The Impact of Tourism on the Patagonian Coast,Argentina

Summary

The coasts of the Argentinean Patagonia aroused considerable interest when the nature-directed tourist boom took place. This paper is based on an analysis of literature pertaining to the impact of tourism on coastal areas in the province of Chubut-particularly in the area of the Valdes Peninsula included in UNESCO's World Heritage List-and its most important city, Puerto Madryn. The conclusion reached is that the implementation of a management plan which not only takes into consideration environmental aspects but also the participation of local inhabitants can result in sustainable development for the area.