NOAA Sea Grant 10-Year Coastal Tourism Vision:
Sea Grant’s integration of research, outreach, and education will be instrumental in supporting sustainable coastal tourism in the United States by contributing to the environmental stewardship, long-term economic development, and responsible use of our nation’s coastal, ocean, and Great Lakes resources.
Introduction
Tourism plays a significant role in the economies of our coastal and Great Lake states, with significant contributions to jobs, tax revenues, and quality of life. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, ocean-based tourism and recreation contributes approximately $116 billion in gross domestic product to the national economy each year and 2.3 million people are employed by this sector.
However, as growth and development along the coast increases, the tourism economy may negatively affect the very resources on which the industry relies. At the same time, changing climate and weather conditions can also impact these resources and how business and associated communities operate and respond to these changes.
Science-based management of tourism in coastal communities is a vital need, and Sea Grant has the opportunity to greatly increase the well-being of our coastal communities by taking on a prominent role in tourism and outdoor recreation management science and community training through its research, extension and outreach, and communication programs.
Click here to view pdf of
National Sea Grant Tourism Team Vision Document 2018-2028
Sea Grant Programs