Master’s Degree in Marine Tourism Destination Planning
Why this master’s programme?
The Master’s in Marine Tourism Destination Planning
This program provides you with the tools and expert knowledge to lead the creation and management of sustainable and attractive tourist destinations. Learn to design innovative experiences, optimize infrastructure, and protect the marine environment. This program addresses strategic planning, tourism marketing, natural resource management, and the socioeconomic impact of tourism in coastal environments. Become an agent of change in the tourism sector, driving responsible development and the conservation of marine destinations.
This program provides you with the tools and expert knowledge to lead the creation and management of sustainable and attractive tourist destinations.
Differential Advantages
- Practical Approach: Development of real-world projects and case studies in marine tourism destinations.
- Sustainability and Conservation: Strategies to minimize environmental impact and promote social responsibility.
- Tourism Innovation: Design of unique and personalized experiences to meet the demands of today’s market.
- Networking: Networking opportunities with professionals and companies in the marine tourism sector.
- Global Perspective: Analysis of international trends and best practices in destination planning.
- Modality: Online
- Level: Masters
- Hours: 1600 H
- Start date: 13-06-2026
Availability: 1 in stock
Who is it aimed at?
- Tourism professionals who aspire to lead the sustainable planning and management of coastal destinations.
- Consultants and technicians from public administrations who seek tools and strategies for responsible tourism development in coastal areas.
- Tourism entrepreneurs interested in innovating and differentiating themselves through high-quality marine tourism products and experiences.
- Graduates in Tourism, Geography, Environmental Sciences, or Economics who wish to specialize in the field of marine tourism and its planning.
- Marketing and tourism promotion managers who need to optimize their strategies to attract visitors to marine tourism destinations.
Flexibility and Applicability
Program designed to fit around your professional activity: flexible online methodology, real-world case studies, and networking with industry experts.
Objectives and skills
Promoting the sustainable development of marine tourism:
Promote the adoption of eco-efficient practices in accommodation, transport and marine tourism activities.
Designing innovative maritime tourism experiences:
Research emerging trends and adapt disruptive technologies to create unique and personalized tourism products.
Efficiently manage marine natural resources:
Implement sustainable fishing practices and monitor marine populations, adapting strategies according to scientific data and environmental regulations.
Optimizing the economic profitability of marine tourist destinations:
Implement revenue management strategies that maximize occupancy and average spending per visitor, diversifying the tourism offer and attracting high-value market segments.
Promote collaboration between actors in the marine tourism sector:
“Establish effective communication channels to share information on safety, sustainability, and business opportunities.”
Develop marketing strategies specialized in marine tourism:
Identify emerging market niches (adventure tourism, ecotourism, themed cruises) and adapt the offer to their needs and expectations.
Study plan – Modules
Integrated Strategies for the Sustainable and Competitive Development of Marine Tourist Destinations
- Fundamentals of Sustainability Applied to Marine Tourism Destinations: Ecological, Economic, and Sociocultural Principles
- Comprehensive Analysis of the Marine Environment: Biodiversity, Coastal Ecosystems, and Their Vulnerability to Tourism Activity
- Tools and Methodologies for Environmental, Social, and Economic Impact Assessment in Marine Destinations
- Design of Sustainable Development Strategies: Integration of Public Policies, Private Stakeholders, and Local Communities
- Models of Collaborative Governance and Participatory Management in Marine Tourism Destinations
- Territorial Planning and Maritime Spatial Planning: Zoning, Multiple Use, and Preservation of Sensitive Areas
- Innovation and Technologies Applied to Sustainable Management: Monitoring Systems, Big Data, and GIS for Decision-Making
- Diversification and Value-Added Strategies for Competitiveness: Ecotourism, Scientific Tourism, and Marine Cultural Tourism
- Carrying Capacity Management Tourism and control of anthropogenic pressure in marine ecosystems
Certification protocols and international standards for sustainable and responsible tourism destinations
Implementation of sustainable tourism marketing plans and competitive positioning at a global level
Measurement and monitoring of sustainability indicators: a methodological framework for continuous improvement
International case studies and best practices: lessons learned from leading marine destinations in sustainability
Financing strategies and public-private partnerships for sustainable development projects in marine tourism destinations
Climate risk management and adaptation to climate change in the planning of marine tourism destinations
- Diagnosis and evaluation of marine resources: biological, geomorphological, and socioeconomic inventories
- Coastal dynamics: processes of erosion, sedimentation, littoral transport, and their implications for planning
- Environmental zoning and land use models: criteria for the sustainable allocation of tourism activities
- Advanced GIS tools for thematic mapping and spatial analysis applied to marine destinations
- Integrated territorial strategic planning: balancing conservation, economic development, and social well-being
- Integrated management of fisheries and aquaculture in the context of sustainable tourism
- Implementation of marine protected areas (MPAs): legislation, zoning, and effective monitoring
- Environmental and social impact assessment in coastal and marine tourism projects
- Design Resilient and eco-efficient infrastructure: ports, marinas, and tourist access points
Citizen participation and collaborative governance: methodologies for the inclusion of local communities and stakeholders
Financial mechanisms and business models for investment in sustainable marine tourism destinations
Sustainability indicators and monitoring systems for the continuous evaluation of coastal tourism development
Climate change adaptation and natural hazard mitigation in maritime territorial planning
Technological innovation and digital solutions for the efficient management of marine tourism destinations
International case studies and comparative analysis of successful marine territorial planning and management models
Integrated Strategies for the Sustainable and Competitive Development of Marine Tourist Destinations
- Fundamentals of Sustainability in Marine Tourism Destinations: Environmental, Social, and Economic Dimensions
- Life Cycle Assessment and its Application in the Sustainable Management of Marine Resources
- Integrated Tools for Strategic Diagnosis: SWOT Analysis, Interest-Power Matrix, Stakeholder Analysis
- Design of Competitive Strategies Based on Innovation and Shared Value Models in Coastal Destinations
- Maritime Territorial Planning: Environmental Zoning, Protected Areas, Land Use Regulation, and Coastal Management
- Implementation of Certified Environmental Management Systems: ISO 14001 and its Impact on Tourism Competitiveness
- Public Policies and Collaborative Governance: Multi-Stakeholder Management Models and Public-Private Strategic Alliances
- Development of Sustainable Economic Models: Blue Economy, Regenerative Tourism, and Service Valorization Marine ecosystems
- Social in the planning and management of marine tourism destinations
- Innovative financing models for sustainable development projects in coastal destinations: green funds, impact investing, and crowdfunding
- International and local legal aspects applicable to the sustainable development of marine tourism destinations
- Integrating sustainability into master plans and regional and national tourism development strategies
- Designing training and awareness programs for key stakeholders in the sustainable management of marine tourism destinations
Technological innovation and digitalization applied to the smart management of marine destinations: Big Data, IoT, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
Indicators and metrics for the continuous monitoring and evaluation of sustainable and competitive development in marine tourism destinations
Sustainable marketing strategies: destination branding, responsible communication, and building loyalty among conscious tourists
Risk management and resilience: assessment of coastal vulnerabilities, impacts of climate change, and adaptive planning
Integrated planning of tourism infrastructure and services to minimize impacts and maximize socioeconomic benefits
International success stories and critical analysis of best practices in the sustainable development of marine destinations
Development and management of sustainable marine tourism products: ecotourism, wellness tourism, and cultural tourism
Community participation and responsibility
- Blue Infrastructure: Foundations and design of sustainable coastal infrastructure, integration of marine and coastal ecosystems into land-use planning, advanced technologies for the restoration and protection of sensitive marine habitats.
- Circular Economy Applied to Marine Tourism Destinations: Sustainable business models, efficient management of natural resources and waste, implementation of reduction, reuse, and recycling policies in coastal environments, environmental and economic performance indicators.
- Carrying Capacity Assessment: Quantitative and qualitative methodologies for analyzing the physical, ecological, social, and economic capacity of marine tourism destinations, design of monitoring systems and adaptive management to prevent overtourism.
- Governance of Marine Tourism Destinations: Institutional structures and regulatory frameworks, community and multi-stakeholder participation, intersectoral coordination and strategies for efficient environmental governance, conflict resolution and decision-making mechanisms of inclusive decision-making.
Experiential Marketing in Marine Tourism: design of immersive and multisensory experiences, advanced market segmentation, strategic use of digital technologies and augmented reality, environmental storytelling, and brand positioning based on the sustainability and authenticity of the destination.
Integrated Planning of Marine and Coastal Spaces: GIS tools and spatial modeling, zoning for multiple uses and regulation of marine space, integrated management of protected areas and ecological corridors in tourism contexts.
Innovation and Resilience in Marine Tourism Destinations: analysis of climate and socioeconomic risks, strategies for adaptation to climate change, implementation of early warning systems and contingency plans for adverse events.
Sustainability Indicators and Audits: development of specific metrics for marine destinations, evaluation of environmental, economic, and social performance, external audits, and Internal processes for international certifications (Blue Flag, EarthCheck, etc.).
Certification and Quality in Marine Tourism Services: national and international regulations, accreditation processes, compliance with quality and sustainability standards, and ongoing training and development of human resources.
Case Studies and Practical Applications: detailed analysis of successful international and national marine destinations, implementation of innovative policies, crisis management, and development of comprehensive strategic plans focused on sustainability and competitiveness.
- Fundamentals of Technological Innovation Applied to Marine Tourism Destinations: Concepts, Trends, and Current Challenges
- Predictive Models in Tourism Planning: Types, Methodologies, and Applications in Marine Environments
- Big Data and Advanced Analytics: Data Collection, Processing, and Interpretation for the Efficient Management of Coastal Destinations
- Integration of IoT (Internet of Things) Systems in Marine Tourism Infrastructure for Environmental and Operational Monitoring
- Digital Platforms and Smart Tourism: Tools to Optimize the Visitor Experience and Destination Sustainability
- Simulation and Forecasting Models of Tourism Demand: Analysis of Climatic, Socioeconomic, and Environmental Variables
- Environmental and Social Impact Assessment Using Geospatial Technologies and Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
- Development of Dashboards and Early Warning Systems for the Management of Natural and Human-Caused Risks in Destinations
- Application of artificial intelligence and machine learning for strategic decision-making in tourism planning
- Key performance indicators (KPIs) in sustainability and competitiveness: design, monitoring, and adjustment based on predictive data
- International success stories: technological implementation in marine destinations and lessons learned
- Legal and regulatory framework related to technological innovation in marine tourism: privacy, data protection, and cybersecurity
- Strategies for knowledge transfer and training in technological tools for tourism managers
- Methodologies for the continuous evaluation and improvement of the predictive model in the dynamic context of coastal tourism
- Integration of multidisciplinary approaches: collaboration between technology, ecology, economics, and sociology for effective planning
marine destinations
- Fundamental principles of sustainability applied to marine tourism destinations: environmental conservation, social equity, and economic viability
- Integrated territorial management models: multidimensional analysis of marine and coastal resources for harmonious planning
- Environmental and social impact assessment: advanced methodologies for identifying risks and opportunities in marine destinations
- Design and application of sustainable tourism strategies: certifications, international regulations, and public policies
- Innovative technologies in marine destination management: geographic information systems (GIS), remote sensing, and Big Data for real-time monitoring
- Implementation of digital platforms for collaborative governance: citizen participation, local communities, and private stakeholders
- Optimization of carrying capacity and management of tourist flows through artificial intelligence and predictive analytics
- Development of sustainable infrastructure and Resilient: Eco-efficient design, renewable energy, and climate change mitigation
- Digital marketing and competitive positioning for marine destinations: Strategies based on advanced analytics, social media, and user experience
- Metrics and results evaluation: Quantitative and qualitative indicators for monitoring and continuous improvement of marine tourism management
- Fundamentals of strategic management in marine tourism destinations: environmental analysis, internal diagnosis, and goal setting
- Advanced strategic planning models: Balanced Scorecard, dynamic SWOT analysis, and strategic maps applied to coastal destinations
- Technological innovation: integration of Big Data, IoT, and digital platforms for the management and promotion of marine destinations
- Applications of geographic information systems (GIS) and remote sensing for spatial analysis and decision-making in marine tourism
- Sustainability strategies in coastal tourism: assessment of environmental, social, and economic impacts
- Management of renewable and non-renewable marine resources: policies, regulations, and international best practices
- Design and implementation of certification programs and ecolabels for sustainable marine tourism destinations
- Innovation in tourism products and experiences: blue tourism, marine ecotourism, and low-impact activities
- Environmental
- Adaptive planning and resilience: addressing climate change, coastal erosion, and extreme weather events
- Comprehensive monitoring and evaluation: key performance indicators (KPIs) in sustainable tourism management and technology applied to real-time data collection
- Collaborative governance: participation of local communities, the private sector, and authorities in the co-creation of strategic plans
- International success stories: critical analysis of marine destinations that combine technological innovation with sustainability and strategic management
- Sustainable financing and business models: investment, public-private partnerships, and innovative mechanisms for the economic viability of marine tourism destinations
- Legal and regulatory framework: international, regional, and local regulations for the management and protection of marine tourism destinations
- Development of professional skills: strategic leadership, change management, and technological skills for marine tourism destination managers
- Fundamentals of multidimensional analysis: definition, data types, and variables applicable to marine tourism destinations
- Advanced statistical models: multivariate regression, factor analysis, and structural models for destination evaluation
- Application of GIS (Geographic Information Systems) in marine tourism planning: integration of spatial and temporal data
- Data mining and machine learning techniques to predict tourist behavior patterns and their environmental impact
- Mathematical and heuristic optimization: genetic algorithms, linear programming, and Monte Carlo simulations for efficient allocation of tourism resources
- Sustainability indicators and their modeling: environmental, social, and economic impact assessment in marine destinations
- Tools for implementing adaptive management models in tourism destinations based on coastal resilience
- Scenario analysis and decision-making under uncertainty: advanced techniques such as scenario analysis Risk and game theory applied to territorial planning
Methodologies for continuous evaluation and real-time monitoring using IoT sensors and big data in marine environments
Real-world case studies: practical application of multidimensional models for optimization and sustainability in marine tourist destinations of high ecological and cultural value
- Fundamentals and principles of integrated management in marine tourism destinations: multidisciplinary and holistic approaches
- Advanced models of governance and citizen participation: integration of stakeholders, local communities, and public entities
- Assessment of ecological, social, and economic carrying capacity: quantitative and qualitative tools for sustainability
- Innovative technologies applied to environmental monitoring: remote sensing, geographic information systems (GIS), and drones for marine conservation
- Digitalization and smart management: IoT platforms and big data for resource optimization and the marine tourism experience
- Design and implementation of certification systems and specific ecolabels for sustainable marine destinations
- Risk management and resilience to extreme weather events and the climate emergency: adaptive planning and evidence-based mitigation
- Digital marketing and branding strategies for tourist destinations
Sustainable and globally competitive marine destinations
Development of innovative public policies and regulatory frameworks for the protection and sustainable use of marine and coastal heritage
Assessment of the socioeconomic impact using sustainability, competitiveness, and quality indicators in marine tourism destinations
International case studies with practical application of integrated models and advanced technologies in marine destination management
Predictive analysis and simulation tools for strategic decision-making in marine tourism planning
Integration of the blue economy and sustainable tourism: challenges, opportunities, and synergies for competitive marine destinations
Optimization of the tourism value chain through technological innovation and multi-sectoral collaboration
Implementation of continuous monitoring and evaluation systems based on georeferenced technologies and collaborative platforms
- Foundations and scope of the final project: specific objectives, hypotheses, and justification in the planning of marine tourism destinations
- Advanced methodologies for applied research: quantitative and qualitative techniques adapted to the marine tourism context
- Global and regional case studies: comparative analysis of urban-coastal resilience strategies and sustainability models in coastal destinations
- Assessment of environmental and sociocultural impacts: tools for comprehensive diagnoses in marine destinations
- Design of innovative strategies for sustainability: adaptive planning, integrated coastal zone management, and models based on the blue economy
- Implementation of public policies and collaborative governance: international, national, and local regulatory frameworks applied to marine tourism destinations
- Analysis of global competitiveness: positioning of marine destinations in tourism markets, emerging trends, and strategic differentiation
- Models of resilient development in the face of Climate change: infrastructure adaptation, risk management, and post-disaster recovery in coastal environments
Technological innovation applied to planning: Geographic Information Systems (GIS), remote sensing, and big data for tourism management
Strategic communication and marketing plan for marine destinations: brand building, storytelling, and digital channels aimed at attracting and retaining tourists
Economic and financial evaluation of tourism destination projects: feasibility analysis, return on investment, and sustainable financing
Monitoring and control: development of sustainability, resilience, and competitiveness indicators; systems for tracking and evaluating results
Professional writing of the final paper: structure, APA style, presentation of results, and oral defense before an academic committee
Ethics and social responsibility in applied research: considerations regarding consent, impact, and dissemination of results
Training for knowledge transfer: strategies for the practical implementation of research results in policies and projects real
Career prospects
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- Tourism Planning Technician: Design and management of sustainable marine tourism products.
- Marine Tourism Destination Manager: Coordination and promotion of coastal and maritime destinations.
- Specialized Tourism Consultant: Advising on marine tourism development projects.
- Tourism Marketing Manager: Creation of promotional strategies for marine destinations.
- Marine Tourism Researcher: Analysis of trends and development of new solutions for the sector.
- Tourism Project Manager: Planning and execution of tourism projects in marine environments.
- Tourism Sustainability Manager: Implementation of sustainable practices in marine tourism destinations.
- Teacher/Trainer in Marine Tourism: Delivery of courses and workshops on marine tourism planning and management.
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Entry requirements
Academic/professional profile:
Bachelor’s degree in Nautical Science/Maritime Transport, Naval/Marine Engineering or a related qualification; or proven professional experience on the bridge/in operations.
Language proficiency:
Functional Maritime English (SMCP) recommended for simulations and technical materials.
Documentation:
Updated CV, copy of qualification or seaman’s book, national ID/passport, motivation letter.
Technical requirements (for online):
Device with camera/microphone, stable internet connection, monitor ≥ 24” recommended for ECDIS/Radar-ARPA.
Admissions process and dates
Online
application
(form + documents).
Academic review and interview
Admissions decision
Admissions decision
(+ scholarship offer if applicable).
Place reservation
(deposit) and enrolment.
Induction
(access to the virtual campus, calendars, simulator guides).
Scholarships and financial support
- Design the future of tourism: Learn to create sustainable and profitable marine experiences.
- Master strategic planning: Acquire the tools to analyze, manage, and promote coastal tourism destinations.
- Drive innovation: Explore the latest trends in nautical tourism, cruises, ecotourism, and local development.
- Connect with experts: Interact with leading professionals in the sector and expand your network.
- Project your career: Prepare for key roles in public administration, tourism companies, and specialized consulting.
Testimonials
This master’s degree provided me with the tools and knowledge necessary to lead the sustainable development of an emerging coastal tourist destination. I applied the principles of strategic planning and resource management learned in the program, achieving a 30% increase in tourist arrivals in the first year, while minimizing the environmental impact and maximizing the benefit for the local community.
During my Master’s degree in Tourism & International Cruises, I developed a comprehensive business plan for a new cruise excursion focused on sustainable tourism in Antarctica. This project not only received top marks but also attracted the interest of a major cruise line, leading to an internship and subsequent employment in their product development department.
This master’s program provided me with the tools and knowledge necessary to lead the sustainable development of an emerging marine tourism destination. I applied the principles of strategic planning and resource management learned during the program, achieving a 30% increase in responsible tourism and local community satisfaction in the first year of implementation.
This master’s degree provided me with the necessary tools to lead the sustainable development of an emerging marine tourism destination. I applied my knowledge of coastal resource management and strategic planning to design a development plan that attracted investment and improved the quality of life for the local community, while simultaneously preserving the marine ecosystem. The results exceeded expectations, with a significant increase in responsible tourism and minimal environmental impact.
Frequently asked questions
Marine 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.
It encompasses both the tourism development of coastal areas and the management of protected marine spaces.
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 University + operational portfolio (tracks, SOPs, reports and KPIs) useful for audits and employment.
- Foundations and scope of the final project: specific objectives, hypotheses, and justification in the planning of marine tourism destinations
- Advanced methodologies for applied research: quantitative and qualitative techniques adapted to the marine tourism context
- Global and regional case studies: comparative analysis of urban-coastal resilience strategies and sustainability models in coastal destinations
- Assessment of environmental and sociocultural impacts: tools for comprehensive diagnoses in marine destinations
- Design of innovative strategies for sustainability: adaptive planning, integrated coastal zone management, and models based on the blue economy
- Implementation of public policies and collaborative governance: international, national, and local regulatory frameworks applied to marine tourism destinations
- Analysis of global competitiveness: positioning of marine destinations in tourism markets, emerging trends, and strategic differentiation
- Models of resilient development in the face of Climate change: infrastructure adaptation, risk management, and post-disaster recovery in coastal environments
Technological innovation applied to planning: Geographic Information Systems (GIS), remote sensing, and big data for tourism management
Strategic communication and marketing plan for marine destinations: brand building, storytelling, and digital channels aimed at attracting and retaining tourists
Economic and financial evaluation of tourism destination projects: feasibility analysis, return on investment, and sustainable financing
Monitoring and control: development of sustainability, resilience, and competitiveness indicators; systems for tracking and evaluating results
Professional writing of the final paper: structure, APA style, presentation of results, and oral defense before an academic committee
Ethics and social responsibility in applied research: considerations regarding consent, impact, and dissemination of results
Training for knowledge transfer: strategies for the practical implementation of research results in policies and projects real
Request information
Complete the Application Form.
Attach your CV/degree certificate (if you have it to hand).
Indicate your preferred cohort (January/May/September) and whether you would like the hybrid option with simulator sessions.
An academic advisor will contact you within 24–48 hours to guide you through the admission process, scholarships, and compatibility with your professional schedule.
Faculty
Eng. Tomás Riera
Full Professor
Eng. Tomás Riera
Full Professor
Naval engineer specializing in the selection, integration, and optimization of propulsion systems for yachts, high-speed craft, and service vessels.
Eng. Sofía Marquina
Full Professor
Eng. Sofía Marquina
Full Professor
Materials engineer specializing in marine composites and corrosion protection systems for ships, yachts, and port structures.
Eng. Javier Bañuls
Full Professor
Eng. Javier Bañuls
Full Professor
Naval electrical engineer with over fifteen years of experience in the design, integration, and operation of power and automation systems.
Dr. Nuria Llobregat
Full Professor
Dr. Nuria Llobregat
Full Professor
Specialist in meteorological and operational decision-making for coastal and offshore navigation, integrating wind, wave, and current models.
Dr. Pau Ferrer
Full Professor
Dr. Pau Ferrer
Full Professor
Naval engineer with a PhD in applied hydrodynamics and over a decade of experience designing high-performance hulls and marine structures.
Cap. Javier Abaroa (MCA)
Full Professor
Cap. Javier Abaroa (MCA)
Full Professor
MCA-certified captain with command of ocean-going vessels, specializing in advanced maneuvering, navigation management, and bridge safety.