The Limits of Acceptable Change (LAC) in Coastal Heritage Tourism Research

Rogelio Jr Flores (), Carlos Costa, Zelia Breda and Gonçalo Gomes
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Rogelio Jr Flores: University of Aveiro, Department of Communication and Arts (DECA)/ID+ Research Institute for Design, Media and Culture/Governance, Competitiveness and Public Policies Research Unit (GOVCOPP)
Carlos Costa: University of Aveiro, Department of Economics, Management, Industrial Engineering and Tourism (DEGEIT)/Governance, Competitiveness and Public Policies Research Unit (GOVCOPP)
Zelia Breda: University of Aveiro, Department of Economics, Management, Industrial Engineering and Tourism (DEGEIT)/Governance, Competitiveness and Public Policies Research Unit (GOVCOPP)
Gonçalo Gomes: University of Aveiro, Department of Communication and Arts (DECA)/ID+ Research Institute for Design, Media and Culture

A chapter in Synergizing Management, Culture, and Arts for Tourism Development - Vol. 1, 2026, pp 69-88 from Springer

Abstract: Abstract This study critically reviews the Limits of Acceptable Change (LAC) themes and issues in coastal heritage tourism research and analyses the current state of knowledge. LAC determines the level of visitor impact that an area can sustain without causing unacceptable social or environmental degradation, while coastal heritage tourism is a form of tourism about experiencing the rich cultural and historical aspects of coastal regions. A systematic literature review of 56 articles from the Scopus database was performed. Based on thematic analysis, there were five themes identified: carrying capacity; destination planning and development; governance, collaboration and stakeholder involvement; Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA); and Marine and Coastal Management. The identified themes are varied but interrelated with each other. The themes and issues reiterate the significance of various factors for effective coastal destination planning and management. Furthermore, stakeholders, destination management organisations (DMOs) and policymakers must consider these relevant issues and sustainable concepts that are critical for coastal heritage tourism development.

Keywords: Limits of acceptable change; Coastal heritage tourism; Destination management; Sustainable tourism; Systematic review (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O21 Q01 Z32 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026
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DOI: 10.1007/978-3-032-17545-8_5

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