The emerging technologies as a tool for the sustainable management of coastal tourist destinations

the case of Barra and Costa Nova

Abstract

Objectives | As tourism is a growing sector, with 80% of its development occurring in coastal areas where ecosystems are extremely sensitive (Lins-De-Barros, 2017; Moritz et al., 2014), it is crucial to consider sustainable approaches to minimize negative impacts and maximize positive ones. Although the theme of sustainability is increasingly recognized and is a highly important topic, it has not yet been fully explored (Pan et al., 2018; Santos et al., 2022). With the growing implementation of technology in tourism, it is important to study the best ways to use these technologies to ensure a balanced approach in destination management for their sustainability (El Archi et al., 2023). Most studies on sustainable destination management focus solely on sustainability as important. Thus, this article aims to investigate how the integration of emerging technologies in the management of coastal destinations can enhance sustainable practices.

Methodology | The article is still in the development phase, and the techniques to be adopted have not been defined at this stage. However, a comprehensive understanding of the integration of technologies in the sustainable management of coastal destinations is intended. The empirical study will take place in Barra and Costa Nova, areas belonging to the municipality of Ílhavo, Aveiro district. The application of semi-structured interviews to various experts in the fields of tourism and technology is envisaged to extract in-depth qualitative insights into the perceived benefits of technologies, challenges faced by coastal destinations, and potential opportunities related to the adoption of emerging technologies in such tourist destinations. Additionally, semi-structured interviews are also planned with different stakeholders involved in destination management, including destination managers, residents, and tourists. This survey will provide a broader perspective on the viewpoints of the various stakeholders in the destination management under study. The integrated analysis of these data will facilitate the development of a more holistic understanding of how emerging technologies can be effectively integrated into the management of coastal destinations, promoting sustainable practices, and meeting the expectations and needs of different stakeholders.

Key Findings and Contributions | With the development of this study, it is expected to identify the main sustainability challenges in destinations with the particularities of coastal areas, seeking technological solutions and contributing to the development of sustainability issues (Pan et al., 2018; Santos et al., 2022). By interviewing renowned experts and various stakeholders, the aim is to capture a variety of perspectives on the challenges, opportunities, and expectations associated with the integration of emerging technologies in the management of coastal destinations. It is anticipated that the qualitative results of these interviews will provide important insights into the perceptions and experiences of different stakeholders. The study seeks to contribute to the effective implementation of strategies guiding the integration of technologies, fostering a conscious and informed approach to the management of coastal destinations based on sustainability best practices.

Limitations | Despite the anticipated positive contribution of this study to the development of literature and tourism activity, it is important to acknowledge some inherent limitations in the research. Firstly, interviews with experts and stakeholders will represent a limited sample of the diverse perspectives existing in the industry, and therefore, conclusions drawn from these interactions may not fully encompass the complexity of all the dynamics involved. Additionally, the technological and touristic landscapes can undergo rapid changes, necessitating continuous updates to the recommendations and strategies proposed. Furthermore, result generalization may be limited, as each coastal destination has its unique characteristics. Given its qualitative nature, the methodology itself presents a limitation, as responses rely on the honesty and perception of the participants.

Conclusions | This study will provide a comprehensive analysis of the integration of emerging technologies in the management of coastal destinations. Visitors are drawn to these areas for their beaches, landscapes, and the possibility of engaging in various activities (Moritz et al., 2014). However, the tourist development in coastal regions increases the vulnerability of ecosystems, raising concerns related to environmental pressure (Lins-De-Barros, 2017; Moritz et al., 2014). The adoption and application of digital technologies in sustainable tourist destinations are in their early stages, requiring more theoretical and conceptual research, as it is an ever-evolving area (El Archi et al., 2023; Özköse et al., 2023). Tourism in Coastal Zones, being directly related to the quality of its environment, requires a balance between that environment and economic, social, and environmental development (Lu et al., 2019). For the sake of sustainable tourism development, it is crucial to have a carefully designed plan for coastal zone management to minimize often overlooked negative impacts (Moritz et al., 2014). The results highlight not only the significant opportunities that arise with the adoption of emerging technologies but also the intrinsic challenges to this process. The diversity of perspectives from stakeholders, ranging from destination managers to local communities and tourists, will enrich the overall understanding with different expectations and concerns, allowing for the grounding of suggested strategies.