- Email: [email protected]
Coast cities, tourism and environment
0
the development of a two-hour presentation module that could be used at industry conferences to explain the uses of research; 0 the development of papers listing sources of information and how to use these sources; 0 the ’ establishment of a ‘help wanted’ column in the chapter
newsletter formation
for people seeking sources on tourism.
The proceedings be published.
of the conference
in-
will
Gordon D. Taylor 715 Mooney’s Say Place Ottawa, ON, KI V 8W4, Canada
Coastcities,tourism and A conference on protecting coastal cities from environmental damage was organized by the Union of Local Authon’ties in Israel, together with The International Union of Local Authorities and the City of Eilat in April 1992. It was sponsored by the Israel Ministries of Education, Environment, Interior and Tou~sm, the Eilat fiotels Association and Life and Envjronmenf (Israel) in cooperation with the CCRE (Conseit des Communes et Regions d’Europe). Dr Raymond Bar-On, formerly with the israei ~injst~ of Tourism, reports.
The increased awareness of the need to preserve and improve the natural and social en~~ironment has given rise to many studies and international conferences. Coast cities are especially vulnerable, since many have to cope with industrial and other pollution from inland as well as their own, while their tourism depends on the attractiveness of their beaches (which may be restricted in length and area), water quality, etc. Their urban and tourism development may have detracted from their attractiveness. Tourism movement to, in and from them may be highly seasonal, causing congestion and accidents, and entailing the building of accommodation and other services for peak demand. Many once popular resorts have lost much of their past tourism. The urban coastal population is over 800 million, and is forecasted to reach one billion around the year 2000, about 16% of the world’s population: over 6 million tons of litter reach the sea each year (Time Magazine 1 June 1992 - based on UNEP and World Resources). The Mediterranean has attracted tourists for thousands of years, especially in the last 30 years with the development of inclusive tours, but is polluted at many resorts. Israel is
148
generally thought of in terms of Jerusalem, Nazareth and Bethlehem, which are inland cities, but 24% of its population live in the 10 Mediterranean cities with tourist hotels, and a further 26% on the shores of its other three seas (Sea of Galilee, Red Sea and Dead Sea) or near the Mediterranean, giving a coastal population of 2.5 million (50% of the total 5.1 million at the end of 1991) on or near the four seas. Over 500 delegates from 20 countries and 43 coast cities (or Regional Councils), and from government and other organizations participated in the seminar. The following is a summary of the papers presented.
Plenary sessions Dr Clemans Stroetman (Deputy Minister of Environment, Germany) noted that there are major problems of the world environment, but that we should first solve our local problems, protecting the environment while developing tourism. In Germany both the environment and recreation are protected by laws and regulations. Armand Lams (President, School Sports Organization, Belgium) said that tourism planning should involve
architects, engineers, leisure-sports specialists, guides and others as well as decision makers and investors - in a Steering Committee. They need market research and analysis of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT). Market strategies should be planned, with event marketing and management. The world is changing rapidly, with new markets and developing needs of consumers, Vision is needed and also willingness to take risks, with new sea-related tourist products and expansion of off-season tourism. Dr Shmuel Brenner (Deputy Director General, Israel Ministry of the Environment: The Research Environmental Institute, University of Tel Aviv) discussed environmental policy in Israel. His Ministry was established in 1988, to improve the environment. One of its priorities was to ratify international conventions. Benny Vaknin (Mayor of Ashkelon, Israel), spoke about sea-shore resources, which include: Natural-climate, beaches, sea and tides, landscapes, flora (all favourable in Ashkelon); Man-made - parks (National Park and antiquities in Ashkelonj, marina (Ashkelon, for 600 boats), breakwaters and groins, recreation and sports areas (intern~ltional golf course and tennis centre, water park and surfing beach in Ashkelon). These and other aspects of the quality of life for its residents must be protected, maintaining reserve areas for future use. Tourism provides many jobs and stimulates investment, providing entertainment for residents, but is too seasonal. Industry and the power station pollute. Prof. Hillel Ruskin (Chairman, Cosell Center for Physical Education, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem) put forward some trends: 0
0
0
a shift from single-purpose attractions to recreation complexes, with indoor and outdoor attractions; mixed public and private ownership and management, public land; year-round resorts, using artificial environments.
TOURISM
MANAGEMENT
April 1993
Reporls
Planning and environment Otto Zeitler (Deputy Minister of the Environment, Bavaria, Germany) discussed the environment in Bavaria, Bavaria has twice as many tourists as any other German Land. Beauty is its main attraction, with one large freshwater lake. The Alpine regions are very popular: the Alpine Plan 1972 divides these into zones:
0 42% - no further development; only after 0 23% - development thorough consideration of environmental aspects; which is 0 35% - only development not considered harmful. Total ski-lifts are unchanged since 1972. Decentralization of tourism is essential, eg to the upper lakes area. Dr Yaacov Nir (Israel Geological Survey, Jerusalem) pointed out that the Mediterranean shoreline is 240 km long with narrow beaches, exposed to westerly and southwesterly waves but without natural bays (other than Haifa). Some 30 offshore structures have been built - breakwaters, groins, sea-walls and marinas - these have improved recreation, but caused many problems. Valerie Brachya (Israel Ministry of the Environment, Jerusalem) said that Israel participated in the Mediterranean Action Plan under the auspices of the UN Environment Program PAP (Priority Actions Programme). The resulting ‘Common Methodological Framework for Integrated Planning and Management in Mediterranean Coastal Areas’ is being implemented in several countries. Eli Lipski (Architect, Architects Mondial - London) presented details of the Tel Aviv Villamer Marine and Resort Center, with Fingers Development providing ‘Blue Lungs’ and a 50% ratio between water area and reclaimed land, and of the Eilat Villaguna Resort Center. Saadia Maandl (Architect, Old Yafo) spoke of man’s connection with the sea, which can be at a beach or wharf, or looking at it from above. Israel’s coastline lacks gulfs and fiords and has few cliffs. Avi Hinkis (City Engineer, Netanya) explained that Netanya’s
TOURISM
MANAGEMENT
population of 150 000 is planned to increase to 250-300 000. It has 12 km of beaches, with limestone cliffs about 50 m high, a city which ‘descends to the sea’. Development will be by stages, keeping landscape values while easing access to the sea. Eli Foerst (Architect, The Urban Institute 1975, Tel Aviv-Yafo) gave details of the Sea Border Plan for North Nahariyyah. The proposals include piers to be developed by hotels, development of the outlet of the Gaaton river to the sea with a marina for 500 boats, of the promenade and suitable housing near the sea - up to the National Park. All the beaches will be open to the public. Aharon Zohar (Architect, Thomas M. Leitersdorf Architects and Town Planners, Karmei Yosef) talked about environment-oriented development on Eilat’s south coast, which is 9 km long, with rich coral reefs and scenic hills. Recommendations were made on the Coral Nature Reserve and two artificial reefs, enabling further development of scuba-diving and tourism while controlling flash-floods, with continued research and tracking of environmental effects. Optimal development will require increased cooperation with Israel’s Red Sea neighbours. A.J. Clinton (City Engineer, Capetown) outlined the water quality management proposals for False Bay, South Africa’s largest bay, which has pollution from the massive urbanization. The FBWQC - Water Quality Committee was formed by concerned officials, and proposed that a holistic management plan be prepared and implemented - including environment, catchment, health, land use, urban and regional development, scientific conservation, community values and end users’ issues.
Tourism - economic and social aspects Jacek Kranowski (Deputy Mayor, Sopot, Poland) spoke about Sopot, on the southern coast of the Baltic Sea between Gdansk and Gdynia. It has 50 000 residents and has been famous as the ‘Pearl of the Baltic’ spa and a tourist centre since the 16th century,
April 1993
with a forest amphitheatre (for 4000) holding international song festivals. Following the ‘Solidarity Revolution’ changes are needed in relation to planning and conservation, dividing property and taxes between central government and the local authorities and privatization. Pollution of the sea is a problem. Dr Raphael Raymond Bar-On (Praedicta, Jerusalem) noted that tourism is Israel’s leading export industry, and domestic tourism is very important. There were 11 093 rooms in tourist hotels in 10 Mediterranean cities in 1987 (led by Tel Aviv-Yafo 5531 and Netanya 2018) and .in other resorts on the Mediterranean, 4369 in Eilat (Red Sea), 3247 in Tiberias and around the Sea of Galilee and 162.5 at the Dead Sea - totalling 20 549 on Israel’s Four Seas, 64% of the total in Israel: Jerusalem and the Judean Hills had 8601 rooms. Many hotels have been converted into immigrant centres since then. Tourists from abroad spent 5.2 million nights in these Four Seas hotels in 1987 (2.8 million in 1991, following the Gulf war) and Israelis 4.4 million nights in 1991. There are many environmental problems, though seasonality of inbound tourism and of total hotel nights is comparatively low. The Dead Sea is a unique tourism destination. Yuval Shahav (Tamar Regional Council, Israel) explained that it lies 400 m below sea level, with unique chemical and climatic conditions. The sea has a high concentration of salts and the air screens the sun’s UVB rays, enabling people suffering from rheumatic and skin problems (especially psoriasis) and other ailments to find relief in a modern spa, with Massada and the Negev nearby. Dr Ariel Diamant (Chairman, Society for Conservation of the Red Sea Environment, Eilat) said that Eilat’s coral reefs attract thousands of divers each year. Their strain on this sensitive environment is alleviated by an artificial reef 50 m long built of 15 old metal structures, weighing 30 tons, at about 20 m depth. It is attractive to marine organisms by ‘thigmotropism’. The Eilat Underwater Sculpture Garden is being built: four tree sculptures have already been positioned.
149
Reports Dr Yehuda Binyahu (Department of Zoology, University of Tel Aviv) spoke about recruitment of benthic organisms on artificial habitats at Eilat. Marine organisms can grow on and around metal structures. Constructions of the Red SeaMediterranean pipeline show rapid growth of coral and other organisms. Uzi Avner (Israel Antiquities Authority, Eilat) discussed the tourism potential of ancient sites near Eilat. A neolithic cemetery has been excavated in Eilat and dwellings found 4 m under its sea. Nearby there is a gold-mining and production site and a farm (7th10th century) and there are 1600 sites in the Southern Negev with high tourism potential, eg the Timna copper mine (from the 4th millenium BC), relieving Eilat’s coastal resources. Gavriel Kertesz and Rami Raviv (G. Kertesz - S. Groag Architects and Town Planners, Jerusalem) discussed the lagoons of Eilat’s North Beach. The North Beach has an 1800 m water-front and about 4000 hotel rooms. The present lagoon was excavated in 1964 and serves as Eilat’s marina (400 berths). Another lagoon is planned covering 65 000 m* and providing 1100 m of additional waterfront for recreation and swimming, enabling 5000 more hotel rooms with excellent sea and sun orientation. Water exchange will be based on the natural tides system. The estimated cost is US$ 5-6 million. David Yekutiel (Biologist, International Birdwatching Centre, Eilat) explained that hundreds of millions of Paleartic birds of about 400 species fly via Eilat to and from their wintering grounds in Africa, but Eilat’s rapid development has created many hazards to birds. The IBC (an association of five agencies) has proposed the creation of a 52 ha sanctuary to conserve migratory birds, rehabilitating refuse landfills by cultivation - using surplus sewage water. Landscaping, irrigation and planting are in progress: this reserve will provide an attractive site for thousands more birdwatchers. Dr Yoel Mansfeld (Department of Geography, University of Haifa) elaborated on the fact that rapid tourism development has socio-cultural environmental effects. Residents of
150
Eilat were surveyed on their perceptions of social impacts (using a valuestretch methodology). Results show group differentiation: those less affiliated with tourism occupations and/or less affluent are more affected in their living conditions. Such peripheral destinations should plan a sensitive and broad-spectrum process of tourism development, to reduce the trade-off of social costs. (A detailed paper was due to be published in The Professional Geographer, Vol43, No 3, November 1992.) Daniel Morgenstern (Economic and Environmental Consultant, Mevaseret Zion, Israel) told the conference that there are 140 000 disabled in Israel, of whom about 14 000 are paralysed (completely or partly). Eilat’s warm sea with a high mineral concentration, no waves and sharply dropping seabed offers an ideal site for physical and mental recreation, though special facilities are needed. Research on a sample of 130 paralysed showed a potential which will enable an economically feasible project. Disabled tourists from abroad may also be attracted.
Sport Ilan Gonen (General Manager, Israel Sport for All Association, Tel Aviv) said that most of Israel’s population lives within easy travelling distance of the Mediterranean, the Sea of Galilee or the Red Sea. The climate enables a variety of seaside sports almost yearround: organized (including games festivals) or ‘do-it-yourself’. ‘Matkot’ is an Israeli innovation, played with wooden rackets and a rubber ball, without a net. Rami Gershon (School for Trainers, Wingate Institute for Physical Education and Sport, Israel) spoke about sports activity along the coast and in the sea being healthy and enjoyable. The conditions needed for recreation are simple to provide, at comparatively low cost. Ami Bialik and Arie Bornstein (Sports Department, Haifa Municipality) talked of the ‘Fun Beach’ sports compound in Haifa. Haifa’s population is 250 000, with 17 km of beaches, of which 4 km are official bathing
beaches (with life-guards). The municipal beaches serve about 150 000 on summer Saturdays and about 10 000 on weekdays, without payment. The municipality has developed a variety of marine sports, exercises and competitions, including the World 470 Sailing and Sail-surfing Championships. Sample surveys indicate that about 3000 participate on Saturdays and 1000 on weekdays, totalling about 70 000 participants during the 15-week sports season. The annual budget is about US$ 55 000. Moshe Saar (Director, NASA Nautical and Sport Association, Eilat) gave details of the Nautical and Sports Center in Eilat. NASA operates a variety of windsurf-boards, kayaks and boats for adults and children (from age 7). Recreation visitors and professional trainees enjoy year-round optimum sailing winds. The programme also included a tour of tourism facilities in Eilat and a demonstration of recreation activities and sport on the sea-shore with action by the participants, including a biathlon. In the concluding session the three Working Committees presented their findings: 0
Planning and Environment - coastal cities, tourism and the environment should support each other, rather than be in conflict. Integrative planning is needed, with preservation of natural resources, historic sites and scenic values. Regional and international cooperation is required to exchange information, research and surveys. Joint professional teams should clarify problems. 0 Tourism - Economic and Social Aspects - the main points of the ‘Tourism Stream’ Challenges, at Globe ‘92 (Vancouver, March 1992) should be adopted. 0 Sport - planning is needed for the water areas and shores to provide varied equipment (including sailing boats) with high-level services and easy access - for physical and mental recreation and competitions. Professional management and staff must be trained to train and animate the population.
TOURISM
MANAGEMENT
April 1993
The participants resolved to establish an International Forum on Coast Cities (IFOCC), to meet annually. The next seminar was to be held in Pula, Sardinia, 27-30 April 1993. A full report, IFOCC Publication No. 1, with detailed conclusions and a list of lecturers and participants, is available from the Secretariat of the Forum
($20, including airmail postage) at the Union of Local Authorities, PO Box 20040, Tel Aviv-Yafo 61200, Israel; fax: (927-3) 696-7447. Raymond Ear-On PO Box 31554 Jerusalem 91314 Israel
Tourismand the environment:a search for hope in Greece The i~temational conference ‘Tourism and the ~ffvironment ’ was held on 23 and 24 October 1992, in the town of Motyvos, in Lesvos Island, Greece. The conference was organized by the Deparfment of Environment, of the University of the Aegean, joint/y with the peripheral authorities of the Northern Aegean Islands Region and the Greek National Tourism Organization. Dimitrios Buhalis and John Westlake of the Department of Management Studies at the Unive~i~ of Surrey summa~ze the main papers.
The main purpose of the conference was to bring into focus the interdependence between environment and tourism, particularly in the context of policy planning and management at local, regional and national levels, and in respect of tourist information. The conference intended to establish a basis of communication and dissemination of knowledge and experience among academic researchers and business professionals, organizations and institutions involved in tourism development. Finally, the conference attempted to initiate a serious discussion on the pattern of tourism development in Greece, especially with regard to environmental impacts. The conference attracted almost X0 delegates including 20 international scientists, members of the Greek government and the peripheral authorities and a number of academics, consultants and representatives from tourist organizations, After the opening addresses by government representatives the conference started with Professor Harry Coccosis (University of the Aegean, Greece) giving a keynote address ‘Tourism and the Environment: Perpectives for Planning in the Future’. He covered the major trends of tourism demand and their implications for
TOURISM
MANAGEMENT
the new tourist products and dcstinations. The importance of environmental conservation as well as variance techniques utilized for this purpose were analysed. Theme I of the conference was dedicated to ‘Contemporary Trends in Tourism’. Professor Gregory Ashworth (University of Groningen, The Netherlands) spoke on ‘Sustainable Tourist Development’ and he debated the viability of this concept, while offering a model for sustainable tourism development. Professor Francois Vellas (University of Toulouse, France) then analysed the ‘Evolution of Tourist Flows and the Environment’. He examined trends in tourist flows in the international tourism industry and explained the environmental implications. Professor Theo de Haan (Institute of Tourism and Transport Studies, The Netherlands) illustrated the ‘New Trends in Leisure and Tourism’ and analysed the tourism demand directions along with other implications for tourism development. The next session (Theme II, ‘Environment and Tourism Development’) began with the presentation of the Director General of Airtours and TUI in Greece, Mr Alexandros Mamatis. He examined ‘The Contribution of Hotel Managers and Tour
April 1993
Operators to Environmental Protection’. Dr Gordon Dickinson (Centre for Research in Environmental Science and Technology, University of Glasgow) analysed the ‘Environmental Impacts in the Loch Lomond Area of Scotland’. Professor Michael Karydis (University of The Aegean, Greece) presented the ‘Problem of Eutrophication and its Quantification’ by reviewing the qu~ification of eutrophic trends in coastal waters affected by waste and sewage. The efficiency of nutrient indicators, phytoplankton diversity-dominance indices and probabilistic approaches were examined. Univariance and multivariate methodologies were also assessed as operational tools in discriminating eutrophic levels between sites. Miss Amalia Moriki (University of The Aegean, Greece) presented ~Multicriteria Choice Methods for Ecological Impact Assessment in a Coastal Tourist Resort’. She has used multicriteria choice methods for assessing eutrophication levels in the marine environment of a tourist resort. The potentiality and limitation of multicriteria methods, when applied to the ecological subsystem, were discussed as well as the compatibility of this methodology with integrated methods of decision making in coastal areas. Mr Spyros Anagnostou presented a paper ‘Island Marine Environment and Tourism: Experiences from Hyeres Islands in Provence, France’. The paper described the Hyeres Islands and their natural resources while providing an insight into their tourism development. Furthermore, it explored pollution of the ecosystem by sea tourism and suggested methods for its reduction. Mr Dimitrios Buhalis and Dr John Fletcher (Univesity of Surrey, UK) presented ‘Environmental Impacts on Tourist Destinations: An Economic Analysis’. The authors suggested that the environmental impacts on destinations were underlined by the strong economic interests of five users of the environment: local people, tourists, tourism entrepreneurs, tour operators and national tourist organizations. An analysis of their symbiotic and conflicting environmental interests was
151
the development of a two-hour presentation module that could be used at industry conferences to explain the uses of research; 0 the development of papers listing sources of information and how to use these sources; 0 the ’ establishment of a ‘help wanted’ column in the chapter
newsletter formation
for people seeking sources on tourism.
The proceedings be published.
of the conference
in-
will
Gordon D. Taylor 715 Mooney’s Say Place Ottawa, ON, KI V 8W4, Canada
Coastcities,tourism and A conference on protecting coastal cities from environmental damage was organized by the Union of Local Authon’ties in Israel, together with The International Union of Local Authorities and the City of Eilat in April 1992. It was sponsored by the Israel Ministries of Education, Environment, Interior and Tou~sm, the Eilat fiotels Association and Life and Envjronmenf (Israel) in cooperation with the CCRE (Conseit des Communes et Regions d’Europe). Dr Raymond Bar-On, formerly with the israei ~injst~ of Tourism, reports.
The increased awareness of the need to preserve and improve the natural and social en~~ironment has given rise to many studies and international conferences. Coast cities are especially vulnerable, since many have to cope with industrial and other pollution from inland as well as their own, while their tourism depends on the attractiveness of their beaches (which may be restricted in length and area), water quality, etc. Their urban and tourism development may have detracted from their attractiveness. Tourism movement to, in and from them may be highly seasonal, causing congestion and accidents, and entailing the building of accommodation and other services for peak demand. Many once popular resorts have lost much of their past tourism. The urban coastal population is over 800 million, and is forecasted to reach one billion around the year 2000, about 16% of the world’s population: over 6 million tons of litter reach the sea each year (Time Magazine 1 June 1992 - based on UNEP and World Resources). The Mediterranean has attracted tourists for thousands of years, especially in the last 30 years with the development of inclusive tours, but is polluted at many resorts. Israel is
148
generally thought of in terms of Jerusalem, Nazareth and Bethlehem, which are inland cities, but 24% of its population live in the 10 Mediterranean cities with tourist hotels, and a further 26% on the shores of its other three seas (Sea of Galilee, Red Sea and Dead Sea) or near the Mediterranean, giving a coastal population of 2.5 million (50% of the total 5.1 million at the end of 1991) on or near the four seas. Over 500 delegates from 20 countries and 43 coast cities (or Regional Councils), and from government and other organizations participated in the seminar. The following is a summary of the papers presented.
Plenary sessions Dr Clemans Stroetman (Deputy Minister of Environment, Germany) noted that there are major problems of the world environment, but that we should first solve our local problems, protecting the environment while developing tourism. In Germany both the environment and recreation are protected by laws and regulations. Armand Lams (President, School Sports Organization, Belgium) said that tourism planning should involve
architects, engineers, leisure-sports specialists, guides and others as well as decision makers and investors - in a Steering Committee. They need market research and analysis of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT). Market strategies should be planned, with event marketing and management. The world is changing rapidly, with new markets and developing needs of consumers, Vision is needed and also willingness to take risks, with new sea-related tourist products and expansion of off-season tourism. Dr Shmuel Brenner (Deputy Director General, Israel Ministry of the Environment: The Research Environmental Institute, University of Tel Aviv) discussed environmental policy in Israel. His Ministry was established in 1988, to improve the environment. One of its priorities was to ratify international conventions. Benny Vaknin (Mayor of Ashkelon, Israel), spoke about sea-shore resources, which include: Natural-climate, beaches, sea and tides, landscapes, flora (all favourable in Ashkelon); Man-made - parks (National Park and antiquities in Ashkelonj, marina (Ashkelon, for 600 boats), breakwaters and groins, recreation and sports areas (intern~ltional golf course and tennis centre, water park and surfing beach in Ashkelon). These and other aspects of the quality of life for its residents must be protected, maintaining reserve areas for future use. Tourism provides many jobs and stimulates investment, providing entertainment for residents, but is too seasonal. Industry and the power station pollute. Prof. Hillel Ruskin (Chairman, Cosell Center for Physical Education, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem) put forward some trends: 0
0
0
a shift from single-purpose attractions to recreation complexes, with indoor and outdoor attractions; mixed public and private ownership and management, public land; year-round resorts, using artificial environments.
TOURISM
MANAGEMENT
April 1993
Reporls
Planning and environment Otto Zeitler (Deputy Minister of the Environment, Bavaria, Germany) discussed the environment in Bavaria, Bavaria has twice as many tourists as any other German Land. Beauty is its main attraction, with one large freshwater lake. The Alpine regions are very popular: the Alpine Plan 1972 divides these into zones:
0 42% - no further development; only after 0 23% - development thorough consideration of environmental aspects; which is 0 35% - only development not considered harmful. Total ski-lifts are unchanged since 1972. Decentralization of tourism is essential, eg to the upper lakes area. Dr Yaacov Nir (Israel Geological Survey, Jerusalem) pointed out that the Mediterranean shoreline is 240 km long with narrow beaches, exposed to westerly and southwesterly waves but without natural bays (other than Haifa). Some 30 offshore structures have been built - breakwaters, groins, sea-walls and marinas - these have improved recreation, but caused many problems. Valerie Brachya (Israel Ministry of the Environment, Jerusalem) said that Israel participated in the Mediterranean Action Plan under the auspices of the UN Environment Program PAP (Priority Actions Programme). The resulting ‘Common Methodological Framework for Integrated Planning and Management in Mediterranean Coastal Areas’ is being implemented in several countries. Eli Lipski (Architect, Architects Mondial - London) presented details of the Tel Aviv Villamer Marine and Resort Center, with Fingers Development providing ‘Blue Lungs’ and a 50% ratio between water area and reclaimed land, and of the Eilat Villaguna Resort Center. Saadia Maandl (Architect, Old Yafo) spoke of man’s connection with the sea, which can be at a beach or wharf, or looking at it from above. Israel’s coastline lacks gulfs and fiords and has few cliffs. Avi Hinkis (City Engineer, Netanya) explained that Netanya’s
TOURISM
MANAGEMENT
population of 150 000 is planned to increase to 250-300 000. It has 12 km of beaches, with limestone cliffs about 50 m high, a city which ‘descends to the sea’. Development will be by stages, keeping landscape values while easing access to the sea. Eli Foerst (Architect, The Urban Institute 1975, Tel Aviv-Yafo) gave details of the Sea Border Plan for North Nahariyyah. The proposals include piers to be developed by hotels, development of the outlet of the Gaaton river to the sea with a marina for 500 boats, of the promenade and suitable housing near the sea - up to the National Park. All the beaches will be open to the public. Aharon Zohar (Architect, Thomas M. Leitersdorf Architects and Town Planners, Karmei Yosef) talked about environment-oriented development on Eilat’s south coast, which is 9 km long, with rich coral reefs and scenic hills. Recommendations were made on the Coral Nature Reserve and two artificial reefs, enabling further development of scuba-diving and tourism while controlling flash-floods, with continued research and tracking of environmental effects. Optimal development will require increased cooperation with Israel’s Red Sea neighbours. A.J. Clinton (City Engineer, Capetown) outlined the water quality management proposals for False Bay, South Africa’s largest bay, which has pollution from the massive urbanization. The FBWQC - Water Quality Committee was formed by concerned officials, and proposed that a holistic management plan be prepared and implemented - including environment, catchment, health, land use, urban and regional development, scientific conservation, community values and end users’ issues.
Tourism - economic and social aspects Jacek Kranowski (Deputy Mayor, Sopot, Poland) spoke about Sopot, on the southern coast of the Baltic Sea between Gdansk and Gdynia. It has 50 000 residents and has been famous as the ‘Pearl of the Baltic’ spa and a tourist centre since the 16th century,
April 1993
with a forest amphitheatre (for 4000) holding international song festivals. Following the ‘Solidarity Revolution’ changes are needed in relation to planning and conservation, dividing property and taxes between central government and the local authorities and privatization. Pollution of the sea is a problem. Dr Raphael Raymond Bar-On (Praedicta, Jerusalem) noted that tourism is Israel’s leading export industry, and domestic tourism is very important. There were 11 093 rooms in tourist hotels in 10 Mediterranean cities in 1987 (led by Tel Aviv-Yafo 5531 and Netanya 2018) and .in other resorts on the Mediterranean, 4369 in Eilat (Red Sea), 3247 in Tiberias and around the Sea of Galilee and 162.5 at the Dead Sea - totalling 20 549 on Israel’s Four Seas, 64% of the total in Israel: Jerusalem and the Judean Hills had 8601 rooms. Many hotels have been converted into immigrant centres since then. Tourists from abroad spent 5.2 million nights in these Four Seas hotels in 1987 (2.8 million in 1991, following the Gulf war) and Israelis 4.4 million nights in 1991. There are many environmental problems, though seasonality of inbound tourism and of total hotel nights is comparatively low. The Dead Sea is a unique tourism destination. Yuval Shahav (Tamar Regional Council, Israel) explained that it lies 400 m below sea level, with unique chemical and climatic conditions. The sea has a high concentration of salts and the air screens the sun’s UVB rays, enabling people suffering from rheumatic and skin problems (especially psoriasis) and other ailments to find relief in a modern spa, with Massada and the Negev nearby. Dr Ariel Diamant (Chairman, Society for Conservation of the Red Sea Environment, Eilat) said that Eilat’s coral reefs attract thousands of divers each year. Their strain on this sensitive environment is alleviated by an artificial reef 50 m long built of 15 old metal structures, weighing 30 tons, at about 20 m depth. It is attractive to marine organisms by ‘thigmotropism’. The Eilat Underwater Sculpture Garden is being built: four tree sculptures have already been positioned.
149
Reports Dr Yehuda Binyahu (Department of Zoology, University of Tel Aviv) spoke about recruitment of benthic organisms on artificial habitats at Eilat. Marine organisms can grow on and around metal structures. Constructions of the Red SeaMediterranean pipeline show rapid growth of coral and other organisms. Uzi Avner (Israel Antiquities Authority, Eilat) discussed the tourism potential of ancient sites near Eilat. A neolithic cemetery has been excavated in Eilat and dwellings found 4 m under its sea. Nearby there is a gold-mining and production site and a farm (7th10th century) and there are 1600 sites in the Southern Negev with high tourism potential, eg the Timna copper mine (from the 4th millenium BC), relieving Eilat’s coastal resources. Gavriel Kertesz and Rami Raviv (G. Kertesz - S. Groag Architects and Town Planners, Jerusalem) discussed the lagoons of Eilat’s North Beach. The North Beach has an 1800 m water-front and about 4000 hotel rooms. The present lagoon was excavated in 1964 and serves as Eilat’s marina (400 berths). Another lagoon is planned covering 65 000 m* and providing 1100 m of additional waterfront for recreation and swimming, enabling 5000 more hotel rooms with excellent sea and sun orientation. Water exchange will be based on the natural tides system. The estimated cost is US$ 5-6 million. David Yekutiel (Biologist, International Birdwatching Centre, Eilat) explained that hundreds of millions of Paleartic birds of about 400 species fly via Eilat to and from their wintering grounds in Africa, but Eilat’s rapid development has created many hazards to birds. The IBC (an association of five agencies) has proposed the creation of a 52 ha sanctuary to conserve migratory birds, rehabilitating refuse landfills by cultivation - using surplus sewage water. Landscaping, irrigation and planting are in progress: this reserve will provide an attractive site for thousands more birdwatchers. Dr Yoel Mansfeld (Department of Geography, University of Haifa) elaborated on the fact that rapid tourism development has socio-cultural environmental effects. Residents of
150
Eilat were surveyed on their perceptions of social impacts (using a valuestretch methodology). Results show group differentiation: those less affiliated with tourism occupations and/or less affluent are more affected in their living conditions. Such peripheral destinations should plan a sensitive and broad-spectrum process of tourism development, to reduce the trade-off of social costs. (A detailed paper was due to be published in The Professional Geographer, Vol43, No 3, November 1992.) Daniel Morgenstern (Economic and Environmental Consultant, Mevaseret Zion, Israel) told the conference that there are 140 000 disabled in Israel, of whom about 14 000 are paralysed (completely or partly). Eilat’s warm sea with a high mineral concentration, no waves and sharply dropping seabed offers an ideal site for physical and mental recreation, though special facilities are needed. Research on a sample of 130 paralysed showed a potential which will enable an economically feasible project. Disabled tourists from abroad may also be attracted.
Sport Ilan Gonen (General Manager, Israel Sport for All Association, Tel Aviv) said that most of Israel’s population lives within easy travelling distance of the Mediterranean, the Sea of Galilee or the Red Sea. The climate enables a variety of seaside sports almost yearround: organized (including games festivals) or ‘do-it-yourself’. ‘Matkot’ is an Israeli innovation, played with wooden rackets and a rubber ball, without a net. Rami Gershon (School for Trainers, Wingate Institute for Physical Education and Sport, Israel) spoke about sports activity along the coast and in the sea being healthy and enjoyable. The conditions needed for recreation are simple to provide, at comparatively low cost. Ami Bialik and Arie Bornstein (Sports Department, Haifa Municipality) talked of the ‘Fun Beach’ sports compound in Haifa. Haifa’s population is 250 000, with 17 km of beaches, of which 4 km are official bathing
beaches (with life-guards). The municipal beaches serve about 150 000 on summer Saturdays and about 10 000 on weekdays, without payment. The municipality has developed a variety of marine sports, exercises and competitions, including the World 470 Sailing and Sail-surfing Championships. Sample surveys indicate that about 3000 participate on Saturdays and 1000 on weekdays, totalling about 70 000 participants during the 15-week sports season. The annual budget is about US$ 55 000. Moshe Saar (Director, NASA Nautical and Sport Association, Eilat) gave details of the Nautical and Sports Center in Eilat. NASA operates a variety of windsurf-boards, kayaks and boats for adults and children (from age 7). Recreation visitors and professional trainees enjoy year-round optimum sailing winds. The programme also included a tour of tourism facilities in Eilat and a demonstration of recreation activities and sport on the sea-shore with action by the participants, including a biathlon. In the concluding session the three Working Committees presented their findings: 0
Planning and Environment - coastal cities, tourism and the environment should support each other, rather than be in conflict. Integrative planning is needed, with preservation of natural resources, historic sites and scenic values. Regional and international cooperation is required to exchange information, research and surveys. Joint professional teams should clarify problems. 0 Tourism - Economic and Social Aspects - the main points of the ‘Tourism Stream’ Challenges, at Globe ‘92 (Vancouver, March 1992) should be adopted. 0 Sport - planning is needed for the water areas and shores to provide varied equipment (including sailing boats) with high-level services and easy access - for physical and mental recreation and competitions. Professional management and staff must be trained to train and animate the population.
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The participants resolved to establish an International Forum on Coast Cities (IFOCC), to meet annually. The next seminar was to be held in Pula, Sardinia, 27-30 April 1993. A full report, IFOCC Publication No. 1, with detailed conclusions and a list of lecturers and participants, is available from the Secretariat of the Forum
($20, including airmail postage) at the Union of Local Authorities, PO Box 20040, Tel Aviv-Yafo 61200, Israel; fax: (927-3) 696-7447. Raymond Ear-On PO Box 31554 Jerusalem 91314 Israel
Tourismand the environment:a search for hope in Greece The i~temational conference ‘Tourism and the ~ffvironment ’ was held on 23 and 24 October 1992, in the town of Motyvos, in Lesvos Island, Greece. The conference was organized by the Deparfment of Environment, of the University of the Aegean, joint/y with the peripheral authorities of the Northern Aegean Islands Region and the Greek National Tourism Organization. Dimitrios Buhalis and John Westlake of the Department of Management Studies at the Unive~i~ of Surrey summa~ze the main papers.
The main purpose of the conference was to bring into focus the interdependence between environment and tourism, particularly in the context of policy planning and management at local, regional and national levels, and in respect of tourist information. The conference intended to establish a basis of communication and dissemination of knowledge and experience among academic researchers and business professionals, organizations and institutions involved in tourism development. Finally, the conference attempted to initiate a serious discussion on the pattern of tourism development in Greece, especially with regard to environmental impacts. The conference attracted almost X0 delegates including 20 international scientists, members of the Greek government and the peripheral authorities and a number of academics, consultants and representatives from tourist organizations, After the opening addresses by government representatives the conference started with Professor Harry Coccosis (University of the Aegean, Greece) giving a keynote address ‘Tourism and the Environment: Perpectives for Planning in the Future’. He covered the major trends of tourism demand and their implications for
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the new tourist products and dcstinations. The importance of environmental conservation as well as variance techniques utilized for this purpose were analysed. Theme I of the conference was dedicated to ‘Contemporary Trends in Tourism’. Professor Gregory Ashworth (University of Groningen, The Netherlands) spoke on ‘Sustainable Tourist Development’ and he debated the viability of this concept, while offering a model for sustainable tourism development. Professor Francois Vellas (University of Toulouse, France) then analysed the ‘Evolution of Tourist Flows and the Environment’. He examined trends in tourist flows in the international tourism industry and explained the environmental implications. Professor Theo de Haan (Institute of Tourism and Transport Studies, The Netherlands) illustrated the ‘New Trends in Leisure and Tourism’ and analysed the tourism demand directions along with other implications for tourism development. The next session (Theme II, ‘Environment and Tourism Development’) began with the presentation of the Director General of Airtours and TUI in Greece, Mr Alexandros Mamatis. He examined ‘The Contribution of Hotel Managers and Tour
April 1993
Operators to Environmental Protection’. Dr Gordon Dickinson (Centre for Research in Environmental Science and Technology, University of Glasgow) analysed the ‘Environmental Impacts in the Loch Lomond Area of Scotland’. Professor Michael Karydis (University of The Aegean, Greece) presented the ‘Problem of Eutrophication and its Quantification’ by reviewing the qu~ification of eutrophic trends in coastal waters affected by waste and sewage. The efficiency of nutrient indicators, phytoplankton diversity-dominance indices and probabilistic approaches were examined. Univariance and multivariate methodologies were also assessed as operational tools in discriminating eutrophic levels between sites. Miss Amalia Moriki (University of The Aegean, Greece) presented ~Multicriteria Choice Methods for Ecological Impact Assessment in a Coastal Tourist Resort’. She has used multicriteria choice methods for assessing eutrophication levels in the marine environment of a tourist resort. The potentiality and limitation of multicriteria methods, when applied to the ecological subsystem, were discussed as well as the compatibility of this methodology with integrated methods of decision making in coastal areas. Mr Spyros Anagnostou presented a paper ‘Island Marine Environment and Tourism: Experiences from Hyeres Islands in Provence, France’. The paper described the Hyeres Islands and their natural resources while providing an insight into their tourism development. Furthermore, it explored pollution of the ecosystem by sea tourism and suggested methods for its reduction. Mr Dimitrios Buhalis and Dr John Fletcher (Univesity of Surrey, UK) presented ‘Environmental Impacts on Tourist Destinations: An Economic Analysis’. The authors suggested that the environmental impacts on destinations were underlined by the strong economic interests of five users of the environment: local people, tourists, tourism entrepreneurs, tour operators and national tourist organizations. An analysis of their symbiotic and conflicting environmental interests was
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