Nautical Tourism and Its Function in the Economic Development of Europe

Abstract

Tourism as an industry, and nautical tourism as an integral part of it, is an important sector whose indirect effects are more important than the direct, thus supporting the development of many other industries. Within the last 30 years, the three core industries of nautical tourism (the marina, charter and cruise industries) have been continuously showing high growth rates. In this time of crisis, with its lack of inventiveness and investment, nautical tourism and its sectors become a new opportunity for development. Its growth can be clearly seen at local and regional levels, and its constituent parts are becoming potential local economic leaders. This research focuses on the three core segments of nautical tourism (the marina, charter and cruise industries) which have not been sufficiently studied either theoretically or economically.