Coastal Resort Development: Morphological Processes, Planning and Reality

Abstract

This thesis focuses on the increasing number of coastal resort developments (tourist destinations) within two South Pacific Countries, Fiji and New Zealand. The main items for investigation are the morphological changes that occur on the coast as a result of developments that cater for touristic accommodation and activities; the resulting effects of such drastic changes; and ways to control, if not prevent such development patterns. Touristic development on the coast, in many instances, begins with small scale, low intensity development, such as construction of baches. As demand for tourism development in the area rises, rapid development and subdivisions immediately follows. This starts well, but soon after, the natural components of these areas are lost and a decline is witnessed in the resorts. More than the economic component, there are major adverse effects on the environment, such as erosion, coastal inundation, loss of flora and fauna, degradation of the marine environment (pollution) and developments left more prone to natural disasters. In turn, both these components have a social effect. The research highlights the need to integrate the field of urban design/geography, and resource management and planning to avoid decline in coastal resorts and to sustain coastal resources. Additionally, this thesis comparatively examines the morphological changes, and the resource management and planning jurisdictions of two coastal resorts, one from each country. The findings of which are mapped against eight stages that are plotted against three variables (physical, environmental and social), which are derived from the tourism literature to explain the morphological transformation of a coastal resort. The study directs a need for legislative reform to require a Spatial Plan for the respective countries that maps areas suitable for tourism developments, conservation and in need of protection. This coupled with a mandatory master planning approach for all tourism developments will proactively plan the destination product and place a lock to the maximum development capacity. The final thread to sustaining the coastal resources and allowing for tourism activities on the coast to prevent going in decline is setting up a coastal commission who in consultation with the territorial local authorities would assess and make decisions on tourism development proposals; and ensure continuous monitoring of policies and objectives.