Tourism as a Tool for Marine Conservation
Tourism is one of the sectors with the greatest opportunity for growth and expansion, but it is also vulnerable to various challenges, such as natural disasters and unforeseen events like the COVID-19 pandemic. However, today I want to highlight the relevance and popularity of sustainable tourism, especially its influence on marine conservation. Does Sustainable Tourism Exist? If you are a regular reader, you will know that we have often referred to contemporary society as environmentally conscious consumers. This is confirmed by a note published by the German online statistics portal Statista, citing that approx 44% of respondents consider environmental protection one of the most important issues for their country. According to 2022 estimates, the sustainable tourism market was projected to grow annually by 33.3%, suggesting that by 2024, the percentage much be higher. Sustainable tourism involves respectful tourism activities that generate minimal environmental impact. How Does Marine Conservation Contribute to Sustainable Tourism? The reality is that, according to the Ocean Panel, coastal and marine tourism represents at least 50% of global tourism. This is largely attributed to the quality of ecosystems, which are crucial for attracting visitors. This presents a significant opportunity for countries, especially in the Caribbean, where tourism demand is primarily focused