Construction of categories for marine tourism research. Contributions and reflections

Marine tourism shapes experiences in tourism in coastal and marine ecosystems. In recent years, its consolidation and exponential growth is a powerful mechanism toward re-structuring coastal destinations. At the same time, it triggers a set of socioeconomic, sociocultural and environmental impacts. In this context, the activity has received academic attention from different disciplines and approaches, trying to unravel the different complexities of the model as given throughout the world. In this sense, methodological tools are necessary to produce solid knowledge that encourages a comprehensive analysis of marine tourism, based on the products available and resources as a platform for different uses. This article, based on a diagnosis of marine tourism in the Canary Islands (Spain) suggests a classification of marine tourism products and resources, to clarify the elements that constitute the activity. Furthermore, it provides an analytical and operational framework for future researchers who aim to explore the processes around this reality.