Coastal Areas Face Environmental Pressures from Mass Tourism and Climate Change

Strategic Insights -

Coastal regions in Italy are grappling with environmental pressures due to a surge in tourism and climate change, with tourists and residents holding distinct views on coastal management. A recent study conducted by researchers from the University of Ferrara points to the need for tailored policies that cater to specific stakeholder groups. The study highlights the importance of understanding how different user groups value coastal environmental services, with tourists willing to pay more for environmental protection initiatives and residents prioritizing corrective actions to mitigate the negative impacts of tourism.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study found that coastal areas in Italy are exposed to environmental pressures due to mass tourism and climate change, with tourists and residents having differing perceptions and expectations regarding coastal management.
  • Tourists are more willing to pay for environmental protection initiatives, while residents prioritize corrective actions to mitigate the negative impacts of tourism.
  • The study suggests that tools such as environmental tourism taxes and differentiated communication strategies can improve resource allocation, enhance stakeholder engagement, and increase the effectiveness of coastal management initiatives.
  • The research emphasizes the importance of designing effective and sustainable management strategies that cater to the specific needs and values of different user groups.
  • The study found significant disparities in willingness to pay (WTP) for key coastal services amongst tourists and residents in two highly touristic Italian regions: Marche and Campania.
  • Researchers from the University of Ferrara, including Fabiola Onofrio, Ilaria Rodella, and Marianna Gilli, conducted the study, which was published in the journal Frontiers in Environmental Economics.
  • The study highlights the need for coastal management policies to be tailored to specific stakeholder groups, with a focus on understanding their values and priorities.

Statistics:

  • The study found that tourists are more willing to pay for environmental protection initiatives, with a mean willingness to pay of €2.50 for environmental protection services compared to €1.50 amongst residents.
  • The study collected data from 1500 beach users in the two Italian regions of Marche and Campania, with a significant majority of respondents identifying as tourists.
  • The study found that the top three priorities for residents were:

1. Improved security measures to reduce the risk of accidents and injuries. (72.5%)

2. Enhanced cleaning and maintenance of beaches. (63.4%)

3. Improved waste management practices. (54.7%)

  • The study found that tourists prioritize environmental protection, with 62% willing to pay for initiatives related to beach cleanup and 55% willing to pay for initiatives related to reducing pollution.

Sources:

  • Navigating WTP disparities: a study of tourist and resident perspectives on coastal management. Frontiers in Environmental Economics, 2025,4. https://doi-org.sdpl.idm.oclc.org/10.3389/frevc.2025.1497532
  • NewsRx. Researchers from University of Ferrara Publish Findings in Environmental Protection (Navigating WTP disparities: a study of tourist and resident perspectives on coastal management). Ecology, Environment & Conservation. July 18, 2025; p 58.