 930,000 certified scuba certifications.
Over 17 and a half million certified scuba divers in the world, with three million of them in the U.S.
Over a third are women.
In 2008 the U.S. dive industry brought in over $3 billion, over 70 percent of which was travel-related.
Fastest growing segment is ‘live-aboards’ – luxury yachts
“Big Animal Encounters” include swimming with and photographing animals.
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Motivation
To show they can do it
Because it is an impressive thing to do
To develop diving skills and knowledge
To have an experience they can look back on
Because it is a challenge
More experience divers do so:
For relaxation
To share knowledge
To use their equipment
To see ship wrecks
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Changing Trends
Destination Resort Marinas
Boaters
People participating in recreational boating: 72.0 million
Water skiers: 5.5 million
Boats in use, registered: 12.8 million
Boats in use, non-registered: 4.6 million
Boats in use, total: 17.4 million
Outboard boats owned: 8.4 million
Inboard boats owned: 1.7 million
Sterndrive boats owned: 1.7 million
Personal watercraft: 1.4 million
Sailboats owned: 1.6 million
Other boats owned: 2.5 million
Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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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.
Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

10. 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
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11. 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
Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

12. 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
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13. 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
Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

14. 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
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15. 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
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16. Operational Environmental Standards
Destination Resort Marinas
Irresponsible activities can seriously erode the health and aesthetics of near-shore marine environments and coral reefs
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17. 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.
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18. 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.
Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

19. 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
Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

20. 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
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21. 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.
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22. 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.
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23. 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.
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