Sustainable Development of Recreational Boating and Marine Tourism: Environmental, Economic, and Social Challenges

Dear Colleagues,

The expansion of recreational boating and marine tourism has become a significant phenomenon in both developed and developing countries, playing a growing role in local and national economies. As leisure activities increasingly shift towards coastal and marine environments, concerns arise about their environmental footprint, social sustainability, and long-term economic viability.

(1) Introduction, including scientific background and highlighting the importance of this research area.

Recreational boating and marine tourism intersect with critical sustainability challenges. These sectors contribute to the diversification of coastal economies, revitalization of remote communities, and promotion of environmental awareness. At the same time, they exert pressure on fragile marine ecosystems, generate greenhouse gas emissions, and often contribute to spatial conflicts in coastal zones. Addressing these issues requires an interdisciplinary perspective, bringing together environmental science, tourism studies, economics, and coastal governance. Recent literature has emphasized the need for sustainable maritime tourism practices that align with international frameworks such as the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, particularly SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 14 (Life Below Water).

(2) Aim of the Special issue and how the subject relates to the journal scope.

This Special Issue aims to explore how recreational boating and marine tourism can be made more sustainable, with a focus on innovative practices, policies, and technologies that mitigate environmental impacts, foster economic resilience, and ensure social inclusiveness. It aligns perfectly with Sustainability’s mission to publish high-quality interdisciplinary research that contributes to understanding and promoting sustainable development in all dimensions—environmental, social, and economic.

(3) Suggest themes.

In this Special Issue, original research articles and reviews are welcome. Research areas may include, but are not limited to, the following topics:

• Assessment of environmental impacts of recreational boating and marine tourism;
• Development of sustainable marina and port infrastructure;
• Strategies for low-impact or eco-certified marine tourism;
• Technological innovations in reducing pollution and emissions in leisure vessels;
• Governance models and integrated coastal zone management;
• Circular economy applications in marine leisure sectors;
• Climate adaptation strategies for coastal tourism destinations;
• Social equity and inclusion in recreational marine activities;
• Carrying capacity and spatial planning for tourist-intensive marine areas;
• Policy frameworks and stakeholder engagement for sustainable boating and tourism.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Dr. Enrico Ivaldi
Prof. Enrico Musso
Guest Editors

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• recreational boating
• marine tourism
• sustainable coastal development
• environmental impact
• blue economy
• eco-friendly tourism
• marine spatial planning
• coastal governance
• climate change adaptation
• nautical infrastructure sustainability