Exploring Underwater Tourism in EU-Mediterranean Coastal Areas for Sustainable Development

Many of the EU-Mediterranean coastal areas are an amalgam of cultural and natural extraordinary resources. Thus, there is a growing trend towards the economic and social impact of developing coastal, maritime, and underwater tourism in Europe. The significance of this trend was underscored during the European Maritime Day in 2022, which spotlighted its potential to foster a sustainable blue economy for green recovery. Despite its promise, empirical studies on the role of underwater tourism opportunities and their contribution to sustainable challenges remain scarce. In response to this research gap, the present study examined the impact of underwater tourism development to the coastal areas, through a qualitative method based on worldwide best practices. Data were collected using desk research and secondary databases. This study contributes to the existing knowledge of multidisciplinary research interests such as new perspectives for coastal area tourism destination development that could ensure a conservation management of the underwater historical and natural attractions from the part of the local authorities, for the education and benefit of the local communities. The aim is to raise awareness of new innovative practices and technology of life under water both by confirming the beneficial contribution of such practices and by providing valuable managerial insights for practical implications. Finally, the analysis can serve as a valuable tool for useful managerial decisions about underwater related tourism practices, aligned with the Sustainable Development Goal number 14—Life Below Water, as part of the United Nations (UN) 2030 Agenda.