Assessment of acceptable tourism beach carrying capacity in both normal and COVID-19 pandemic conditions – case study of the Town of Mali Lošinj

Hrvoje Grofelnik

doi:10.21861/hgg.2020.82.02.05

Hrvoje Grofelnik

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.21861/hgg.2020.82.02.05

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Abstract

The paper presents an assessment of the acceptable tourist bathing load with regard to the physical, real, and effective carrying capacity of coastal beaches. In the case study of the Town of Mali Lošinj (Croatia), the paper scrutinises the carrying capacity of beaches categorised according to their basic characteristics and presents an analysis of beach capacity in the real conditions of the 2018 tourist season and in three hypothetical scenarios, two of which involve the application of recommendations for COVID-19 epidemiological measures. The basic hypothesis of the paper is that the real carrying capacity of beaches in the researched area under normal conditions is close to the upper load limits and that the carrying capacity of beaches will no longer be sufficient (vis-à-vis demand) when epidemiological recommendations are applied. The aim of this paper is to provide measurable bases for sustainable physical plans and development policies in tourism.

Highlights

The orientation of the development of summer tourism in the Mediterranean is often related to beaches, as one of the basic spatial resources of tourism
The analysis of the estimated physical reception capacity of the beaches of the researched area shows that the microregions Mali Lošinj and Nerezine stand out according to the mapped areas with significant beach capacity (Tab. 3)
These two microregions have been at the forefront in the development of tourism in quantitative terms in recent decades, but in terms of the load on beach areas it is necessary to point out the great difference in the structure of bathers

Summary

Introduction

The orientation of the development of summer tourism in the Mediterranean is often related to beaches, as one of the basic spatial resources of tourism. In the Mediterranean, the Adriatic Sea, and on the island of Lošinj, beaches are physical spaces of interest for different social groups with specific requirements. Definition and use of beaches as a natural, social, or economic resource is subjective and depends on individual interest (Kovačić et al, 2010). The legal framework within which it is necessary to consider contemporary relations in the coastal area, and with regard to the area of beaches, is defined by legal acts. The fundamental legal ruling arising from these acts is that beaches in Croatia cannot be privately owned, rather they are a common good (NN, 158/03; 100/04; 141/06; 38/09; 123/11; 56/16)

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