Sustainability in the Mediterranean tourist ports: The role of certifications

Abstract

This study investigates the sustainability practices of tourist ports, a little explored research area despite the environmental and social impacts of these infrastructures. Our research evaluates the diffusion of quality, environmental and social certifications among 225 Mediterranean tourist ports. We analyse the ports websites for an explicit graphic or textual reference to any certifications obtained. Our results show a limited adoption of certifications, with about half of the sample ports indicating possession of at least one certification. The port managers’ commitment towards certifications is limited, and focused on the most common ones – although not industry-specific – such as ISO 9001 and ISO 14001. The small size and limited entrepreneurial approach of the companies managing tourist ports are identified as contributing causes. A greater commitment to obtaining and communicating certifications is desirable, considering the increasing competition in the sector – which requires continuous innovation and improvement of processes and products – and the growing demand for quality and sustainability by nautical tourists.