Tag: Tourism Impact

How Safeguarding Australia’s Surf Breaks Boosts the Economy and Culture.

Surfing in Australia is not just a sport, it has become a defining part of the country’s cultural identity and a significant economic driver. Since its introduction to Australian shores more than a century ago, surfing has grown into a lifestyle practiced by millions, bringing locals, tourists and enthusiasts together over a shared love of the ocean. Recent research by the Australian National University (ANU) highlights not only the cultural importance of surfing but also its significant economic impact, with the sport contributing more than A$3 billion annually to the Australian economy. However, this fast-growing sector faces threats from coastal erosion, climate change and competing interests for coastal locations. Protecting Australia’s iconic surf breaks is vital not only to preserve a beloved pastime but also to maintain an economic engine that supports thousands of jobs and businesses across the country. The economic impact of surfing in Australia Surfing in Australia is more than just a hobby; it’s a significant contributor to the economy. According to research by the ANU, the sport contributes at least A$3 billion to the national economy each year. This figure, while significant, may also be conservative as it focuses primarily on adult surfers and does not fully include the expenditures of children, overseas tourists or professional surfing revenues. From surf schools to cafes, restaurants and surf shops, the entire local economy depends on activities associated with surfing. “It’s like a surf economy; cafes, restaurants, surf shops, accommodation. Yeah, it’s good. Love it,” says Matt Grainger, who has been running the Manly Surf School in Sydney for 30 years.

The direct spending of more than 720,000 active adult surfers, averaging A$3,700 a year, contributes significantly to the vibrancy and financial stability of coastal communities. This figure includes expenditure on surfing equipment, apparel, travel, accommodation, food and other related services. Additionally, the surfing lifestyle promotes sustainable tourism, attracting visitors from around the world who come not only to ride the waves but also to experience the natural beauty of Australia’s coasts.

Surf breaks: a natural resource under threat
Despite their economic and cultural importance, the natural resources that make surfing possible are increasingly under threat. Surf breaks, the areas where ocean waves begin to break and create surfable waves, are a delicate balance of natural forces. Factors such as seafloor contours, ocean currents, wind conditions and water quality play a key role in shaping these breaks. However, climate change, coastal development and other human activities are threatening these important natural assets.

Dr Ana Manero, a specialist in water economics and governance at ANU’s Crawford School of Public Policy, highlights that the value of these surf breaks is well recognised by surfers and local communities, but they often fall into a “blind spot” for policymakers. “Unfortunately, due to climate change, coastal erosion and competition for coastal locations, the elements that make these high-quality waves possible are under threat on many occasions,” explains Dr Manero.

The risks are not hypothetical. Previous experiences have shown how easily surf breaks can be damaged or destroyed. In northern Spain, waves near the town of Mundaka disappeared due to changes in the sandbar following dredging in a nearby river. Similarly, in Perth, the expansion of a marina caused three surf breaks to disappear in 2022, prompting the proposal for artificial reefs to restore them.

Legal protection of surf breaks needed
The ANU study shows that more comprehensive legal protection is necessary to protect these natural assets. Currently, only a limited number of surf breaks in Australia, such as Bells Beach in New South Wales and Victoria, have formal protection. The researchers argue that this is insufficient given the threats these sites face. They propose drawing lessons from other countries where more robust measures are in place.

For example, Peru has enacted “La Ley de Rompientes” or “the Law of the Surf Breaks” specifically to protect these natural resources from development and environmental damage. New Zealand offers another model with its existing parliamentary act and complementary policy, which recognizes the importance of surf spots at national, regional and local levels. The protection they receive is commensurate with their importance to the surfing community.

Adopting a similar framework in Australia could ensure that surf breaks, particularly those that do not attract global attention but are still valuable to local communities, are protected for future generations. As Dr. Manero explains, “I am more concerned about the waves that do not appear on a world-class map, but they provide value for people like you and me.”

“Málaga: Tourism Crisis Sparks Local Fears”

Malaga’s Plaza de la Merced, bathed in the gentle morning sunlight, is a picturesque sight. Jacaranda trees in full bloom provide a canopy of vibrant purple, while the Obelisk monument in the centre of the square bears silent witness to history. To the side of the square, Pablo Picasso’s birthplace adds a cultural touchstone to the scene. Yet, beneath this calm exterior lurks a growing uneasiness.

Kike España, an urban planner and activist with the Malaga Tenants Union, surveys the square with a furrowed brow. He is not oblivious to the growing hordes of tourists visiting the city. For España, the influx of visitors is more than a logistical challenge; it is a profound anxiety that speaks to the very essence of Malaga.

“The situation is so saturated that Malaga has really reached a point where people feel the city is collapsing,” he explains. His words carry the weight of growing desperation. “It’s the same feeling you get when you enter a theme park,” he says. “There’s a rush of people who are consuming the city and not really inhabiting it.”

Spain’s restlessness is emblematic of a broader discontent that has spread across Spain’s major tourist destinations. The growing wave of tourism, while economically beneficial, is beginning to destroy the basic fabric of local life. This conflict between economic benefits and quality of life is becoming a focal point of civic debate and protest.

In late June, thousands of Malaga residents took to the streets to protest the adverse effects of tourism. The demonstration highlighted a growing sense of disenfranchisement among locals who feel cornered by the booming tourism industry. Issues such as rising housing costs, gentrification and heavy crowds have fueled this discontent.

Malaga is not alone in its struggle. Over the summer, protests have occurred in other Spanish cities and regions, including Barcelona, ​​Alicante and the Canary and Balearic Islands. Activists in Tenerife staged a three-week hunger strike against the construction of a new tourist megaproject. In Barcelona, ​​protesters targeted foreign visitors with water pistols, and waved banners bearing slogans such as “Tourism kills the city” and “Tourists go home”.

Spain has long been a magnet for international visitors, with its picturesque coastline, historic cities and vibrant culture attracting millions each year. The country’s tourism industry, which represents around 13% of the national GDP, has bounced back strongly from the Covid-19 pandemic. In 2023, Spain will welcome 85 million foreign tourists, and is expected to surpass 90 million in the current year. This puts Spain behind France, the world’s leading tourist destination.

José Luis Zoreda, president of tourism industry association Exceltur, emphasises the economic benefits tourism brings. He points out that the industry is responsible for around €200 billion in direct and indirect economic activity this year. Furthermore, tourism has played a key role in Spain’s economic recovery, contributing 80% of the country’s GDP growth in 2023.

While the economic benefits are undeniable, the increase in tourist numbers has led to a point where the negative impacts are becoming more evident. “Tourism used to be seen as a positive economic activity that is a big part of our GDP, but the numbers have become so large in terms of international arrivals that we are now seeing negative impacts, especially in cities,” says Paco Femenia-Serra, lecturer in tourism and geography at the Complutense University of Madrid.

The elements that make cities attractive to tourists – their historic charm, lively streets and unique character – are diminishing due to the sheer number of visitors. Locals are increasingly facing a lack of recognition in their neighbourhoods, as the influx of tourists drives up prices and sometimes transforms familiar neighbourhoods into tourist-centric areas. Small businesses are being pushed out in favour of franchise restaurants, bars and shops that cater to transient visitors rather than the community.

The most pressing issue, however, is the impact on housing. In Malaga, a significant portion of residential properties have been converted into short-term rentals aimed at tourists. A recent study by El País found that a quarter of all apartments around the Plaza de la Merced are rented out to tourists. This shift has exacerbated the housing shortage for locals, pushing rental prices to unaffordable levels.

With the average salary in Andalusia hovering around €1,600 per month, it is becoming increasingly difficult to find an apartment for less than €1,200-1,300. This disparity has led to a situation where locals are being forced out of their own neighbourhoods. Spain’s Housing Minister Isabel Rodriguez underlined the seriousness of the situation, saying: “If the people of Malaga have no place to live, who will provide services for tourists?”

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