MITOMED 8 SWOT ANALISYS OF TOURISM IN THE MED … · SWOT Analysis of tourism in the Med area (in...

ETC MED Programme – MITOMED PROJECT – 1M-MED14-10 -Models of Integrated TOurism in the MEDiterranean

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MITOMED PROJECT

SWOT Analysis

of tourism

in the Med area

(in the EU

programming literature)

MED PROGRAMME 2007-2013

Work package: 2

Additional deliverable

Delivery date: 15/03/2015


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Document history

Date: Author: Version: Text:

15th December 2014 CNR-Sonia Trampetti

CNR-Valentina Marchi

0.1 Draft Version 1

14th January 2015 RT – Vanessa Visentin

RT – Maria Luisa Mattivi

0.2 Draft Version 2

15th March 2015 CNR-Sonia Trampetti

CNR-Valentina Marchi

0.3 Final Version

19th March 2015 (3rd

project meeting) Final version presented during

the 3rd project meeting


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INDEX

Intro ......................................................................................................................................................................... 5

1 Swot Analysis Med ............................................................................................................................................... 7

1.1 Aquaculture and fisheries................................................................................................................................ 7

1.2 Deseasonalisation ........................................................................................................................................... 9

1.3 Climate change and risks .............................................................................................................................. 13

1.4 Protection of the Environment ....................................................................................................................... 15

1.5 Low carbon economy and energy sector....................................................................................................... 17

1.6 Optimization of water management............................................................................................................... 20

1.7 Employment and labour mobility ................................................................................................................... 22

1.8 Research, technological development and inn ovation ................................................................................. 25

1.9 Information and Communication Technologies............................................................................................. 27

1.10 Conservation of cultural heritage................................................................................................................. 28

1.11 Transport ..................................................................................................................................................... 30

1.12 Quality of life of citizens and tourists ........................................................................................................... 32

1.13 Competitiveness of SMEs ........................................................................................................................... 35

1.14 Shipbuilding................................................................................................................................................. 36

1.15 Cruise sector ............................................................................................................................................... 37

2. References ........................................................................................................................................................ 41

ETC MED Programme – MITOMED PROJECT – 1M-MED14-10 -Models of Integrated Tourism in the MEDiterranean

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Intro

The Mediterranean area has extremely diverse natural, physical and geographic characteristics. It enjoys a wide maritime coastline and fertile arable plains, which were the cradle of Mediterranean agriculture, with its vine growing and olive and citrus fruit plantations. It also has high mountain ranges such as the Alps, the Pyrenees, and the Pindos. Another characteristic of the Mediterranean space is that it is composed of large parts of participating countries along with small islands, including the small Member States of Cyprus, also island regions such as the Balearic Islands, Corsica, or Crete1.

In this paper we analyse the projects related to “Blue Growth” and environmental, cultural and social sustainability in the Mediterranean.

Blue Growth is the long term strategy to support sustainable growth in the marine and maritime sectors as a whole. Seas and oceans are drivers for the European economy and have great potential for innovation and growth. Blue growth concerns all the activities having strong links with the Mediterranean Sea, including maritime, coastal and cruise tourism, creative industries, coastal and marine resources, protection of biodiversity, blue energy (algae, thermic energy, waves), blue biotechnology (food, health, cosmetics), sustainable management of ports, marine and environmental industries, etc2.

Especially, in this paper we use as background documents the following materials:

• Med Cooperation Programme 2014-2020 is one of the instruments for the implementation of the EU cohesion policy. The overall objective of the Med program is to promote sustainable growth in the Mediterranean area fostering innovative concepts and practices (technologies, governance, innovative services...), a reasonable use of resources (energy, water, maritime resources) and supporting social integration through integrated and territorially based cooperation approach.

• The program Italy / France 'Maritime' 2014-2020 is a territorial cooperation program aiming to improve cooperation between border areas - including Tyrrhenian coast- high in terms of accessibility, innovation, enhancement of natural and cultural resources in order to ensure territorial cohesion and promoting employment and sustainable development over time.

• CPMR has, since 1973, been targeting its action towards ensuring the needs and interests of its member Regions are taken into account in all policies with a high territorial impact. In particular, the CPMR is striving to ensure a strong EU regional policy targeted at all of Europe’s regions and is also working towards the delivery of an integrated maritime policy designed to contribute towards Europe’s economic growth.

Data are the result of careful analysis referring to the NECSTouR thematic and “Blue Growth” in the Mediterranean

NECSTouR represents 30 regional authorities (NUTS 2) and 35 associated members (tourism enterprises/associations representatives, research centres and universities), aims at helping the implementation of the “European Agenda for a sustainable and competitive tourism”, promoted by the European Commission in its

1 Diagnostic territorial analysis of the MED territorial cooperation programme, 2013, p.3. 2 COM (2012) 494 final. Blue Growth opportunities for marine and maritime sustainable growth, Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions.


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Communication3. The network objectives are to develop a strong framework for regional cooperation at European level, to conduct research and the tourism policy.

Following the Com (2010) 352 “Europe, the world's No 1 tourist destination - a new political framework for tourism in Europe”, NECSTouR includes in its long term work programme mobilizing instruments for better integration of ETIS in our Regions4. The European Indicator System aims to contribute to improving the sustainable management of destinations by providing tourism stakeholders with an easy and useful toolkit. It will help decision makers to measure and monitor their sustainability management processes, and enable them to share and benchmark their progress and performance in the future5.

The analysis is developed on same topics, linked to NECSTouR thematics and Blue Growth principles, that are:

1. Research, technological development and innovation

2. Information and communication technologies

3. Competitiveness of SMEs

4. Climate change and risks

5. Low carbon economy and energy sector

6. Protection of the environment

7. Transports

8. Employment and labour mobility

9. Quality of life of citizens and tourists

10. De-seasonalisation

11. Conservation of cultural heritage

12. Conservation of identity

13. Optimization of water management

14. Optimization of waste management

15. Aquaculture and Fisheries

16. Shipbuilding

17. Cruise sector

3 COM (2007) 621 – 19-10-2007 Agenda for a sustainable and competitive European tourism.

4 NECSTouR Presentation Draft, 2014. 5 The European Tourism Indicator System, Toolkit for Sustainable Destinations, 2013.


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1. SWOT Analysis Med

1.1 Aquaculture and Fisheries

Strengths Weaknesses

- Environmental protection and conservation of marine resources

- Poor fishing activity in Liguria

Opportunities Threats

- Sustainable tourism - Development to reduce the environmental impacts - Development to provide food supplies to the population - Contribution to local employment and economic activity

- Low modernisation could affects competitiveness (in particularly in Liguria) - Poor activities could affects the conservation of marine sources - Poor statistics data

Aquaculture

With 6. 9 million tons of fish produced each year, a fleet of nearly 90,000 vessels and the largest maritime territory

in the world, the EU is the third largest producer of fish and aquaculture worldwide (4.4% of global production).

About 400,000 people are employed in fishing, aquaculture and the processing of products. As the European

Commission states, “the fishing sector plays a vital role in many European Union regions in terms of its contribution

to local employment and economic activity”. European fishing is facing strong international competition (imports,

social dumping, etc.) and the challenge for this sector is to be able to continue to supply European consumers with

fisheries products that comply with stringent and strictly monitored health, environmental and employment related

standards6.

The analysis stresses the importance of the fisheries control data may be useful for maritime surveillance activities,

such as border control, general law enforcement and customs control.

6 Conference of Peripheral Maritime Regions of Europe, General Assembly, 2014, p. 15.


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For instance if fisheries data were more widely available, small companies would be able to provide fish stock

assessments or check those made by national laboratories and on that basis engage with fishermen in

management of fisheries7.

Figure 1. Employment dependency on fishing in EU Regions (2011)8

The analysis shows the investment in Liguria for sea acquaculture, to improve the products quality, to reduce the

environmental impacts and to improve ports, harbours and reserved areas for sea fishing for the enhancement of

the ground (landing, storage, before marketing). There is a significant production of aquaculture, also, in Sardinia,

Corsica and Tuscany.

“FAO” indicates aquaculture as an important opportunity to provide food supplies to the population, not only for the

benefit of the poorest countries, but also to support the consumption in Western countries, in view of the constant

reduction of wild fishing stocks9.

7 COM(2014) 254/2, Innovation in the Blue Economy realising the potential of our seas and oceans for jobs and growth, p. 28.


9 Programma di Cooperazione Transfrontaliera Italia - Francia Marittimo 2014-2020.


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Fishing in Liguria

Fishing can be an important means of environmental protection and conservation of marine resources, promoting

sustainable development. Fishing still constitutes an important industry for some regions and has to be managed in

connection with natural environment protection and prevention of maritime pollutions10.

This activity can encourage a sustainable development and improve living conditions in the areas.

The cooperation program aims to generate actions to promote sustainable fisheries and aquaculture in public areas.

There is little fishing activity in Liguria due to water pollution, because of industrial discharges, for this reason the

Liguria Region devotes very little time to fishing activities (5% the national total). The analysis also stresses a failure

to modernize the sector11.

1.2 Deseasonalisation


- Extremely rich cultural, natural and architectural heritage - Low level of the use of financial and human resources in low season


- Development of an integrated system to enhance heritage

- Large number of tourists could have negative environmental, social and economical effects

10 Med Operational Programme 2007-2013, p. 11. 11 Programma di Cooperazione Transfrontaliera Italia - Francia Marittimo 2014-2020.


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Seasonality criticality

Destinations situated on the coast have a high seasonal character and seaside tourism, that causes environmental,

social and economical criticality.

Seasonality is a common problem in most of the beach destinations, in particular due to obvious climatic changes.

During low season destinations change, with a consequential low level of the use of financial and human resources.

Seasonality has a strong impact on the life quality of residents, for example a lots of people that work in the tourism

sector, during the low season are unemployed and most services (reduction of public transportation) and shops are

closed or open time.

Their concentration of tourist flows during the high season, especially in the summer months, causes environmental

degradation of the destination. The deseasonality is an important challenge for destinations12.

The analysis shows that 82% of tourism businesses in 2008 were open all year round, but since 2009 there has

been a sharp decline due to the economic and financial crisis.

The analysis stresses criticalities in Corsica, where seasonality (from June to September) has economic,

environmental and social effects13.

The future European Strategy on Coastal and Maritime Tourism

The future European Strategy on Coastal and Maritime Tourism must promote a wide, varied offer of tourism

experiences, products and services that appeal to a highly demanding market: New tourism products linked to

maritime cultural, natural and industrial heritage and artisanal fisheries, nautical sports, marine wildlife observation

and coast and beach related activities open a window of opportunity to seduce tourists to visit our beaches, coasts,

viewpoints, lighthouses, villages and coastal routes; as they are a vehicle to shift this market towards the enjoyment

of new tourism experiences, building customer loyalty and profitability.

In our opinion, the future European Strategy on Coastal and Maritime Tourism should be articulated in a way that

promotes a tourist offer mix that allows to capture the complementaries of these sub-sectors and responds to the

different needs of their users, so as to maximize the profitability of the investments, overcome tourist seasonality,

promote cooperation amongst European destinations and contribute to the sustain able development of coastal

communities.

12 Med Operational Programme 2007-2013. 13 Programma di Cooperazione Italia - Francia Marittimo 2014-2020, Allegato 4, p. 88.


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The Strategy must provide a framework that gives coherence to a comprehensive action plan, while allowing for the

development of differentiated actions for each line of activity in recognition of its respective particularities14.

The analysis shows the importance of the Non - European tourists.

Non - European visitors taking low-season holidays also offer considerable potential, and the Commission recently

revised the Visa Code and proposed to simplify procedures for non- European travellers15.

Difference in attraction of EU and non-EU visitors (coastal vs. city tourism)

Italy is a country surely benefiting from culture and city tourism, but also with potentially appealing coastal

landscape and maritime facilities. Still, those foreign visitors and particularly non-EU tourists seem to mainly ignore

coastal tourism in favour of city/cultural visits. As a consequence, the coastal and maritime tourism sector in the

peninsula cannot capture a potentially significant additional potential demand, and fail to gain from their (high)

spending capacity.

Tab. 1. Comparison in the distribution of origin for visits of coast and cities in Italy, 2011

Marketing strategies to attract foreign visitors are limited and often non-EU tourists visiting the coasts tend to do so

because of direct suggestions of friends and acquaintances, rather than by accessing official marketing information

through websites as nationals and EU visitors do. Anecdotal evidence available at the Member States level

suggests limited marketing activities for coastal tourism if compared to other touristic destinations

Some anecdotal evidence existing at the local level seems to suggest that the difficulty for coastal regions in

promoting better and broader tourism marketing for the coastal and maritime sector, partially lies in the enduring

heritage of historical models based on local and national visitors. And a structural lack of forward-looking and

14 Position Paper and Proposal regarding the upcoming Communication of the European Commission on the future European Strategy of

Coastal and Maritime Tourism, NECSTouR, 2014.

15 COM(2014) 86, A European Strategy for more Growth and Jobs in Coastal and Maritime Tourism, p. 3.


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globally appealing operators, both locally and internationally, which could jointly work with local operators to

promote a diversified, and yet coherent and appealing view of coastal tourism offer for non-EU visitors16.

Tab. 2. Different sources used by EU and non-EU visitors for tourism information in Italy (multiple options are possible)

16 Study in support of policy measures for maritime and coastal tourism at EU level, Final report, Ecorys, 2013, p. 55-56.


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1.3 Climate change and risks


- Existence of a European framework and national policies for the reduction of CO2 emissions.

- Mediterranean area strongly confronted to natural risks with low adaptation capacity (fire, floods..)


- Increasing commitment to sustainable development - Increased risk of natural disasters due to climate change - High costs involved in repairing the damage caused by natural disasters

The main threats of coastal destinations.

The areas studied by the cooperation program have a rich natural and cultural heritage.

The program aim is to preserve and promote the heritage that represents a fundamental resource for a sustainable

and innovative tourism. For this reason there is an European framework and national polices for the reduction of

CO2 emissions. Three main factors threaten the program challenge: the damage caused in the area from risks

related to climate change, such as coastal erosion, fire and hydrological instability, the issue of maritime security

and the deterioration in the quality of sea water in the ports and the inability to promote innovative forms of

exploitation and utilization of the cultural and natural heritage jointly throughout the year in all areas of

cooperation17. But not only do fires and droughts threaten the natural environment of the Mediterranean Space.

There are other natural hazards too: earthquakes mainly in Italy and Greece, floods (northern Italy, south of France,

Slovenia) etc.

The aggregated map of natural and technological hazards reveals that particularly the Central and Western

Mediterranean coastal regions are endangered by hazards18. Over the past five years,in Italy, floods have caused

damage costing more than one billion euros, estimating damage to things, people and resulting in the need for

restoration19.

17 Programma di Cooperazione Italia - Francia Marittimo 2014-2020, Allegato 4, p. 67. 18 Med Operational Programme 2007-2013, p. 18. 19 Programma di Cooperazione Italia - Francia Marittimo 2014-2020, Allegato 4, p. 73.


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Figure 2. Map of natural and technological hazards20

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MED Cooperation Programme 2014-2020, 14 Marzo 2014, p. 18.


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1.4 Protection of the environment


- Extremely rich and important environmental heritage (sea, mountains, rivers...)

- The population is exposed to air pollution - Degradation of fragile areas, notably coastal areas and pollution of maritime areas - Air and water pollution due to urban concentration


- Development environmental protection measure - Directive “Sulfur”

- Increasing coastal erosion - Increasing hydrogeological risks - Risk of increasing environmental pollution due to increase in tourism activity and transport (port)

The management of the environmental impact

Natural resources are much diversified within the Mediterranean countries and include large areas of forested and

agricultural land, mountainous areas, rivers and coasts with specific landscapes like lagoons, deltas, dunes and

wetland areas. The prevailing common issue amongst the Mediterranean regions is the challenge of managing

coastal zones’, land- and water- use, protected areas.

There are severe problems in terms of degradation of the environment and growing vulnerability to natural

disasters. The causes of these problems are to be found in weak connections between the Mediterranean societies

and their environment, forests, industrial and agricultural activities, coastal over-development, traffic and intensive

tourism. Un-controlled land use, inefficient energy use, and non-integrated management plans have a global impact

on the natural resources available21.

The development of activities respectful of natural and cultural resources shall also take into account environmental

changes like the reduction of water resources, the risks of droughts or floods, hydrological stress, soil and coastal

erosion, extreme weather events that have direct interconnections with economic development and urbanisation

and direct impact on natural and cultural heritage (improvement of observation, information and alert systems,

adaptation of planning tools, reduction of conflict of use, land management tools, coastal and maritime

management…)22.

Coastal areas represent a major dimension of the MED area with a high level of attractiveness, a very important

concentration of human activities and fragility of natural and cultural resources. For the MED programme, a key

21 Med Operational Programme 2007-2013, p.15. 22 MED Cooperation Programme 2014-2020, 14 Marzo 2014, p. 67.


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issue consists to better understand and manage the balance between development and sustainable management

of resources, including the relation between coastal areas and their hinterland23.

Environmental analysis conducted revealed different results that characterized the regions of critical issues and

opportunities.

Liguria's forest heritage is poor in quality to allow adequate control of hydrogeological instability. To highlight a

criticality being floods in Liguria, Tuscany and Sardinia.

There are also critical issues related to the impact factors of anthropogenic pollution (drains, transport, emissions),

which continue to grow in the Gulf of Genoa.

In the Region of Sardinia, there is a delay in environmental protection policies for considerable criticality in

management, financial shortfalls, poor coordination of assistance.

Sardinia also has annually been devastated by fires causing irreversible damage to forests, soil and wildlife, which

can be easily identified as the main cause of desertification.

There is a critical situation also in the South Italy, in Calabria, Campania, Basilicata and Molise24.

In Corsica there are problems related to coastline erosion, landslides, asbestos risk and radon emissions.

The phenomenon of shoreline regression is a problem felt in PACA and especially in Tuscany, where 62.5% of the

population living in the area are affected by this issue.

Coastal instability is a result of two main factors: marine erosion and alluvium deposits.

France and its regions, as well as Liguria and Sardinia are at risk of flooding.

The risks are particularly high in some regions such as PACA, where landslides and floods affect a significant

surface of densely residential areas, about 1/5 of residential area in the region25.

Pollution of ports

Commercial and pleasure ports produce thousands of tons of toxic waste from batteries, oils, solvents, paints, in

addition to water dock, waste water, storm water run-off from which have been spilt in marine waters.

Maritime transport has a transit of 173 million tons of cargo per year and over 25 million passengers per year, which

directly impinges on port infrastructure and indirectly on all the infrastructure of ground connection.

The total space of cooperation of the OP 'Maritime' has produced (2008) approximately 18,326,540 kg of CO2, of

which about 40% comes from industrial, 39% by road transport and the remaining approximately 21% from the

23 MED Cooperation Programme 2014-2020, 14 Marzo 2014, 107. 24 Quadro strategico nazionale per la politica regionale di sviluppo 2007-2013, p.16. 25 Programma di Cooperazione Italia - Francia Marittimo 2014-2020, Allegato 4, p. 11.


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combustion not industrial plants. 22% of the total contribution comes from French territories, while the remaining

78% comes from activities carried out the Italian territory

The implementation of the Directive 'Sulfur' will result in significant changes in the ports and also the provision of

additional costs to ship owners and ports, in addition to a loss of competitiveness of maritime transport, compared

to other systems, which could seriously affect the cooperation area. The liquefied natural gas (LNG) as a marine

fuel is considered to be an alternative to conventional marine fuel oils because it produces emissions with a content

of sulfur dioxide (SOx) of almost 0%. The use of LNG will also reduce emissions of nitrogen oxide (NOx) even up to

80%, up to 20% of CO2 and remove particulate matter (PM)26.

1.5 Low carbon economy and energy sector


- Favourable conditions for the production of renewable energy (still strongly characterized by geothermal)

- Insufficient development of renewable energy


- Mediterranean countries committed to reduced emissions - Development potential for renewable energy not fully exploited - Increasing commitment to sustainable development

- Significant increase in the cost of low carbon energy - Energy consumption is growing and it is linked to the seasonal dynamics of tourism

Pollution in MED area

For the MED area, a specific challenge relates on tourism activities that generate strong pressure on the most

attractive and most fragile areas (land, soil pollution, water resources…). In coastal and densely populated areas,

there is also an important challenge on air pollution and GHG emission due to economic activities, housing and

transports. For this reason, sustainable development is considered as the second most important challenge to be

taken into account. For this reason, sustainable development is considered as the second most important challenge

to be taken into account. Low carbon economy is a key issue for territorial sustainable development and for EU

26 Programma di Cooperazione Italia - Francia Marittimo 2014-2020, Allegato 4, p. 13.


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objectives (reduction of GHG, increase energy efficiency and the use of renewable energy). Promoting low-carbon

strategies for all types of territories in particular for urban areas, including the promotion of sustainable multi-modal

urban mobility and mitigation relevant adaptation measures.

The protection of the environment and the management of resources is vital for the long term development of the

area.

Concerning sustainable growth, taking into account the pressure observed in urban and coastal Mediterranean

areas, the MED programme will seek to promote the use of low carbon emission energy sources, reduce the impact

of human activities on natural resources, and improve the living environment and health. It will particularly focus on

the promotion of energy mix strategies, the improvement of water management and the management of natural

resources in coastal and marine areas.

The environmental challenges facing cities have significant consequences for human health, the quality of life of

urban citizens and the economic performance of the cities themselves.

Supporting the shift toward a low-carbon economy in all sectors Supporting energy efficiency, smart energy

management and renewable energy use in public infrastructures, including in public buildings, and in the housing

sector. The specific objective is to reduce energy consumption in buildings by raising capacities, promoting the use

of innovative solutions, increasing awareness and the involvement of public administrations and people towards

energy efficiency solutions.

Regarding renewable energy, the characteristics of MED regions are on the one hand large investments for wind or

solar energy in some countries and on the other an overall low energy independency of MED regions.

In spite of the possibilities existing to produce energy / electricity using renewable sources of energy, these

possibilities are still not fully used in the Mediterranean countries. Practices for saving resources have in general not

yet been adopted. Where the figure for energy production using renewable energy sources on the average in the

EU 25 comes to 12,7% of the energy production(biomass, hydro, geothermal, wind and solar energy), the similar

figures in the Mediterranean countries are very low27.

Emissions of greenhouse gases: Sardinia and Corsica

The transport sector and the energy industry (production and processing of energy), are responsible for more than

half of greenhouse gas emissions, which recorded the highest increases in the period, respectively 24 and 16.5 per

cent.

27 Med Operational Programme 2007-2013, p. 17.


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Also service and residential areas has produced an increase of emissions28.

In Sardinia, 70% of emissions in the atmosphere are attributable to the energy sector.

The experimentation on renewable sources of energy (biomass, geothermal, solar, wind) found interesting results:

the new Enel wind farm in Sedini, with its 36 generators, has produced more than the hydroelectric plant of the

Coghinas (the second in size in Sardinia), in twelve months.

Sardinia has also implemented a system of local networks to control the air quality in the main industrial and urban

areas.

The analysis shows that in Corsica there are low carbon emission that are responsible for the climatic change.

Energy consumption is growing and it is linked to the seasonal dynamics of tourism.

In Corsica the Institute of Renewable Energy is studying two research- development important projects: wind and

solar platforms in Bastia Vignola and Ajaccio.

Renewable energy has accounted for 23% of electricity production on Corsica.

The hydroeletric power has becomes a more and more solicited by public polices; an example being dam project.

In Sardinia, the use of renewable resources is constantly growing, in 2013 the sector grew by 1%, an increase of

photovoltaic (+ 52.3%)29.

Examples of Renewable Energies

In 2011, offshore wind accounted for 10% of installed capacity, employed 35000 people directly and indirectly

across Europe and represented €2.4bn in annual investments. By the end of 2011 the total capacity offshore was

3.8GW. On the basis of Member States' National Renewable Energy Action Plans, the electricity produced from

wind power in 2020 will be 494.6 TWh and of that 133.3 TWh will be generated offshore. By 2030 the annual

installation of offshore capacity could exceed that onshore. Offshore wind could meet 4% of the EU electricity

demand by 2020 and 14% by 2030. This would mean 170000 jobs by 2020, increasing to 300000 by 2030.

The analysis shows an example of renewable energy, like Tidal barrage, a dam-like structure used to capture

energy from masses of water moving in and out of a bay or estuary. The best example of this technology in Europe

is the La Rance Power Station in France with capacity of 240MW, which is the second largest plant of its kind in the

world.

28 Quadro strategico nazionale per la politica regionale di sviluppo 2007-2013, p.18. 29 Programma di Cooperazione Transfrontaliera Italia - Francia Marittimo 2014-2020, p. 8.


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Wave power devices are currently being demonstrated and underwater turbines driven by currents (tidal or other)

are close to commercialisation. In all, 22MW of wave and current devices were installed in 2012.

Ocean thermal energy conversion, which uses the temperature difference between cooler deep ocean waters and

warmer shallow or surface ocean waters to run a heat engine could be a feasible option for the EU's overseas

territories in the Caribbean and Indian Ocean30.

1.6 Optimization of water management


- Hydrography, typical of the Mediterranean regions


- Develop to ensure the availability of drinking water to the people and to allow the development of tourism, industry...

- Human activities which increase water consumption and affect the quality of water - Pollution and global warming

Quality and quantity of water

The analysis of quality and quantity water shows problems linked to hydrography, which is typical of the

Mediterranean region, with rivers to torrential regime, characterized by significant floods during autumn and from

lean summer very accentuated.

Water management is especially concerned as is the preservation of biodiversity confronted to environmental

changes due to pollution and global warming, in the MED area.

Water management is a strong issue within the Med area because of limited resources and important human

activities which increase water consumption and affect the quality of water resources (household discharges,

30 Position Paper and Proposal regarding the upcoming Communication of the European Commission on the future European

Strategy of Coastal and Maritime Tourism, NECSTouR, 2014.


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industrial production, farming methods and animal husbandry). Water abstraction of both ground and surface water

is in general increasing in the Mediterranean Space countries31.

The objective of the project is to ensure the availability of drinking water to the people and to allow the development

of agriculture, tourism, industry, through the planning of water resources.

A small amount of water impacts, primarily on the lives of residents, but also impact on tourists.

It is important to constantly monitor the quality of water.

The high oil tanker traffic, spills into the sea of waste oil, sewage ballast, bilge discharges, discharges from

settlements along the coast, often without adequate purifiers or uncontrolled, could compromise significantly the

tourism prospects of entire areas of the cooperation.

Marine pollution promotes environmental degradation of the coasts.

In Southern Italy there are a lots of coastline which are not suitable for bathing due to pollution.

This problem confirms water coastal marine contamination due to an inadequate cleaning of municipal, civil and

agricultural and zoo-technical waste32.

31 Med Operational Programme 2007-2013 p.16. 32 Quadro strategico nazionale per la politica regionale di sviluppo 2007-2013, p.17.


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1.7 Employment and labour mobility


- Tourism sector and international tourism, particularly in Sardinia - Shipbuilding and aviation sector (Liguria) - Nautical Tourism

- Low employment level, especially for youth people and women - High territorial disparities for unemployment levels - GDP per capita 12% lower than EU average


- Labour mobility within and between Mediterranean areas

- Consequences of the financial crisis - Strong increase of the unemployment rate with the economic crisis - Drain of human resources, notably young people towards other EU countries

Economy in the Mediterranean area

The maritime related economic activities are growing significantly.

The maritime economy accounts for 5 million jobs and a gross value added of 500 billion euros in Europe, and

expected to provide 7 million jobs and 590 billion euros in gross value added by 2020. The activities concerned

cover a large number of sectors.

In recent years, maritime Europe has made important progress. As reflected in the report on the Integrated Maritime

Policy (IMP), numerous EU policies have a maritime dimension. In parallel, the role of the IMP as a coordinating

factor has been strengthened through the blue growth approach, which brings together the economic,

environmental and social dimensions; the adoption of its own policy instruments such as the Directive on Maritime

Spatial Planning and its own budget within the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF), and the improved

overall visibility of the objectives of EU maritime policies at the level of the sea basins, through the sea basin

strategies and the maritime dimension of the macro - regions33.

In 2010, the average GDP per capita of the MED space was 12% lower than the average GDP per capita of the EU

as a whole.

The analysis shows the consequences of the 2007 economic crisis and of the subsequent debt crises that have

been affecting EU Member States since 2010 (particularly for Greece, Portugal, Cyprus, and to a lesser degree

Spain, Italy and France).

33 Conference of Peripheral Maritime Regions of Europe, General Assembly, 2014, p.12.


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At European scale, the recession began in the second quarter of 2008 and lasted for five consecutive quarters.

Between 2007 and 2011, the most serious impact on GDP and employment was felt in three Baltic countries, as

well as in Ireland, Greece and Spain. While in 2010 and 2011, the Baltic countries’ and Irish economies showed a

return to growth, “Spain and Greece, however, have not returned to a consistent growth path. Spain started growing

in 2011, but its GDP contracted in 2012. At EU level, unemployment rates increased from 7 % to 10 % between

2008 and 2012.

The analysis shows that the band of young people and women has suffered most from the effects of the crisis, in

recent years. Young people are the demographic category most affected by the economic crisis and the generally

most affected by structural changes in the labour market in recent decades.

Among the different challenges and potential, the most important one for EU Mediterranean regions is related to its

economic development perspectives and to economic recovery after years of economic and financial crisis.

Countries of southern Europe especially suffered from the crisis and MED regions, in a general way, lack innovation

capacities34.

Tourism as a leading factor for economy

In 2012, there were 534 million tourist arrivals in Europe, which is 17 million more than in 2011 and 52 % of all

international arrivals worldwide. Revenue generated by inbound tourism reached €356 billion, which is 43% of the

world total. In 2013, the number of nights spent in tourist accommodation establishments in the EU28 reached a

peak of 2.6 billion nights, up by 1.6% from 2012. Tourism is clearly an important economic activity, especially in

many maritime and coastal regions. However, following the crisis economic, the changing world economy is

affecting the sector, causing significant changes in tourist behaviour and markets of origin35.

The service industry is very important for the regions examined in the program and tourism is the leading sector.

The importance of tourism, a potential for growth that is still strong and a need to promote a more sustainable

tourism industry. The tourism sector, therefore, offers substantial opportunities in terms of economic growth and

employment.

The MED space combines many appealing features (climate, coastlines, landscapes, cultural heritage, etc.) making

it the most popular tourist region in Europe and one of the largest tourist areas in the world. According to the World

Tourism Organization, countries in the southern hemisphere and the Mediterranean attract 18.5% of the world’s

tourists.

34 Med Cooperation Programme 2014-2020, 17 Marzo 2014, p.23. 35 COM (2014) 86, A European Strategy for more Growth and Jobs in Coastal and Maritime Tourism, p.1.


24

Between 2005 and 2012, this figure rose constantly (+2.9%), and was higher than the rate of growth in Europe

(+2.5%). This represents 15.9% of world tourism revenues. In addition, France, Spain and Italy (whole of the

country) are among the world’s top 6 tourist destinations (in numbers of tourists and in terms of the tourism

revenues generated). Europe, and especially Mediterranean Europe, will continue to be a major destination, with

numbers growing from 169 million in 2010 to 264 million in 2030).

In parallel, the traditional sector of tourism, although very dynamic, nevertheless could be especially strengthened in

those sectors promoting sustainable development principles: in particular protection and management of the

environment as well as agriculture and fishery activities which are still important in the Med area as compared to

other European regions36.

There are prospects for business growth in the Mediterranean, thanks to the presence of important ports, such as

Genoa and Leghorn.

In Sardinia, the service sector employs the largest number of employees. Tourism in Sardinia developed initially

along the northern and eastern coasts of the island. The main destination of international repute, which each year

attracts millions of tourists are Palau, Santa Teresa, Porto Cervo, Loiri Porto San Paolo, Olbia, La Maddalena,

Alghero, Porto Rotondo, Villasimius, Pula, San Teodoro, Dorgali, Stintino, the Costa Smeralda. The analysis

stresses the increase of international component tourism in Sardinia (+3.5 arrivals; 9.3% attendance)37.

In Sardinia mining is going through a period of severe crisis of due to competitiveness: the Iglesientes area, in the

past was the main mining area, the leader in the tourism sector and the promotion and preservation of

Archaeological Park mining.

In Liguria the most important sectors are shipbuilding and aviation. The analysis highlights a reduction in flows

(attendance down 4.7%), while growth of cruising industry is evident, (Liguria coming 3rd in all Italian regions for

passengers movements, an increase of 33% in 2013). In nautical tourism Liguria is in 1st place for the number of

berths.

Corsica also confirms the importance of the tourism sector and at the same time highlights the problems resulting

from seasonal destinations. The analysis shows the data on the number of passengers arriving at ports and airports

was 8.2 million, a decrease of 3% compared to 2011, while cruise traffic has suffered a decrease of 23%, especially

as concerns foreigners38.

36 Med Cooperation Programme 2014-2020, 17 Marzo 2014, p. 19. 37 Programma di Cooperazione Transfrontaliera Italia - Francia Marittimo 2007-2013, p. 44.



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The importance of nautical tourism

Nautical Tourism has an important weight in the Tourism economy and is a growing sector.

Today, nautical sports represent a market of 18 million users in Europe. Moreover, nautical tourism opens new

opportunities for growth in the tourism sector: it is an expanding market that is far from having realized its full

potential, which can be benchmarked against the 150 million yearly visitors of our coastal tourism destinations.

Nautical Tourism is key to address tourism seasonality and to advancing a green economy. Nautical sports attract

international tourists in the summer time; during the rest of the year, the fall of volume in international visitors is

partially compensated by national tourists and residents that use existing nautical infrastructure and services,

thereby contributing to maintaining economic activity at destination level39.

1.8 Research, technological development and innovation


- Some high skill industrial sectors (agriculture, tourism...)

- Low connection between centres and companies - Low investment in R&D - Low proportion of research personnel in the populations - Limited or no access to credit for investments and innovation


- Activate innovative and technological research paths (Liguria) - ESPON KIT project

- A low connection between centres and companies could affects competitiveness - Economy seriously affected by economic by the economic and debits crisis




26

The research and development in Liguria

The analysis highlights the importance to activate innovative and technological, research paths in the Liguria

Region. We can find in it the innovation in systems and logistics port; agriculture, floriculture, fishing the importance

of research and innovation for the development of agricultural production and floriculture (the rational management

of fishing resources) and tourism (to promote environmental, cultural and local resources)40.

Poor connection between research centres and companies

Due to the continuing economic crisis most tourism SMEs have limited or no access to credit for investments and

innovation. Moreover, coastal regions often struggle to create and fully capture economic benefits generated by

tourism (particularly cruise tourism), though pressures to invest in innovation, port infrastructures and to preserve

the environment is increasing41.

The project ESPON KIT (Knowledge, Innovation and Territories) shows that Liguria, Tuscany, Corsica and PACA

represents an "intelligent and creative" area. While Sardinia is "creative imitation" area, with a low level of

knowledge and innovation. Research employees number 1,53% of population, while in the Mediterranean area the

number only reaches 1,16%42.

40 Programma di Cooperazione Transfrontaliera Italia - Francia Marittimo 2007-2013, p. 14. 41 COM(2014) 86, A European Strategy for more Growth and Jobs in Coastal and Maritime Tourism, p. 3.

42 Programma di Cooperazione Transfrontaliera Italia- Francia Marittimo 2014-2020.


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1.9 Information and Communication Technologies


- Increasing use of ICT by individuals and businesses - High- tech products exportation

- Lower ICT skills of individuals than in other EU regions


- R&D sectors specialised in ICT - Develop to promote territorial cohesion - Develop to need strengthen innovation clusters, economic sectors, value chains and networks throughout MED regions

- Significant inequalities between areas and territories in term of ICT use - Low innovation could affects competitiveness (in particularly in Liguria)

Information and communication technologies development

Information and Communication Technologies are instrumental in generating accessibility and promoting territorial

cohesion. “Innovation » refers to technical, scientific, social, environmental, managerial, organisational, commercial

or administrative solutions leading to value creation (improvement of technologies, processes, management and

governance systems, public procurement of innovation…).

The development of ICT products, services and applications constitute a relevant support for socio- economic

development, governance, networking, etc. The analysis underlines the need to strengthen innovation clusters,

economic sectors, value chains and networks throughout MED regions.

In terms of exports of high- tech products the situation seems to be reflecting that Malta and France do well, as their

share of exports of high-tech products as a share of total exports is at the EU 25 level (France – 20% the whole

country) or well above this average (Malta, 56%).

The investments in telecommunications and ICT are linked to the e-society, which is emerging rapidly43.

Strengthening research, technological development and innovation through: Promoting business investment in

innovation and research, and developing links and synergies between enterprises, R&D centres and higher

education, in particular product and service development, technology transfer, social innovation, eco-innovation,

public service applications, demand stimulation, networking, clusters and open innovation through smart

specialisation and supporting technological and applied research, pilot lines, early product validation actions,

43 Med Operational Programme 2007-2013, p. 14.


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advanced manufacturing capabilities and first production, in particular in Key Enabling Technologies and diffusion of

general purpose technologies44.

1.10 Conservation of cultural heritage


- Extremely rich historical and architectural heritage - Scarcity of resources allocated to culture - The systems of protection and development were often inefficient and poor, with a heavy impact on the growth and competitiveness of the country - Poor promotion, organisation and management of the cultural heritage, particularly in Sardinia


- Develop to promote and preserve the rich heritage - Poor protection, conservation and promotion of the rich heritage - Inadequacy of census and works

Natural and cultural heritage along the coast

The natural and cultural heritage, land and sea, represents an economic resource related to tourism development

and production activities, in terms of new business creation and improvement of competitiveness.

In the area of the programme there are 466 sites, including 111 on French territory and the remaining 355 on Italian

soil, including 119 marine areas. The total area amounting to 3,057,734 habitats.

These areas host 4743 habitats divided into 114 different habitats 25 of which are to be classified as "priority" and

13 marine, many of these are protected marine areas. Some of which are located in proximity of the ports and for

this reason exposed to the risks arising from the impact of human activities45.

The analysis shows a delay to enhance protected areas, through the protection of biodiversity and landscape, to

improve the attractiveness to the region and to improve the quality residents life46.

44 MED Cooperation Programme 2014-2020, 2014, p. 29-30. 45 Programma di Cooperazione Italia - Francia Marittimo 2014-2020, Allegato 4, p.88.

46 Quadro strategico nazionale per la politica regionale di sviluppo 2007-2013, p. 17.


29

The Italy-France Cooperation 2014-2020 programme includes actions for promotion and preservation of cultural

resources in the affected areas, among them we find: the opening of historical areas (fortifications); renewal of

posters for physical accessibility to the heritage sites; cross-border initiatives for promotion (Napoleonic heritage);

UNESCO recognition procedures; creation of tangible and intangible route heritage for space "maritime".

Critical issues of enhancement and management of cultural and environmental heritage

The systems of protection and development were often poor and inefficient, with a heavy impact on the growth and

competitiveness of the country.

The analysis shows a critical aspect in Sardinia linked to poor promotion, organization and management of the

cultural heritage of the region. These problems cannot only make a poor fruition of sites and at the same time, there

is the risk of degradation of assets.

Corsica has natural assets of considerable importance, including the Regional Natural Park of Corsica, offering a

diversity of fauna and flora, the International Marine Park of the Strait of Bonifacio and nature reserves, such as

Scandola.

UNESCO has classified the Gulf of Porto as a World Heritage Site. The analysis highlights the inadequacy of

census and enhancement works.

There are 167 protected historical monuments, including 66 in Southern Corsica. The "Maison de Bonaparte" totals

half of the inputs recorded in the museums, monuments and sites the island. In 2003, the Fesch museum in Ajaccio

welcomed 3,375 visitors and the museum of Corsica 1,861 people47.

47 Programma Operativo Italia - Francia Marittimo 2007-2013, p. 210.


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1.11 Transport


- General good quality of transport networks - Satisfactory accessibility - Good level of road infrastructures - Satisfactory level of airport facilities - Large network of port cities well equipped to deal with the flow of passengers and goods

- Inadequate port infrastructure - Low multimodal accessibility - Lower density of the railway network


- Develop of multimodal transport system - Reinforcement of existing railway network

- Transport is a major source of pollution - Quality life of citizens and tourists

Transport and accessibility along the Mediterranean coast

Commercial shipping is developing rapidly and promotes a growing specialization among seaports, with an

intensification of traffic also in the area border. Seaports and shipping allow Europe to benefit from the rapid growth

of international trade and to play a leading role in the global economy, while the exploitation of mineral resources,

aquaculture, blue biotech and emerging sub-sea technologies represent increasingly important business

opportunities. Shipping is vital for Europe's international and domestic trade and remains the backbone of the

maritime cluster. Although shipping is a preoccupying source of air pollution and CO2 emissions, it remains

considerably more energy efficient than road transport. Nevertheless, shipping remains at a disadvantage

compared to other means of transport. Other transport modes benefit from more public investment. Furthermore, a

vessel travelling between two EU ports is subject to more complex and time-consuming procedures than a truck

would be, because a real internal market for maritime transport in Europe does not yet exist. In order to unlock the

full potential of Europe's shipping industry this disadvantage of maritime transport compared with the other modes

must be eliminated through the simplification of administrative and customs formalities for intra-EU maritime

services48.

Air and maritime traffic presents similar trend in growth and specialization and analysis shows the problem linked to

seasonability.

Passenger traffic at airports shows more growth in more specialized airport, with particular reference to those

airports that have higher tourist flow or low cost flight.

48 COM (2007) 575, An Integrated Maritime Policy for the European Union, p.3.


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Corsica has critical factors linked to internal and urban transport, which can accentuation the isolation of this region.

Transport infrastructure is particularly important for residents and tourists and represents competitiveness factor.

Corsica has four international airports and seven commercial ports, suffering greatly due to the lack of internal

infrastructure and the absence of territorial coordination.

Transport of goods to and from Corsica highlights critical issues, linked to a regional economy and to the

organization of transport and logistics chain, as well as the distributional organization.

The Liguria port network shows Genoa as a predominant urban centre and port. The port of Genova port is the

largest commercial port and the largest passenger port in Italy. It is the most important in the Mediterranean Sea,

with the French Marseille - Fos. It is among the most active in Europe along with those in Rotterdam (Netherlands)

and Hamburg (Germany). To highlight the importance of the port of Savona, with its excellent road and rail links to

and from the airport and the transportation system49.

In recent years international competition has greatly slowed down the positive dynamics of trade, which now grow

slower than the average performance of the Mediterranean, especially due to an inadequate port infrastructure.

The analysis stresses the lack of organizational efficiency and the low concentration in the port system, particularly

in Southern Italy to compete at international level50.

The Cooperation Italy-France 2014-2020 program includes actions for the environmental management and

monitoring, such as: reinforcing of existing railway network, the introduction

of the third race weekly (maritime) between Porto Torres and Propriano; which created a computer network system

among the ports of Piombino, Livorno and Bastia; a numerical wind measurement system in a plus short term in the

ports of the cross-border area through anemometer stations; fly-ferry Porto Torres-Alghero system; making signs

and posters to facilitate access to beaches51.

49 Programma di Cooperazione Transfrontaliera Italia - Francia Marittimo 2007-2013, p. 59. 50 Quadro strategico nazionale per la politica regionale di sviluppo 2007-2013, 95. 51 Programma di Cooperazione Italia - Francia Marittimo 2014-2020, Allegato 4, p. 17.


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1.12 Quality of life of citizens and tourists


- The Mediterranean territory is home to almost a quarter of the European population - Increasing population along the coast

- Geographical fragmentation and isolation of numerous territories (Islands, remote areas)


- Develop to improve connections, in particularly sea connections

- Consequence of the financial crisis

Population in the MED territory

Figure 3. Population density in the MED space, 2010

Today, the MED territory is home to more than 122 million people, or in other terms, almost a quarter of the

European population (24.3% of the EU27 population).


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A number of major cities (notably Barcelona, Lisbon, Marseille, Toulouse, Milan, Rome, Naples and Athens, etc.)

are located in the MED space. The area also includes a number of rural and/or isolated territories, particularly in

Greece.

At the start of the MED programme for 2007-2013, its population stood at 110 million. Today, it stands at 122 million

(without the 3 new regions accepted for 2014-2020). This 6.3% increase (which does not include Croatia) is

significant when compared with the European average increase of a 1.6% over the same period.

Figure 4. Population growth in the MED space, 2010)

This growth results in part from the appeal of its living conditions (in terms of climate, geography, and culture, etc.)

and regions such as the east coast of Spain, the north-west coast of Italy and the south coast of France all attract a

substantial number of young professionals or retired people. As for many European regions, the increase in

population is not due to natural increase, but mainly to migration from abroad.

It should be pointed out however that in some MED regions, notably in Greece, or in the south of Portugal, the

population is falling and may well fall further as a result of the economic crisis and its consequences for

employment52.

52 Med Cooperation Programme 2014-2020, 17 Marzo 2014, p.15-17


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Poor network infrastructure in Sardinia and Corsica

The analysis highlights the lack of coastal connections areas to inland areas, in particular in Corsica and Sardinia.

Maritime transport shows some criticality during the low season. The objective of the program is to give specific

attention to help strengthen the weak link of the cooperation in the links between the islands. Relations between the

two islands are carried out by sea connections, given the total absence of air routes.

The lack of accessibility from the coast to the internal zones and the high traffic density in the main corridors and

most urbanised areas cannot be solved only by developing road infrastructures. An integrated approach is required

with the adaptation of existing transport means and with the development of multimodal/intermodal transport

systems (road-rail connections)53.

Development of multimodal transport systems enhances cross-border connection

Population along the coast

Liguria is a region characterized by a high concentration of residents on the coast and inland (one common indoor

exceeds 10,000 inhabitants), and a high concentration in the capitals, however, characterized by an early start of

the process of urban sprawl , started in the early seventies54.

53 Programma di Cooperazione Transfrontaliera Italia - Francia Marittimo 2014-2020. 54 Programma di Cooperazione Transfrontaliera Italia - Francia Marittimo 2014-2020.


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1.13 Competitiveness of SMEs


- Highly competitive regions - Appeal of the Mediterranean area which is essential for the tourism

- Strong influence of traditional business - Low productivity of business


- Increasing clustering of SMEs - Constant monitoring to data analysis

- Difficult of businesses to access to finance - Poor statistics data

Businesses along the coast

The analysis shows that in Italian territories youth unemployment rate is 40% with a growth rate of young people

who are neither employed nor in school, or in a state of formation.

In Liguria, in 2012 employment decreased by 2.02% and employment is concentrated mainly in the service sector

(64.2%). Sole proprietorships are in the majority (62.3%), followed by the company in person (21%) and

corporations (14%).

Sardinia is characterized by micro-enterprises; the average farm size is the lowest in Italy with 2.7% employees per

company. Sole proprietorships are more than 67%, the company people are 17%, limited companies are about

14%. The service sector characterizes the economy (76% of companies).

In Corsica, in 2012 there were 31,900 active companies (micro and small enterprises: 96% with less than 10

employees). The services sector (represented mainly by the tourism sector) represents 40% the companies. The

potential of smart growth is supported by the predominant presence of SMEs and micro (90%), of which six out of

ten use environmental innovation, both to reduce costs, and to adapt to regulations55.

According to the European Commission, the annual installation of offshore capacity for offshore wind – the most

tried and tested technology and a key component of the blue growth approach–could exceed the annual installation

of onshore capacity by 2030. Offshore wind could meet 4% of the EU electricity demand by 2020 and 14% by 2030.

This would mean 170,000 jobs in 2020, increasing to 300,000 jobs in 2030. Ocean energy (waves and tides, salinity

55 Programma di Cooperazione Italia - Francia Marittimo 2014-2020, Allegato 4, p.5.


36

gradients and thermal gradients) could create between 10,500 and 26,500 permanent jobs and up to 14,000

temporary jobs by 203056.

The area is characterized by a high percentage of small and medium enterprises (92%) with a strong presence of

small companies.

52% of companies in the PACA region have less than 50 employees, while in other Italian regions, this percentage

goes up to 90%.

It has not been possible to scrutinize the analysis on this issue, first of all due to the lack of data on the border

labour market extended to the entire area of cooperation, but only in Paca and Liguria.

The job market in this area is strongly influenced by the Principality of Monaco, which employs at many French and

Italian residents. The analysis stresses moves from Italy to France about 6 times higher than in the opposite

direction, especially for seasonal work, related to tourism services, catering, as well as trade and personal

services57.

1.14 Shipbuilding


- Liguria in 2nd place among the Italian regions with the number of naval shipbuilding companies

- In Sardinia the percentage of the number of experts in the field, is the lowest of Italy


- Develop to innovate and modernisation the sector - Crisis in the sector




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Shipbuilding and the economic crisis

The shipbuilding and marine is a sector that employs more than 500,000 people and has an annual average

turnover of approximately 72 billion euros. Indeed the European shipyards are at this very moment differentiating

their activities by building greener, more innovative and safer ships and diversifying into marine energies58.

The analysis places Liguria in second position among the Italian regions with the number of naval shipbuilding

companies. In Tuscany the sector is characterized by an undisputed leadership in international markets. In both

regions sector is still affected by a deep crisis as a result of a reduction in the world market. In Sardinia, the

situation is worse, in fact, the percentage of the number of field experts, is the lowest of Italy (0.1%).

Shipbuilding in Corsica is very present, with particular reference to pleasure boats in the major shipyards in Corsica

Voile and Chantiers de Navales Calvi59.

1.15 Cruise sector


- Job opportunities - Contribution to economic growth

- Seasonality of tourists flows


- Deseasonalisation by non - Eu tourists - Risk of disasters - Environmental protection




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The cruise industry is growing60. More precise and annualised estimates are available for cruise tourism, where the

employment mentioned in the Blue Growth study (143,000) only referred to direct employment. The overall

employment (including indirect effects on manufacturing, wholesale & retail trade, transportation and other

services), is estimated at 303,000 in 2011 (ECC, 2011), and 315,500 in 2012 (ECC 2012).

Tab.3. Employment in the maritime and coastal tourism sector (* 1.000 jobs)

The value added of the maritime and coastal tourism sector rises from over € 152 bln in 2006 to €183 bln in 2011.

The biggest increase takes place in the cruise sector, where the value added rises with 40%. In the total value

added of the EU-27, maritime and coastal tourism has a share of 1.2%.

The economic importance of maritime and coastal tourism industry varies per sea-basin.

The industry is most important in and around the Mediterranean Sea. For maritime and coastal tourism overall, this

sea-basin represents almost 50% of both GVA and employment. For cruise tourism, the Mediterranean Sea share

amounted to round 50% employment but 60% of GVA.




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Tab. 4. GVA and employment in maritime and coastal industry in 2011, per sea-basin (GVA in € bln, employment in 1000 jobs). a) incl. 150,000 jobs and € 7.8 bln GVA in Outer Regions. For coastal the effects comprise the direct impacts only, for cruise all impacts and for yachting and marinas direct and indirect impacts.

The importance of the Mediterranean Sea in the maritime and coastal tourism has increased during the last years.

This can be illustrated by the shares of nights spent by sea-basin: the share of the Mediterranean increased from

45% in the year 2000 to 48% in 2011. The Baltic Sea was the only other sea-basin which increased in market share

(from 8 to 9%), while the North-East Atlantic (from 22% to 20%) and the North Seas (17 to 16%) saw a fell of their

share in terms of nights spent.

Figure 5. Share of nights spent in coastal regions by NUTS261 per sea-basin – comparison of the years 2000 and 2011.

61 NUTS2 regions are allocated to sea-basins according to Eurostat (NUTS3 definitions) and divided (if located alongside

more than one sea-basin by a division factor ( equals the number of sea-basins).


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Annual developments have generally shown a year-on-year growth that is very impressive, particularly if compared

to other tourism sectors. There have been some temporary hick-ups in demand, for instance following the 9/11

attack (particularly in the American source market) and the Costa Concordia disaster, but these where never strong

enough to result in a decline. They simply resulted in temporarily less strong growth rates.

The cruise market is very seasonal, particularly in Europe. In Northern Europe, the cruise season is relatively short

as summers are short, but also the Mediterranean season runs roughly only from April to November. In Malta for

instance, 94% of the cruise calls in 2006 to 2009 took place in the months April to November. Many cruise ships are

shifting between the Caribbean and Europe (the Mediterranean) every season - the cross Atlantic voyage being

sold as a cruise trip as well.

Non-European demand for cruises in Europe now is primarily sourced from the US market, but in the future it is

reasonable to expect that other affluent source markets may take up a more important share. Cruising is starting to

develop in the Far East, and it may be expected that Far Eastern passengers may wish to take a cruise in Europe at

some point. On the other hand, a growing cruise market in Asia may take away some of the US passengers from

the European markets. Indeed, cruise liners have ordered new ships to increase their capacity in the Asian region62.

62 Study in support of policy measures for maritime and coastal tourism at EU level, Final report, Ecorys, 2013, p. 41-43.


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2 References

- Programma di Cooperazione Transfrontaliera Italia- Francia Marittimo 2014-2020.

- Programma di Cooperazione Italia - Francia Marittimo 2014-2020, Allegato 4.

- Programma di Cooperazione Transfrontaliera Italia- Francia Marittimo 2007-2013.

- Quadro strategico nazionale per la politica regionale di sviluppo 2007-2013.

- Med Cooperation Programme 2014-2020, 17 March 2014.

- Med Operational Programme 2007-2013.

- Diagnostic territorial analysis of the MED territorial cooperation programme, 2013.

- Position Paper and Proposal regarding the upcoming Communication of the European Commission on the future European Strategy of Coastal and Maritime Tourism, NECSTouR, 2014.

- Study in support of policy measures for maritime and coastal tourism at EU level, Final report, Ecorys, 2013.

- The European Tourism Indicator System, Toolkit For Sustainable Destinations, 2013.

- Conference of Peripheral Maritime Regions of Europe, General Assembly, 2014.

- COM (2014) 86, A European Strategy for more Growth and Jobs in Coastal and Maritime Tourism.

- COM (2014) 254/2, Innovation in the Blue Economy realising the potential of our seas and oceans for jobs and growth.

- COM (2013) 229, Strategic Guidelines for the sustainable development of EU aquaculture

- COM (2007) 575, An Integrated Maritime Policy for the European Union.

- COM (2007) 621 – 19-10-2007 Agenda for a sustainable and competitive European tourism.

-COM (2012) 494 final. Blue Growth opportunities for marine and maritime sustainable growth, Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions.

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