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Beachgoers’ perceptions of sandy beach conditions: demographic and attitudinal influences, and the implications for beach ecosystem management

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Abstract

Sandy beaches represent typical venues for recreation and tourism worldwide, as well as part of the lifestyle and identity of coastal communities. Their overexploitation, however, threatens their survival. Especially in urban areas, beach management requires balancing needs by different users and obligations to protect beach functions, including conservation. In light of this, research about the human dimension of beach ecosystems has been advanced as a way to assist planning and decision making in beach management. This study assessed beachgoers' perceptions of sandy beach conditions in South Africa, by means of a questionnaire survey. The effects of demographic profile, travelling habits, motivations to visit, and recreational preferences on beachgoers' perceptions of beach conditions were tested. Beachgoers shared a general concern for the wellbeing of sandy beaches, with particular reference to the state of biodiversity and conservation. They also gave great importance to the values underlying beach ecosystems. Three motivations to visit groups and four recreational preferences types were identified. Demography, travelling habits, motivations to visit, and recreational preferences all influenced perceptions of beach conditions. The results from this study were used to draw management recommendations, with particular attention towards the promotion of conservation while also maintaining the recreational quality of urban sandy beaches. The results also highlighted the relevance of considering users' views as a tool in decision-making processes in Integrated Coastal Zone Management.

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Acknowledgments

The authors wish to extend their gratitude to all the beachgoers who participated in the beach survey, and to the fieldworkers. This study was funded by TREES at the North-West University and the National Research Foundation (NRF).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. TREES – Tourism Research in Economic Environs and Society, North-West University, Potchefstroom, 2520, South Africa

    Serena Lucrezi

  2. School of Philosophy, Faculty of Arts, North-West University, Potchefstroom, 2520, South Africa

    Marthienus Frederik van der Walt

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  1. Serena Lucrezi
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  2. Marthienus Frederik van der Walt
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Correspondence to Serena Lucrezi.

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Lucrezi, S., van der Walt, M.F. Beachgoers’ perceptions of sandy beach conditions: demographic and attitudinal influences, and the implications for beach ecosystem management. J Coast Conserv 20, 81–96 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11852-015-0419-3

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