ABSTRACT
Coastal and marine tourism is one of the most significant areas of global tourism activity. Ranging from beach tourism to whale watching, the coast is the focal point of many countries’ tourism industries. However, the significant population pressure placed on coastal tourism destinations as a result of increased visitor numbers can substantially affect infrastructure and resources as well as environmental services in general. This entry provides a definition and historical overview of coastal and marine tourism before reviewing the significance of coastal resort morphology on tourism’s environmental impacts. It then reviews tourism activities in relation to one of the most important marine tourism environments—coral reefs—before briefly discussing the cruise industry. It concludes by noting tourism’s role in coastal and marine area conservation and management.
