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The paper examines the development of marine tourism before and after the emergence of ecotourism. It discusses advantages and disadvantages in both periods. The perception of advantages and disadvantages of marine tourism is also affected by different considers tions stakeholders in tourism and the marine environment have towards tourism activities. I will illustrate their varying perspectives with examples. Then, I conclude with recommendations that enhance sustainability of marine tourism in the context of integrated coastal management.
I. Marine Tourism Before the Rise of Ecotourism
Tourism is noted to be the world's biggest industry. Many tourist destinations are located near the coast, and recreational activities by the seaside are very popular. Marine tourism activities in this time period consisted of beach activities including swimming, diving, and surfing (Oram 1999). These activities attracted a large number of tourists, and have frequently taken on an `enclave tourism.' Big resort companies run enclave tourism and establish all tourist services within the resort complex for easy access by the tourist.
Advantages
*Foreign currency
*Local employment
*Infrastructural development
Marine tourism generated much needed foreign currency to pay off debts in developing countries. It also provided some local employment to regions fast losing their base industries, and brought in new infrastructure that benefited locals.
Disadvantages
* Tourism income leakage
* Environmental degradation
* Disregard for local cultures and values
Tourism revenue does not stay in the destination. Instead, largescale investors and foreign interests frequently dominated tourism industry, established expensive hotels and restaurants, and sent their profits back home. This is a major tourism income leakage as far as local economies are concerned. Moreover, tourism development further drove up the living cost as seen in the case of Hawaii. Many locals could not afford the housing price, and have moved away.
The second disadvantage is that environmental degradation has become serious. Tourists are blamed for destruction of coral reefs and mangroves leading to siltation of coastal waters. In addition, beach erosion, oil leaks from boat engines, the physical damage to the reef and seagrass bottoms caused by divers and snorkellers, and improper waste and sewage disposal are all major consequences of unattended marine tourism activities (Yunis 2001). For example, tourism in many of islands in Southeast Asia are under increasing pressure because of...