Tourism in Balance: Insights from Diana Korteweg Maris

Measuring Tourism in Balance: Insights from the Interreg Tourism in Balance Project

In a dynamic discussion hosted by our project, Diana Korteweg Maris, programme manager at the Research Centre for Coastal Tourism in the Netherlands, shared a comprehensive presentation on "Measuring Tourism in Balance." The session explored the intricate relationship between tourism's benefits and burdens and emphasised the importance of sustainable and data-driven tourism policies. Below is a detailed reflection on the key topics and takeaways from her presentation.

The Concept of 'Tourism in Balance'

The idea of balancing tourism emerged prominently in Dutch national policy discussions in 2018, emphasising that tourism should contribute positively to the prosperity and well-being of residents. A new framework was developed in 2022, aiming to measure this balance comprehensively. This framework uniquely integrates two critical perspectives: impact (both positive and negative) and carrying capacity (the region's ability to sustain tourism).

Applying the Framework in Zeeland

The coastal province of Zeeland served as the pilot region for applying this framework. Known for its high concentration of tourism, with 21 million overnight stays and €3.4 billion in expenditures annually, Zeeland faces increasing concerns about overtourism, especially in its coastal communities. Protests against the development of new holiday parks illustrate the friction between economic benefits and the burden on local residents and the environment.

To address these challenges, the framework was applied to four coastal municipalities. Key indicators were selected from over 50 possibilities, focusing on aspects like ecological, economic, social, and physical carrying capacities.

Key Findings

• Data Availability: While data on economic impacts and tourism scale is robust, gaps remain in ecological and social dimensions, such as nature conservation and societal well-being.
• Indicators: Indicators such as the number of overnight stays per inhabitant, energy use in hospitality, and resident perceptions of tourism's benefits and nuisances provided valuable insights.
• Challenges: Establishing causality between tourism activities and their impacts remains a significant hurdle. Moreover, balancing diverse and sometimes conflicting priorities across ecological, social, and economic domains is complex.

Highlighted Data Insights

1. Tourism Intensity: In municipalities like Noord-Beveland, residents experience over 2 million overnight stays annually, translating to a disproportionate burden compared to the local population size.
2. Resident Sentiment: Surveys revealed varied perceptions of tourism's benefits, with only about half of residents in some areas agreeing that tourism advantages outweigh its disadvantages.
3. Environmental Concerns: Data on energy consumption in the hospitality industry pointed to significant ecological footprints in specific municipalities.

Opportunities and Future Directions

• Improved Public Transport: Addressing tourism-related mobility challenges in Zeeland is a pressing issue. Current dependence on cars due to limited public transport options amplifies ecological and social burdens.
• Spreading Tourism: Encouraging tourism in less-visited inland areas could help distribute its benefits and burdens more evenly. However, this approach must consider visitor preferences and infrastructure limitations.
• Enhanced Data Collection: Strengthening data on ecological and social impacts is essential for a more holistic understanding of tourism in balance.

Discussion and Takeaways

The session concluded with thought-provoking discussions on the complexity of tourism measurement. While the framework provides a detailed structure, there are concerns about its practicality and the level of detail required. The overarching message was clear: balancing tourism is not a purely quantitative exercise but a starting point for meaningful stakeholder conversations.

Conclusion

The pilot application of the tourism balance framework in Zeeland highlights both the opportunities and challenges of achieving sustainable tourism. It underscores the need for collaborative, data-informed policymaking that prioritizes residents' well-being while harnessing tourism's economic potential. As the Interreg Tourism in Balance project continues, these insights will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of sustainable tourism in the Netherlands and beyond.