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| Author: | Roca, E. Villares, M. Ortego, M.I. |
| Title: | Assessing public perceptions on beach quality according to beach users' profile: a case study in the Costa Brava (Spain) |
| Journal: | Tourism Management
2009 : AUG, VOL. 30:4, p. 598-607 |
| Index terms: | perception coastal regions environmental quality environmental protection Spain cluster analysis |
| Language: | eng |
| Abstract: | In recent times, the scope of beach management practices has widened although a complementary bottom-up perspective considering beach users' preferences and demands is still lacking. Being aware that caution should be used in the translation of beach users' demands into policy recommendations, we propose to separately investigate each opinion group and its behaviour by a cluster analysis. A case study was conducted at six beaches on the Costa Brava (northeast Spain), a typical Mediterranean area attracting tourists from other European countries in addition to national visitors and residents. Beach users' perceptions were gathered by means of a randomly applied questionnaire over two weekends during the peak seasons. A cluster analysis was made to segment the various opinion groups: satisfied and demanding beach users. The results indicate that loyal and local users emphasize natural beach values and worry more about environmental degradation. On the other hand, the visitors coming for a short visit are more concerned with the provision of facilities and equipment and are not disturbed by overcrowding. |
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