Coastal tourism is considered to be one of the fastest growing areas of present-day tourism with its central attributes of sand, sea and sun. In order to create safe, stable and attractive coastal environments with clean waters and healthy coastal habitats, it is necessary to develop well-managed sustainable coastal tourism. Integrated Coastal Zone Management is the best available approach for achieving this aim.

Sustainable Coastal Tourism implies the following:

• Sustainable coastal management practices
• Clean water, air and healthy coastal eco-systems
• A safe and secure recreational environment through the management of coastal hazards, such as erosion, storms and floods. The provision of adequate levels of safety for boaters, swimmers and other water users
• Beach restoration efforts that maintain the recreational and attractive values of beaches
• Sound policies for wildlife and habitat protection

The area of present-day Koege Bay Beach Park in Greater Copenhagen (Denmark) suffered severely from erosion. By using land recovery methods, such as vast beach nourishment a new beach environment was formed. Sand was collected from lagoon areas and a 20 m wide sand dike was built to a height of 3 m above sea level. A planting programme on the dunes was also realised to stabilise the resource. It gives an example of how to create a sustainable leisure resource without creating negative environmental effects.

(Source: CM Hall "Geography of Tourism")