Nautical sports in Spain

Abstract

This chapter discusses the interaction between tourism and sport in the development of nautical stations in Spain. These activities are characterised by their capacity to generate stable and qualified employment and by their ability to adapt to changing trends in tourism demand. Among different facilities in the nautical tourism industry, marinas are considered the most important by their ability to stimulate the development of tourism in the area where they are located. The main indicators of the evolution of nautical sports are boat mooring, the trips made for nautical sports, and nautical sports licenses. Nautical sports have many problems regarding sustainability and their resolution is complex. However, different political actions are promoted by the Spanish government. Likewise, the companies that offer nautical services, the managers of the marinas, and the nautical tourism companies have to work together to sustain economic growth and reduce the environmental impacts of nautical sports.