Abstract

ORDOQUI, Javier Martín  and  HERNANDEZ, Facundo Martín. Socio-territorial Characterization of Beach Tourist Resorts on the Maritime Coast of Buenos Aires Province. Rev. Univ. geogr. [online]. 2009, vol.18, n.1, pp. 105-140. ISSN 1852-4265.

The maritime coast of Buenos Aires Province is undergoing a continuous transformation due to the rapid growth of urban areas driven by the so-called sun and beach tourism. Geographical classifications for this sector of the Argentine coast are not updated and too general, and this situation does not allow for a detailed analysis of the territory. The incorporation of tourism-related socio-economic variables to physical variables results in a comprehensive geographical analysis and territorial diversity when discussing territorial unification. The characterization of beach tourist resorts represents a fundamental stage in future research on Buenos Aires coastal environment, since from such characterization the similarities and differences that exist in this area - complex both in natural dynamics and in social aspects- shall be identified. In addition, an attempt to theoretically visualize tourism spaces from a geographical point of view, trying to understand beach tourism as an activity that generates determinant geographical issues, shall be made. Thus, the need to work towards new theoretical and conceptual contributions essential to explain the complexity of current beach tourism arises. In order to carry out this work, surveys, interviews, field studies, and statistical analyses were performed and special theme cartography was produced.

Keywords : Buenos Aires coastal environment; Beach and sun tourism; Beach tourist resorts.