The planning and management of tourism in Europe: case studies of planning, management and control in the coastal zone.

Abstract

This study is an investigation of aspects of tourism planning and management in Europe. In particular it is an examination within three distinct and complementary case study areas in the European coastal zone, of factors that may contribute to tourist area success. The historical development and the current problems of the tourism industry at international and national levels are discussed and the framework of European Community and national government approaches to tourism planning are analysed. Based on studies of the planning and management framework and extensive field work undertaken in Weymouth, the Algarve and Malta the thesis provides an interpretation of the mechanisms of development and control in operation at destination areas. It considers the extent to which the aims presented in the planning documentation for the area have been met in terms of visitor, resident and business success, and explores the relationships between these factors. The study concludes that, in general, the planning mechanisms and support for tourism development have been implemented only as a reaction to market failure and that resort managers are ill-equipped to deal with many of the problems that are evident in the tourism system. In particular the study highlights the importance of information and monitoring within the process of planning and control, and argues for greater emphasis on the role of residents, businesses and the quality of the environment in the tourism planning process.