Restructuring and local economic development: implications for seaside resort regeneration in Southwest Britain

Certain parts of the traditional mass tourism sector in the UK are facing a period of economic crisis. This paper investigates the regeneration of seaside tourism in Southwest Britain, focusing on the experience of three projects undertaken in Torbay, Cornwall and Weymouth and Portland. Set against broad trends in seaside tourism in the UK, this paper examines the achievements and outcomes of three similar attempts to stimulate local economic development. Consideration is then given to the role of seaside tourism in regional development and likely factors are highlighted which may have influenced the achievements of the three projects. Finally, implications for the future of seaside tourism and economic development are discussed. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.