Tourism is largely a natural resource based industry and, as such, it affects air, land and water. It can damage natural systems if its planning, development and operation are not properly managed. Unsustainable development in the coastal zone will lead to a degraded natural environment, and therefore a degraded resource base for tourism and accompanying loss of profitability.

Coastal tourism development must be sustainable if the tourism industry is to remain profitable in the long term, as well take into account the social and environmental needs.

Coastal Development: Coastal development alters, damages and destroys sea turtle habitats through nesting beach degradation, seafloor dredging, vessel traffic, construction, and alteration of vegetation (IUCN MTSG, 2005).