Assessment of the relationship between geomorphological evolution, carrying capacity and users' perception: Case studies in Emilia-Romagna (Italy). (April 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Rodella, Ilaria; Corbau, Corinne; Simeoni, Umberto; Utizi, Kizzi
• Is Part Of: Tourism management. Volume 59(2017)
• Page Start: 7
• Page End: 22
• Publication Date: 2017-04
• Subjects: Shoreline evolution -- Users' perception -- Carrying capacity -- Overcrowding -- Beach management -- Emilia-Romagna; LC Lidi di Comacchio -- LV Lido di Volano -- LN Lido di Nazioni -- LP Lido di Pomposa -- LS Lido degli Scacchi -- PG Porto Garibaldi -- MM Milano Marittima -- UPA Users' perception analysis -- PCC Physical carrying capacity -- RCC Real carrying capacity -- ErFc Erosion Factor -- PreFc Precipitation Factor -- AccFc Accessibility Factor -- OMC Optimal Management Capacity -- HhFc Holiday home Factor -- ProxFc Proximity Factor -- ECC Effective Carrying Capacity -- Final ECC Final Effective Carrying Capacity; Tourism -- Periodicals; 338.4791
• DOI: 10.1016/j.tourman.2016.07.009
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0261-5177

Abstract

Abstract: Several published studies on beach management have defined sustainable strategies for the maintenance of their recreational capacity. However, coastal geomorphology and evolution have rarely been taken into consideration. To complete these studies, we analyzed the geomorphological characteristics, the users' perception and beach carrying capacity of two coastal stretches. Geomorphological characteristics were obtained from aerial photos and field survey data; beach perception was assessed through questionnaires and interviews while the beach carrying capacity was calculated using two distinct methods. Our results suggest that the physical carrying capacity can be defined using geomorphological analyses, while the effective carrying capacity can be evaluated using the users' perception analysis. Highlights: Shoreline analysis shows erosional trend in the littoral. Users' perceive overcrowding mostly during the week-end. Physical carrying capacity is exceeded in both study areas. Low management level reduces the effective carrying capacity.