Coastal tourism in Natural Parks. An analysis of demand profiles and recreational uses in coastal protected natural areas

Identifier:  imarina:6364316

Handle: https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11797/imarina6364316

Authors:  Salvador Antón Clavé; Marta Nel·lo Andreu; Alicia Orellana

Abstract:
The main objective of this communication is to show that the tourist and recreational uses made of a protected area, such as the Ebro Delta Natural Park, that is located on the coast in a context of "sun and beach" tourism present certain particularities due to the fact that a significant portion of the demand is motivated less by aspects such as the area"s natural assets than by classic draws such as sunbathing or the beach. In order to test this hypothesis, a typology of the visitors to the Ebro Delta Natural Park was established, with regard to both their tourist profiles and the characteristics of their trip. An analysis of the results further allowed us to determine the uses made of, and behavior shown in relation to, the park"s natural assets by the different visitor types found, as well as to verify differences in their perceptions and satisfaction levels.