The reduction in the beach area as the main limiting factor for sustainable tourism development (case for the Kaliningrad Oblast)

Abstract

The aim of this chapter is to study the trend of alteration of the beach area of the marine coast of the Kaliningrad Oblast (region) in 1995–2015 as a limiting factor for sustainable development of tourism in the region. Both Russian and foreign approaches to defining the notion of “area carrying capacity” were studied. The historical perspective of shore protection attitude was investigated. The paper focuses on natural factors of development of the Kaliningrad Oblast. The recommendations for federal and regional authorities for sustainable tourism are developed. The Kaliningrad Oblast possesses lengthy sand beaches with different capacities. However, if the current trend of destruction of the waterfront continues, the most popular resort areas will be limited in their development by the natural carrying capacity of the territory. The development of the Kaliningrad Oblast as a tourism centre should include a programme for conducting sand-entrapping and shore protection works.