Tourism in the coastal US
Among many findings of my thesis research was this: the greatest number of tourism businesses are located on the most vulnerable shores (it`s local-specific, but still). It's strange to assume that people prefer the dangerous spots, although the scientific community sounds the alarm with decisions we make and the consequences that will bite the next generations.
Charleston has a long history of coastal infill and fortification, and not surprisingly the major attractions are standing on the edge. And it's not the only paradox alike, whereas tourism is an important industry in many municipalities throughout the US. The Travel Association report (2019) shows that it generates over $1.1 trillion in economic output, supporting over 9 million jobs. The nature-based and cultural tourism make about 2.2 million jobs and $124 billion GDP according to NOAA. With that the interest in protecting the attractions is clear.
The programs in support of sustainable tourism are promoted internationally by UNWTO, and on the federal and state levels - mostly as applied to nature-based tourism. The problem arises on the level of implementation - specifically in the cities with established urban scape. Charleston, for instance, developed a comprehensive Tourism Management Plan to address the challenges arising between the rising waters, growing tourist attractiveness, and heritage to be protected. The plan suggests tourism development fees to fund tourism management programs and support sustainable tourism practices and management efforts. These tools only work with the metropolitan and state agencies support - such as the Charleston Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, Coastal Community Foundation, SC Sea Grant and SCPRT programs.
Encouraging the private sector to adopt resilience is a big jigsaw, especially for the developing countries. In the US there is a great amount of market incentives across the levels. The next thing to explore is how it works in practice in the established cultural landscapes. And the most interesting - how these cases are actually applicable to “how the other half lives”.
