Abstract

Aquatic tourism is a major contributor to the economic growth of the coastal areas, with its challenges and opportunities. This paper will determine the long-term economic effects of aquatic tourism on local populations and coastal ecosystems. This research is rooted in the concept of sustainable tourism, which is grounded in the fragile relationship between economic development and environmental protection. The main aim is to describe the impacts of aquatic tourism on local economies, marine biodiversity, and the socio-cultural fabric of coastal communities, both positive and negative. These involve using a mix of field surveys, economic modelling, and ecological evaluation, along with stakeholder interviews, to obtain both quantitative and qualitative data. Findings indicate that whereas aquatic tourism makes a significant economic contribution through employment, infrastructure development, and tourism-based revenue generation, it has long-term, disastrous impacts on coastal ecosystems, including habitat destruction and pollution. Moreover, the paper shows the difficulties the local community faces in balancing tourism growth with the need to maintain economic interests and preserve the environment. Sustainable tourism practices are achieved through recommendations that include key components of the community and appropriate policy frameworks to reduce adverse environmental and social impacts.

Keywords: Aquatic tourism, Coastal ecosystems, Economic impacts, Sustainable tourism, Marine biodiversity, Local communities