COASTAL TOURISM DEVELOPMENT: ANALYZING LAND COVER CHANGES IN EUROPEAN SEASIDE DESTINATIONS DURING 1990-2018

Abstract

Coastal areas have progressively emerged as centers of tourism and economic development, leading to significant land cover transformations. This paper examines the dynamic interplay between tourism development and environmental sustainability within coastal regions, spotlighting three European seaside resorts: Eforie Sud, Romania; Torremolinos, Spain; and La Grande-Motte, France. Through a comparative case study approach, the research delves into the strategies employed by these destinations to manage tourism growth, with a focus on implementing spatial planning principles and sustainable practices. By analyzing spatial data on land use changes from 1990 to 2018, the study quantitatively assesses the extent of urbanization and its environmental impacts, offering insights into the transformation of coastal landscapes in response to tourism development. The study underscores the importance of sustainable tourism development as a means to balance economic objectives with the preservation of natural and cultural assets. It concludes with recommendations for strategic planning, conservation initiatives, and community engagement to ensure the long-term viability of coastal tourism destinations. This research contributes to the discourse on sustainable tourism, advocating for policies and practices that harmonize development with environmental stewardship and socio-economic benefits.