Scuba diving tourism systems and sustainability: perceptions by the scuba diving industry in two Marine Protected Areas

Authors' Copy. HIGHLIGHTS The scuba diving tourism industry’s sustainability is affected by various problems. These problems were investigated by engaging scuba diving operators in two MPAs. Relations with other elements in the Scuba Diving Tourism System were assessed. Operators felt the potential of the scuba diving industry, yet limited support. General and ad hoc measures to enhance the industry’s sustainability were advanced.This document is the accepted Authors’ Copy of the paper published in Tourism Management 59: 385-403. DOI: 10.1016/j.tourman.2016.09.004. The original manuscript was received on 19 April 2016, revised on 2 September 2016, accepted on 3 September 2016, made available online on 12 September 2016. An embargo period of 36 months applies to this Journal. This paper has received funding from the European Union (EU)’s H2020 research and innovation programme under the Marie Sklodowska-Curie grant agreement No 643712 to the project Green Bubbles RISE for sustainable diving (Green Bubbles). This paper reflects only the authors’ view. The Research Executive Agency is not responsible for any use that may be made of the information it contains. © 2017. This manuscript version is made available under the CC-BY-NC-ND 4.0 license http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0