This module presents the economic dimension of the Observatory’s methodological framework and explains how economic indicators are used to monitor the sustainability of coastal and maritime tourism.

It introduces the main monitoring subthemes, including tourist flows, employment, business performance, and investments in sustainable infrastructure, while distinguishing between coastal and maritime tourism where necessary. The module explains that only indicators with sufficient data availability have been selected for immediate implementation, while others remain under development due to data or methodological limitations. It then presents the methodology for each core indicator, including its calculation, interpretation, data sources, strategic use, and limitations. Key indicators cover tourism dependency, average length of stay, seasonality, cruise activity, tourism employment, employment stability, accommodation occupancy, port performance, business dynamics, and tourism entrepreneurship.

Throughout the module, emphasis is placed on using reliable statistical data to support evidence-based policy, monitor tourism performance, evaluate resilience, and guide sustainable economic development at the local destination level.