Dr. Marina AlcoverAcademic director focused on measurable results and operational excellence in maritime education. Integrates IMO/STCW regulations and ISO 21001/9001 f
Masters · 1600 h · 11 modules
Master's in Coastal Tourist Destination Management
This program provides you with the tools and expert knowledge to lead the transformation of coastal destinations towards a sustainable and competitive future. Learn to design innovative tourism experiences, manage natural…
Duration1600 h
FormatOnline
Starts7 December
Places20 / 20
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Programme overview
What is the Master’s in Coastal Tourist Destination Management?
The Master in Coastal Tourism Destination Management
This program provides you with the tools and expert knowledge to lead the transformation of coastal destinations towards a sustainable and competitive future. Learn to design innovative tourism experiences, manage natural resources responsibly, and drive local economic development, all with a focus on sustainability and community engagement. This program equips you to meet the challenges of modern tourism and become a change agent in the sector.
Differentiating Advantages
- Specialization in Coastal Destinations: a unique focus on the challenges and opportunities of coastal tourism.
- Practical Methodology: real-world case studies, consulting projects, and management simulations.
- Networking: expert professors, industry professionals, and peers from around the world.
- Cutting-Edge Tools: tourism data analysis, digital marketing, and sustainability management.
- Skills Development: leadership, communication, negotiation, and project management.
Programme type
Master's Degree
Study mode
Online
Duration
1,600 hours
Modules
11
Start date
08-12-2026
Programme highlights
- Innovative Strategies: Master the latest trends in planning and development of coastal tourist destinations.
- Sustainable Management: Learn to balance economic growth with environmental preservation and local culture.
- Digital Tourism Marketing: Boost the promotion of your destination with advanced online marketing tools and techniques.
- Practical Experience: Participate in real-world case studies and applied projects to strengthen your skills.
- Networking: Connect with industry professionals, academic experts, and peers from around the world.
- Develop a comprehensive and strategic vision to lead the future of coastal tourism.
Curriculum
Programme Structure
The programme is structured in 11 modules, listed below in order of study.
01
Fundamentals of coastal tourism, coastal geography and blue economy
- Historical evolution of coastal tourism: from heliocentrism (sun and beach) to tourism of marine experiences
- Geographic and geomorphological characteristics of coastal spaces, estuaries, deltas and insular systems
- Principles of the blue economy (Blue Economy) applied to the diversification of coastal tourism activity
- Demand dynamics in coastal destinations: motivations, spending patterns and new passenger profiles
- The economic value of coastal natural capital and the valuation of ecosystem services in tourism
- Interaction between tourism activity, artisanal fishing, aquaculture and port management
- Analysis of coastal tourist seasonality and deseasonalization strategies of the destination
- Coastal development models: large-scale, dispersed low-density intensive and insular ecotourism
- Global trends in cruise tourism and its economic and social impact on destination ports
- Macroeconomic indicators of the contribution of coastal tourism to regional GDP and local employment
02
Territory planning, maritime-terrestrial public domain and coastal legislation
- Legal framework and instruments of territorial planning in the coastal and insular areas
- Legal regime of the maritime-terrestrial public domain (DPMT): Easements of protection, transit and access to the sea
- Integrated Coastal Zone Management Tools (OIZC/ICZM) and Marine Spatial Planning (MSP)
- Management of concessions, authorizations and beach bars in the beach service strip
- Coastal environmental protection instruments: Red Natura 2000, marine reserves and marine protected areas
- Littoral urbanism: control of the building, regeneration of maritime facades and port fronts (waterfronts)
- International regulatory framework for the prevention of marine pollution (MARPOL) and management of coastal waste
- Regulation of nautical-recreational activities, anchorages and events in the marine environment
- Environmental taxation and tourist fees applied to the conservation of the coastal and insular environment
- Strategic Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) in coastal tourism infrastructure projects
03
Comprehensive management of beaches, environmental quality and accessibility
- The beach as the main tourist resource: zoning, physical and ecological cargo capacity
- Beaches quality and environmental management systems: ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and EMAS
- Certifications of Excellence Coast: Blue flag, Q for tourist quality and Ecoplayas flags
- Bath water quality management: microbial analytics, discharge control and pollution episodes
- Safety, Rescue and Aquatic Lifeguard Protocols on High Concurrency Beaches
- Universal accessibility on the coast: adapted infrastructures, assisted bathing and elimination of architectural barriers
- Coastal sediment management: sand regeneration, coastal dynamics and protection against erosion
- Sustainable beach cleanup: Synthetic waste removal, Posidonia/Phanerogamation management and marine biomass
- Infrastructure and beach facilities: toilets, surveillance towers, access walks and catering services
- Contingency and emergency plans for hydrocarbon spills, algae blooms and jellyfish bites
04
Tourism Governance, DMO and Development of Smart Coastal Destinations (Smart Coastal Destinations)
- Structure and functions of destination management agencies (DMOs) in coastal territories
- Public-Private Collabourative Governance Models: Mixed Entities, Beach Committees and Tourist Clusters
- Implementation of the Smart Tourist Destination Model (DTI) in municipalities and coastal regions
- Sensor networks and the Internet of Things (IoT) for monitoring of gauging in beaches and air quality
- Geographic Information Systems (GIS) applied to the management of visitor flows and coastal land uses
- Big data and tourist intelligence on the coast: analysis of mobile phones, credit cards and social listening
- Open Data Platforms for Strategic Decision Making of the Local Business Sector
- Management of coastal sustainable mobility: public transport in coastal, dissuasive car parks, and bike lane
- Management of saturation and massification (overtourism) through technological tools for diversion of flows
- Comprehensive dashboards and sustainability indicators for real-time management of the coastal destination
05
Climate change, coastal resilience and environmental sustainability
- Climate change impacts on coastal zones: sea level rise, erosion and extreme weather events
- Adaptation and climate resilience plans for coastal municipalities and islands
- Nature-based solutions (SBN) for coastal protection: dunes, mangroves and artificial reefs
- Freshwater management in coastal destinations: desalination, reuse of purified water and water efficiency in hotels
- Energy transition in coastal tourism: port decarbonisation, photovoltaic self-consumption and offshore wind
- Management of urban and plastic waste in tourist destinations with high population density in high season
- Conservation of marine biodiversity and mitigation of the impact of boating on sea grasses
- Carbon neutrality strategies for coastal destinations and carbon footprint certification
- Sensitization and environmental education aimed at residents, tourists and operators of the coastal sector
- Green financing and international funds for ecological restoration and resilience of coastal destinations
06
Creation of coastal tourism, nautical and marine ecotourism
- Diversification of the coastal tourist offer: Overcoming the traditional model through the creation of experiences
- Nautical and sports tourism: management of marinas, marinas, sailing schools and nautical charter
- Fishing and sailor tourism (fishing): Valuation of the traditional trade and ethnographic heritage
- Marine ecotourism and wildlife observation: cetacean sighting, sustainable diving and guided snorkeling
- Marine gastronomy and coastal wine tourism: Fresh fish routes, quality brands and zero mile products
- Cultural tourism and maritime heritage: lighthouses, coastal fortresses, naval museums and submerged wrecks
- Health, wellness and thalassotherapy tourism in the marine environment
- Creation of coastal routes and itineraries: coastal trails, Ronda roads and maritime greenways
- Organisation of coastal sport and cultural events as dynamics of demand outside the season
- Design of accessible and inclusive tourist experiences in the marine and port environment
07
Regeneration of mature coastal destinations and urban restructuring
- Diagnosis of mature coastal destinations: infrastructure obsolescence, environmental degradation and loss of competitiveness
- Reconversion plans and integral of coastal destinations: brand repositioning strategies and public space
- Renovation of the obsolete hotel plant: energy rehabilitation, increase in category and change of use
- Restructuring of the coastal urban space: pedestrianization of promenades and creation of green areas
- Strategies for attracting private investment and urban renewal funds in mature tourist areas
- Gentrification, conversion of accommodation into vacation homes and access to housing for the local population
- Economic diversification of single-product destinations towards knowledge economies and digital nomads
- Management of coastal nightlife areas: citizen coexistence, security and reduction of acoustic impact
- Collabouration models between the real estate, commercial and tourism sector in the regeneration process
- Successful international reconversion case studies of coastal destinations in the Mediterranean and the Caribbean
08
Marketing, branding and international promotion of coastal destinations
- Coastal Destination Branding Strategies: Positioning of Identity, Differential Values and Marine Values
- Digital marketing plan for coastal destinations: SEO, SEM, content marketing and social media management
- Destination online reputation management and monitoring of travelers on digital platforms
- Communication campaigns aimed at attracting high value-added segments and long-term tourism
- B2B marketing strategies: relationship with tour operators, online travel agencies (OTAS) and tourism fairs
- Visual content marketing: drone use, 3D virtual tours, and audiovisual production of coastal landscapes
- Familiarization Travel Organisation (Fam Trips) and Press Trips for Litoral Promotion
- Crisis communication strategies in the face of environmental emergencies, marine temporary or health alerts
- Neuromarketing applied to the sale of experiences of rest, nature and coastal well-being
- Measurement of the return on investment (ROI) of the international promotional actions of the destination
09
Economic management, tourism financing and investment plans
- Budget Structure of Coastal Destination Management Entities and Municipal Public Financing
- Recruitment of European and international funds for the sustainable and digital transformation of coastal destinations
- Public-Private Collabouration Instruments (CPP) for the development of maritime tourism infrastructure
- Evaluation of the economic and social profitability of large tourist projects on the coast
- Canon models and administrative concession for the exploitation of services on beaches and ports
- Municipal Tourist Taxation: Ecotasas, Taxes on Overnight stays and their redistribution in environmental conservation
- Attraction of foreign direct investment (FDI) in the hotel and leisure sector coastal
- Management of operational costs for maintenance of beach services, cleaning and security in high season
- Analysis of tourist spending on destination and its impact on local trade and restoration
- Formulation of strategic financial viability plans for blue economy project management
10
Capstone Project: Strategic Plan for Transformation and Sustainability of a Coastal Destination
- Selection and analysis Comprehensive diagnosis of a coastal municipality or territory (mature, emerging or insular)
- Audit of environmental sustainability, beach loading capacity and vulnerability to climate change
- Design of the governance structure and participation of local agents (public, private and citizenship)
- Elabouration of the Coastal Tourism Planning Plan and proposal for the zoning of uses in the maritime-terrestrial strip
- Integration of technological and tourist intelligence solutions within the Smart Destination framework
- Creation of a portfolio of tourism products based on the blue economy and diversification of supply
- Marketing plan and brand positioning for the deseasonalization of the destination
- Investment plan, financial feasibility analysis and search for public and private sources of financing
- Establishment of the control panel of indicators of economic, social and environmental impact
- Executive presentation and oral defence of the Strategic Plan before a Court of Experts in Territorial Management and Coastal Tourism
11
Master’s Final Project in Coastal Tourist Destination Management
- Choice of topic and definition of the research problem
- Formulation of objectives, hypotheses and scope of work
- Review of the state of the art and specialised bibliography
- Analysis of the applicable regulatory and technical framework
- Design of the methodology and the work plan
- Data collection, processing and validation
- Technical development and analysis of results
- Discussion, conclusions and future lines of work
- Drafting of the memory in accordance with academic standards
- Presentation and public defence before the Court
Workload
Study Time and Workload
1600 hours of study, online and at your own pace. Move the slider to the hours a week you can really put in.
Hours a week8
Weeks to finish—
You finish around—
Who it is for
Tourism professionals who want to lead the sustainable and efficient management of coastal destinations.Tourism planning managers who are looking for tools to optimize the development and promotion of coastal areas.Tourism sector entrepreneurs interested in innovating in products and services adapted to the specific characteristics of coastal tourism.Tourism consultants and technicians who a
Faculty
Academic direction and faculty
The teaching team at Navalis: working professionals who deliver and oversee the institute's programmes.
Eng. Diego Cifuentes
Cap. Javier Abaroa (MCA)
Dr. Pau Ferrer
Dr. Nuria Llobregat
Eng. Javier Bañuls
Eng. Sofía Marquina
Eng. Tomás Riera
Verified reviews
Student Reviews
Reviews collected and verified by Opynio, not written by us.
Outcomes
Learning Outcomes
- 01Leading innovation in sustainable tourism products
- 02Optimizing the profitability of coastal destinations
- 03Designing effective tourism marketing strategies
- 04Effectively manage coastal natural and cultural resources
- 05Develop inclusive and resilient tourism policies
- 06Assess and mitigate the impacts of climate change on coastal tourism
Careers
Career Opportunities
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02Tourism Destination Manager: Planning, development, and promotion of coastal destinations.
03Tourism Consultant: Advising companies and institutions on sustainable tourism strategies.
04Tourism Product Director: Creation and management of innovative tourism experiences.
05Tourism Marketing Manager: Promotion of destinations and tourism products through various channels.
06Tourism Technician in Public Administrations: Planning and management of tourism policies at the local, regional, or national level.
07Tourism Entrepreneur: Creation and management of tourism businesses (accommodation, activities, etc.).
08Tourism Researcher: Analysis of trends and development of studies on coastal tourism.
09Tourism Sustainability Manager: Implementation of sustainable practices in tourism destinations and businesses.
Questions
Entry Requirements
Coastal tourism.
Yes. The itinerary includes ECDIS/Radar-ARPA/BRM with harbor, ocean, fog, storm, and SAR scenarios.
Online with live sessions; hybrid option for simulator/practical placements through agreements.
In destinations located on the coast.
Recommended functional SMCP. We offer support materials for standard phraseology.
Yes, with a relevant degree or experience in maritime/port operations. The admissions interview will confirm suitability.
Optional (3–6 months) through Companies & Collaborations and the Alumni Network.
Simulator practice (rubrics), defeat plans, SOPs, checklists, micro-tests and applied TFM.
A degree from Navalis Magna Institute + operational portfolio (tracks, SOPs, reports and KPIs) useful for audits and employment.
Online admissions
Admissions Process
No waiting for a phone call. If your documents are complete, you can pay in the same session.
Entry requirements
```htmlAcademic/Professional Profile:Bachelor's/Undergraduate Degree in Tourism, Business Administration, Economics, Geography, Marketing, or a related field; or accredited professional experience in tourism management, coastal planning, or local development.Language Proficiency:Recommended: English (B2 or higher) for access to bibliography and international communication. Other languages will be considered an asset.Documentation:Updated CV, copy of degree, academic transcript, ID/Passport, cover letter highlighting interest in coastal destinations.Technical Requirements
Questions?
Frequently Asked Questions
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