Sun and Sea Tourism during the Covid-19 Pandemic: A Study on Beach Users' Behavior in Fortaleza and Florianópolis, Brazil

Silveira, A.F.; Pereira da Silva, C.; Albuquerque, M.G.; Moreira, J., and Silva, V.P., 2024. Sun and sea tourism during the Covid-19 pandemic: A study on beach users' behavior in Fortaleza and Florianópolis, Brazil. In: Phillips, M.R.; Al-Naemi, S., and Duarte, C.M. (eds.), Coastlines under Global Change: Proceedings from the International Coastal Symposium (ICS) 2024 (Doha, Qatar). Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue No. 113, pp. 159-163. Charlotte (North Carolina), ISSN 0749-0208. Since the beginning of the 21st century, sun and sea tourism has experienced significant growth and diversification worldwide. However, between 2020 and 2023, the Covid-19 pandemic prompted various coastal destinations reliant on sun and sea tourism to adapt their coastal areas, fostering new behaviors and attitudes among their visitors. This study aimed to enhance beach management effectiveness by characterizing the perceptions of beachgoers in Fortaleza and Florianópolis, respectively, in the northeast and south regions of Brazil. A total of 882 questionnaires were administered during the 2021/2022 and 2022/2023 summer seasons, facilitating a comparison of respondents' perceptions across different pandemic stages. The survey addressed user behavior during the pandemic, toward beach monitoring measures, and strategies for regulating beach access, including time limitations, space delineation, and control system implementation. Results from the 2021/2022 summer season reveal that the majority of beachgoers in Fortaleza (79%) and Florianópolis (73%) reported shifting their behavior when visiting the beach. Additionally, 84.5% of Fortaleza's respondents deemed public authorities' enforcement and guidance actions crucial, compared to 80% in Florianópolis. Regarding support for specific measures such as time limits, space delineation, and visitor control systems, Fortaleza's respondents exhibited greater indecision in the first season (26%, 32%, and 37%) compared to Florianópolis, where a stronger predisposition to support these actions was observed (29%, 51.5%, 73.5%). The Covid-19 crisis has confirmed the need to strategies and actions in the short and long term related to beach planning and environmental services during public health emergencies. Ultimately, enhancing beach management requires obtaining feedback from local users. Deepening the understanding of the situation and reflecting on pandemic challenges are essential for effectively managing coastal areas that may face similar circumstances in the future.