This page provides basic information on the combination between maritime transport and tourism and will be further populated as more information becomes available.
Coastal tourism and maritime transport are two sectors that rarely interact with each other due to a very limited spatial coexistence. The most valuable points of interest for coastal tourism are located on inshore locations whereas maritime transport follows ship routing systems that rely on a network of dedicated shipping corridors, usually located far from the coast. Interaction between the two sectors is therefore unlikely.
However, even if the two activities don’t use the same berths, both sectors can be confronted with the issue of congested ports and approaches. The lack of available docks can impact both the tourism sector (sailing, yachting), and the maritime transport sector (passenger embarking or disembarking).
- SECTORS' CHARACTERISTICS
Maritime transport
Maritime transport includes shipment of goods and transport of passengers by sea. It remains the backbone of international trade, with the EU being one of the most important exporters and exporters worldwide.
In terms of infrastructure, maritime transport not only requires seagoing vessels, but also ports as central logistics hubs, rendering the sector intimately connected to land-based infrastructure and relying on a complex web of land-sea logistics chains. The governance of the sector is also split between leading global shipowners (MSC, MAERSK, CMA-CGM) and smaller competitors.
Ship routing systems have been established by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) in congested shipping areas of the world for safety reasons. To minimize potential environmental impacts of shipping, the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from ships aims at minimizing pollution of the oceans and seas. In addition, maritime transport is expected to meet increasing sustainable performance criteria linked to key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and notably SDG 14.
Maritime transport is a well-established sector, with a post-covid increasing demand for goods but also in vessel size and number. This growth puts increasing pressure on the marine environment and can often put important ecosystems at risk, notably through greenhouse gas emissions, air pollution, underwater noise, oil pollution, and the introduction of non-indigenous species [1].
Maritime and coastal tourism
Maritime and coastal tourism is a hugely diverse sector. It is key for some European sea basins, such as the Mediterranean, where it generates significant direct and indirect employment and income.
All forms of coastal and marine tourism rely on attractive surroundings, and global environmental quality is an important factor as tourists expect clean, clear water and limited pollution.
Tourism is a fragmented governance sector, with many local and regional stakeholders. The sector is expected to continue growing in the coming years [2], notably by diversifying its offer, as exemplified by the increasing trend towards more nature-based and sustainable coastal and marine tourism [3].
For more European statistics and data you can also visit the Eurostat website
Existing co-existence and multi-use initiatives
CONTRIBUTE TO THE COMPENDIUM AND SUBMIT YOUR CASE STUDY HERE