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Tracking Tourism Waves: Insights from Automatic Identification System (AIS) Data on Maritime–Coastal Activities

Author

Listed:
  • Jorge Ramos

    (Research Centre for Tourism, Sustainability and Well-Being (CinTurs), University of Algarve, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal)

  • Benjamin Drakeford

    (Centre for Blue Governance (CBG), University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth PO1 2UP, UK)

  • Joana Costa

    (Research Centre for Tourism, Sustainability and Well-Being (CinTurs), University of Algarve, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
    Faculty of Sciences and Technology (FCT), University of Algarve, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal)

  • Ana Madiedo

    (Research Centre for Tourism, Sustainability and Well-Being (CinTurs), University of Algarve, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
    Centre for Marine and Environmental Research (CIMA), University of Algarve, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal)

  • Francisco Leitão

    (Centre of Marine Sciences (CCMAR), University of Algarve, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal)

Abstract

The demand for maritime–coastal tourism has been intensifying, but its offerings are sometimes limited to a few activities. Some of these activities do not require specific skills or certifications, while others do. This study aimed to investigate what type of activities are carried out by tourism and recreational vessels in the coastal area of the central Algarve (Portugal). To this end, data from the automatic identification system (AIS) of recreational vessels was used to monitor and categorise these activities in a non-intrusive manner. A model (TORMA) was defined to facilitate the analysis of AIS data and relate them to five independent variables (distance from the coast, boat speed, bathymetry, seabed type, and number of pings). The results of the analysis of more than 11 thousand hourly AIS records for passenger, sailing, and charter vessels showed that the 14 most regular ones had strong seasonal patterns, greater intensity in summer, and spatial patterns with more records near some coastal cliffs. This study provides valuable information on the management of motorised nautical activities near the coast and at sea, contributing to more informed and effective tourism regulation and planning.

Suggested Citation

  • Jorge Ramos & Benjamin Drakeford & Joana Costa & Ana Madiedo & Francisco Leitão, 2025. "Tracking Tourism Waves: Insights from Automatic Identification System (AIS) Data on Maritime–Coastal Activities," Tourism and Hospitality, MDPI, vol. 6(2), pages 1-20, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jtourh:v:6:y:2025:i:2:p:99-:d:1669174
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