Multi-Criteria Analysis of the Mass Tourism Management Model Related to the Impact on the Local Community in Constanta City (Romania)

Abstract

Traditionally and socially, the tourism in Constanta is considered to be important to the local economy. Sun and beach locations are both a draw for locals and tourists to the city, on the Black Sea. However, vacation-oriented activities in the city only have a seasonal cycle. In this paper, we proposed to analyze the mass tourist activity in Constanta, taking into account economic, social, and environmental conditions. Additionally, we attempted to build a model based on the data available. The model was developed using a PESTEL analysis to determine the supportability factor of the indicators identified. We also set out to create a projection of the activities proposed for analysis by 2050. To create a model for coastal areas, the data used in this research must be accurate and consistent. Furthermore, correctly identifying indicators and their relationships is a critical step in conducting a thorough study. Last but not least, finding the calculation coefficient for the activity in question is critical, as collecting data from various activities might be challenging when trying to find a feasible model.

Introducing the Living Lab Approach in the Coastal Area of Constanta (Romania) by Using Design Thinking

“…The basic identification of activities in terms of their social and environmental economic factors, in our opinion, is incomplete to carry out an effective analysis that will serve as the foundation for a sustainable coastal management model. By recognizing the interaction between indicators, one can demonstrate the dependence of some activities on others, as well as the areas where the interaction of these activities creates conflict that can result in coastal zone vulnerability [1,2]. If the design thinking process within a Living Lab can lead to the identification and evaluation of a coastal activity, these activities must be attributed to economic, social, or environmental factors.…”

“…The supportability factor for activities that have affected each other reaches zero, depending on the greater or lesser impact between the activities. Furthermore, if one activity had a positive effect on the other, the supportability factor is also positive, on a scale of 0 to 1 [2][3][4][5].…”

“…The goal of a supportability analysis is to determine the context of the socio-economic and environmental conditions against which investment measures will be implemented, as well as the medium-or long-term evolution of an analyzed situation. These variables will effectively determine whether the proposed improvements are supportable for the community, particularly for vulnerable social strata [2].…”

“…where I sg represents the general supportability index, R s indicates the rate of supportability of the analyzed indicators, n represents the total number of indicators, and I s represents the analyzed indicators. Similarly, the supportability index can be calculated on each factor [2]. The hypothesis is represented by the actual state of the pressures existing on the coastal areas.…”

“…Excessive resource use will result in the devastation of the natural terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. In the future, while addressing the negative effects of climate change, it will be necessary to seek adaptive or alternative solutions [1][2][3].…”