This report examines the current situation of coastal and maritime tourism and identifies the challenges and opportunities faced by stakeholders today toward the development of a more sustainable blue tourism sector.

It introduces blue tourism, the main factors characterizing this tourism sub-sector, its governance, and the legal and institutional framework. Moreover, blue tourism’s main market segments are examined, followed by a review of tourism impacts, and the current global issues that affect the sector. 

Drawing from a review of the key challenges and opportunities for a more sustainable blue tourism economy, policy pathways are recommended to reorient the sector towards a more sustainable and resilient future.