Measuring the local economic benefits
of surfing tourism
Methodologies
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Questionnaire Beach Survey
Surfer Tally
Street Survey
Informal Interviews
Wider Research Review
• The management of responsible surfing tourism in destinations throughout the
UK. By Christin Radtke, Leeds Metropolitan University, September 2013
• The Economic Impact of domestic of surfing on the United Kingdom
Dr. Bryan Mills & Andy Cummins, Surfers Against Sewage
• ABTA – Destinations Approach Methodology
Comparative Study of the Impacts of
Surfing Tourism on the Coastal Resorts of
Bundoran, Ireland
Newquay, England
The study attempted to assess the impact of surfing tourism on the two towns; Newquay England
and Bundoran, Ireland using the triple bottom line of environment, social and economic impacts
It was intended to focus on the economic impact of surfing tourism in particular
General Approach
To rely on primary data due to lack of published information on
surfing tourism on the two destinations (year 2000)
Questionnaire Survey: Fistral Beach
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Profile - background information
Social and cultural issues to identify the “atmosphere” in the water
Doxy’s index of irritation
Ranking the popularity of the resort
Strong winds & rain
Economic (Spending habits)
Limited Environmental Assessment
Broad remit of questions
Small sample size
Questionnaire Survey:
The Peak Bundoran
Limitations: The number of total surfers was
much lower. It was only possible to question
35 surfers
Surfer Tally
Street Survey
Stakeholder Interviews
Further Research
The management of responsible surfing tourism in destinations throughout the UK
(Swansea, Porthcawl, Pembrokeshire & Newquay)
By Christin Radtke, Leeds Metropolitan University, September 2013
Secondary Research
• Quantitative Research: Theoretical Background
• Questionnaire (via web, distribution of hard copies)
Qualitative Research
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In depth interviews with key-informants
Interviews or questionnaires with businesses
Limitations: low response rates, direct contact with key people in businesses was difficult
and questions delegated down the line, the accuracy of the questionnaire is questionable as
it is not certain if respondents answer questions directly or try to answer in an ethical way.
Open nature of questions made it difficult to cross-analyse with others. Focus on more
closed questions next time.
Further Research
The Economic Impact of domestic of surfing on the United Kingdom
Dr. Bryan Mills & Andy Cummins, Surfers Against Sewage, October 2013,
On line survey conducted with 2,159 usable responses
Limitations
1. Sample database was the SAS membership
2. The study appears to slightly over represent Cornwall. This is possibly due to the stratification of the original databases used (SAS members
initially)
3. Respondents have self-completed the survey and no third party confirmation of their spend or behaviour has been possible
4. Under 18s are probably underrepresented. This is possibly due to the stratification of the original databases used and to a survey that may
appear, in their eyes, is aimed more towards adults (with questions relating to employment etc.)
5. The study has not examined in detail indirect and induced effects, relying instead on multipliers
Recommended areas for additional research :
1. Additional field based studies to test the reliability of the data with regards to actual expenditure.
2. Additional field based studies to test the reliability of the data with regards to actual numbers of surfers frequenting breaks
3. Expansion of the survey to included better representation from under 18 year olds
4. Establishment through addition economic analysis of reliable multipliers associated with surfing and the surfing industry
ABTA’s Destination Approach Methodology
Methodologies are led principally by a qualitative approach
Key Informant Interviews
Interviewing stakeholder groups
Structured meetings
Identify key themes
Refined through web research;
e.g. legislative background, national and international laws & agreements
Quantitative (less so)
e.g. Recording monthly energy consumption