Journal of Tourism and Development

Journal of Tourism and Development

Strategies for Sustainable Coastal Tourism Development: A Meta-Synthesis Study

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Esmaeil Malek Akhlagh 1
Delniya Bahrami 2
Milad Shooshtarian 3
1 1. Associate Prof. of Department of Management, Faculty of Management and Economics, University of Guilan, Rasht, Iran
2 2. Ph.D. Student of Business Management, Department of Management, Faculty of Management and Economics, University of Guilan, Rasht, Iran
3 3. Ph.D. Student of Business Management, Department of Management, Faculty of Management and Economics, University of Guilan, Rasht, Iran
10.22034/jtd.2026.501970.3020
Abstract
Sustainable coastal tourism plays a key role in preserving natural resources, strengthening the local economy, and improving the quality of life for coastal communities. However, the lack of appropriate strategies for coastal tourism development can pose a significant barrier to the effective and sustainable utilization of these areas’ capacities. Therefore, the present study aims to identify strategies for sustainable coastal tourism development. This research is applied-developmental in purpose and qualitative in approach, based on meta-synthesis ). To achieve the research objectives, a systematic search of related studies was conducted in reputable domestic and international scientific databases, resulting in the identification of 91 articles. After screening and quality assessment, 33 articles were selected for code extraction. These codes were merged and duplicates removed, resulting in 52 final codes organized into five main categories (environmental, socio-economic, social, political-legal, and marketing and promotion) and 12 subcategories. The reliability of the categorization was assessed using the Kappa index. The findings indicate that sustainable coastal tourism development requires a comprehensive and integrated approach that considers environmental, economic, social, political-legal, and marketing dimensions. By synthesizing previous studies, this research provides a coherent framework of strategies for sustainable coastal tourism development. The findings can serve as a foundation for future research and as an initial guide for decision-makers and policymakers in this field. Finally, practical and research recommendations are offered based on the study’s results.
Keywords
Coastal tourism
Sustainable development
Development strategies
Meta-synthesis
Abedini, A., Saket Hasanlouei, M., & Azhari, A. (2020). Development of Natural Tourism (Coastal) with the Approach of Enhancing the Sustainability of the Natural Landscape, Case Study: Hasanlu Dam Scope of Naqadeh. Journal of Tourism Planning and Development, 9(32), 107-122. https://doi.org/10.22080/jtpd.2020.17967.3207 [In Persian].
Agyeiwaah, E., McKercher, B., & Suntikul, W. (2017). Identifying core indicators of sustainable tourism: A path forward? Tourism Management Perspectives, 24, 26-33 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tmp.2017.07.005.
Ali, M., Ekawati, S. A., Taskirawati, I., Nur, A., Sagita, D., Irfan, M., ... & Hasnah, D. H. (2024). Sustainable Coastal Tourism: A Comprehensive Development Strategies (Tanjung Bira and Lemo-lemo Tourism Area as a Case Study). International Journal of Sustainable Development & Planning, 19(7), 2489-2499. https://doi.org/10.18280/ijsdp.190706.
Anctil, A., & Blanc, D. L. (2015). An educational simulation tool for integrated coastal tourism development in developing countries. Journal of Sustainable Tourism, 24(5), 783–798. https://doi.org/10.1080/09669582.2015.1091463.
Andersen, I. M. V., Blichfeldt, B. S., & Liburd, J. J. (2016). Sustainability in coastal tourism development: an example from Denmark. Current Issues in Tourism, 21(12), 1329–1336. https://doi.org/10.1080/13683500.2016.1272557
 Bemanian, M. R., Kolvi, A., & Ashkooh, H. (2013). Reviews of management developing approaches in coastal areas. Urban Management, 10(30), 19-37. https://sid.ir/paper/91935/en [In Persian].
Blancas, F. J., González, M., Lozano-Oyola, M., & Perez, F. (2010). The assessment of sustainable tourism: Application to Spanish coastal destinations. Ecological Indicators, 10(2), 484-492.  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolind.2009.08.001
Brandão, F., Breda, Z., & Costa, C. (2019). Innovation and internationalization as development strategies for coastal tourism destinations: The role of organizational networks. Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Management, 41, 219-230. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhtm.2019.10.004  
Caravache-Franco, W., Caravache-Franco, M., Caravache-Franco, O., & Hernández-Lara, A. (2020). Motivation and segmentation of the demand for coastal and marine destinations. Tourism Management Perspectives, 34, 100661. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tmp.2020.100661  
Cetin, M. (2016). Sustainability of urban coastal area management: A case study on Cide. Journal of Sustainable Forestry, 35(7), 527-541.  https://doi.org/10.1080/10549811.2016.1228072 
Dehghani Gishi, F., Noormohammadi, S., Babayi Elyasi, M., & Barakbaf, N. S. (2023). Evaluation and Analysis of Factors Affecting the Development of Coastal Tourism (Study Case: Manjil Coastal City). Journal of Urban Sustainable Development, 4(10), 53-69. https://doi.org/10.22034/usd.2023.705537 [In Persian].
 
Fang, W., & Dakui, Z. (2014). The study on strategy of sustainable development in coastal tourism resources from the global change perspective. Journal of Resources and Ecology, 5(1), 32-41. https://doi.org/10.5814/j.issn.1674-764x.2014.01.004
Folgado-Fernández, J. A., Di-Clemente, E., Hernández-Mogollón, J. M., & Campón-Cerro, A. M. (2019). Water Tourism: A New Strategy for the Sustainable Management of Water-Based Ecosystems and Landscapes in Extremadura (Spain). Land, 8(1), 2. https://doi.org/10.3390/land8010002
Ghaderi, E., Bagheri, F., Farzin, M., & Kazemian, G. (2019). Coastal tourism management: analysis the integrated approach. Journal of Tourism and Development, 7(4), 175-204.  https://doi.org/10.22034/jtd.2018.144703.1486 [In Persian].
Ghasemizad, A., & Dehghanfar, S. (2017). Recognition and Prioritization of Obstacles and Problems Affecting Tourism Industry Development in Busher. Journal of Tourism and Development, 6(1), 178-194. https://doi.org/10.22034/jtd.2020.110401. [In Persian].
Gössling, S., Scott, D., & Hall, C. M. (2018). Global trends in length of stay: implications for destination management and climate change. Journal of Sustainable Tourism, 26(12), 2087–2101. https://doi.org/10.1080/09669582.2018.1529771
Hall, C. M. (2001). Trends in ocean and coastal tourism: the end of the last frontier?. Ocean & coastal management, 44(9-10), 601-618. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0964-5691(01)00071-0
Hailuddin, H., Suryatni, M., Yuliadi, I., Canon, S., Syaparuddin, S., & Endri, E. (2022). Beach area development strategy as the prime tourism area in Indonesia. Journal of Environmental Management & Tourism, 13(2), 414-426. https://doi.org/10.14505/jemt.v13.2(58).11
Hanafiah, M. H. (2022). Framing the future agenda of blue tourism in sustainable coastal tourism destinations. Tourism and hospitality management, 28(2), 465-470. https://doi.org/10.20867/thm.28.2.6
Hanafiah, M. H., Jamaluddin, M. R., & Kunjuraman, V. (2021). Qualitative assessment of stakeholders and visitors perceptions towards coastal tourism development at Teluk kemang, port dickson, Malaysia. Journal of Outdoor Recreation and Tourism, 35, 100389. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jort.2021.100389
Hengky, S. H., & Kikvidze, Z. (2021). Sustainable Coastal Tourism in Tanjung Kelayang, Indonesia. Tourism Planning & Development, 18(3), 365-370. https://doi.org/10.1080/21568316.2020.1763444
Mahmoudi, S., & Moradi, A. (2024). Coastal and marine Tourism Development Planning Using SWOT and QSPM Model (Case Study: Lengeh Port). Geographical Engineering of Territory, 8(2), 49-72. https://doi.org/10.22034/jget.2024.172393 [In Persian].
Maleki, S., Rahmani, A., & Hatami, D. (2015). Developing a strategic plan for coastal tourism development in the Persian Gulf: A case study of Hormozgan coastal areas. Journal of Geography and Urban Planning Zagros, 7(23), 1-18. https://sanad.iau.ir/en/Journal/zagros/Article/937731 [In Persian].
Moshbeki, A., Majahd, V., & Moshbeki, M. (2019). An investigation into coastal tourism development strategies in Kish Island. Journal of Tourism Research and Sustainable Development, 2(2), 25-34. https://www.magiran.com/p2020463 [In Perian].
Nugroho, M. S. Mas' Ud, R., Khalik, W., Fahdiansyah, R., Azizoma, R., Romdhini, M. U., & Aminy, M. M. (2022). Coastal Tourism: Development Strategy of Loang Baloq Beach in Lombok Island, Indonesia. Journal of Environmental Management and Tourism, 13(4), 949-965. https://doi.org/10.14505/jemt.v13.4(60).04  
Nara, P., Mao, G., & Yen, T. (2014). Applying environmental management policy for sustainable development of coastal tourism in Thailand. International Journal of Environmental Protection and Policy, 2(1), 19. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijepp.20140201.13
Papageorgiou, A. (2019). Developing a Sufficient and Effective Coastal Tourism Model. Journal of Tourism Leisure and Hospitality, 1(1), 29-34. https://dergipark.org.tr/en/pub/toleho/issue/49085/622742  
Pessoa, R. M. C., Jiménez, J. A., Da Costa, R. M., & Pereira, L.C. C. (2019). Federal conservation units in the Brazilian amazon coastal zone: An adequate approach to control recreational activities? Ocean & Coastal Management, 178, 104856. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ocecoaman.2019.104856  
Polnyotee, M., & Thadaniti, S. (2015). Community-based tourism: A strategy for sustainable tourism development of Patong Beach, Phuket Island, Thailand. Asian Social Science, 11(27), 90. https://doi.org/10.5539/ass.v11n27p90
Parchekani, P., Hashemi, S. S., Roknedin eftekhari, A., & Imani Khoshkhoo, M. H. (2018). Assessment Sustainable Brand Indicators for Coastal Tourism Destinations (Case Study: Chabahar coastal area). Journal of Tourism and Development, 6(4), 19-47. Retrieved from https://www.itsairanj.ir/article_60782.html?lang=en [In Persian].
Ramezan Nejad, Y., & Roknedin Eftekhari, A. (2019). Strategies of rural costal tourism development of Guilan province. Studies of Human Settlements Planning, 1(14), 19–34. https://sanad.iau.ir/journal/jshsp/Article/665120?jid=665120 [In Persian].
Razjouyan, M., Motevali, S., Janbaz Ghobadi, G. (2023). Integrated management of Sorkhroud coastal area in line with tourism development. Journal of Applied Researches in Geographical Sciences. 23(69), 69- https://doi.org/10.61186/jgs.23.69.69. [In Persian].
Rindone, C. (2019). Coastal And Nautical Tourism In Italian Regions. WIT Transactions on the Built Environment, 188, 129-139. https://doi.org/10.2495/CC190121
Rybchenko, A. A., Kadetova, A. V., Williams, A. T., & Kozyreva, E. A. (2022). The scenic value of lake Baikal beaches, Russia and tourism development. Ocean & Coastal Management, 228, 106319. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ocecoaman.2022.106319  
Saarinen, J. (2014). Understanding and governing sustainable tourism mobility: psychological and behavioural approaches. Anatolia, 26(1), 119–121. https://doi.org/10.1080/13032917.2014.967604
Sandelowski, M., Barroso, J., & Voils, C. I. (2007). Using qualitative meta summary to synthesize qualitative and quantitative descriptive findings. Research in nursing & health, 30(1), 99–111. https://doi.org/10.1002/nur.20176.
Senthilkumar, R. (2021). Sustainable coastal tourism—An overview. Sustainability Agri Food and Environmental Research, 10(1). https://doi.org/10.7770/safer-V10N1-art2497.
Shahpoori, A., Amirnezhad, H., & Ghorbani, M. (2020). Coastal and marine tourism scheme in the coast of Ramsar (based on choice of tourists). Journal of social studied in tourism, 7(14), 25-46. https://sid.ir/paper/361070/en [In Persian].
Sohn, J. I., Alakshendra, A., Kim, H. J., Kim, K. H., & Kim, H. D. (2021). Understanding the New Characteristics and Development Strategies of Coastal Tourism for Post-COVID-19: A Case Study in Korea. Sustainability, 13(13), 7408. https://doi.org/10.3390/su13137408  
Sohrabi, B., Khalili Jafaraabd, A., & Roodi, A. (2017). Discover the Properties of Emerging Research Areas Using Meta-Synthesis Method. Journal of Science & Technology Policy, 10(4), 15-30. https://jstp.nrisp.ac.ir/article_12992.html?lang=en [In Persian].
Streimikiene, D., Svagzdiene, B., Jasinskas, E., & Simanavicius, A. (2021). Sustainable tourism development and competitiveness: The systematic literature review. Sustainable development, 29(1), 259-271. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ocecoaman.2022.106319
Su, Y. (2010). A Review of “Coastal tourism development”. Journal of Sustainable Tourism, 18, 1034 - 1036. https://doi.org/10.1080/09669581003722461
 
Suratini, N., Arnawa, I., & Wiswasta, A. (2019). Beach development strategy as tourism destination in Tabanan Bali. International Journal of Contemporary Research and Review, 10(1), 21219–21228. https://doi.org/10.15520/ijcrr.v10i01.646
Tahiri, A., Kovaçi, I., & Trajkovska Petkoska, A. (2022). Sustainable tourism as a potential for promotion of regional heritage, local food, traditions, and diversity—case of Kosovo. Sustainability, 14(19), 12326. https://doi.org/10.3390/su141912326
Tasnim News Agency. (2023). Marine economy: The key to Iran's economic growth with 5,800 km of coastline. Tasnim. https://www.tasnimnews.com/fa/news/1402/10/15/3017526 [In Persian].
Van Tuyen, T., Uy, T. C., Le Phi Khanh, H., Phuong, L. T. H., Ha, H. D., Nga, L. T. T., & Dung, T. Q. (2023). Community-based tourism as social entrepreneurship promoting sustainable development in coastal communities: a study in Thua Thien Hue province, Central Vietnam. Maritime Studies, 22(1), 8. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40152-023-00293-6 
World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC). (2024). Climate and Ocean: Quantifying coastal and marine tourism and protecting destinations. In researchhub.wttc.org. https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6329bc97af73223b575983ac/673dc903d33dc7d5b14fde93_OceansKey%20Summary191124.pdf
Zhao, X. (2020). Leapfrogging development strategy of coastal tourism in underdeveloped cities. Journal of Coastal Research, 115(SI), 72-74. https://doi.org/10.2112/JCR-SI115-021.1