Coastal states earn 85 percent of all U.S. tourism revenues. Miami Beach has more tourists annually than the Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, and Yosemite National Parks combined. Travel and tourism is the largest and fastest growing segment of the U.S. service-industry. About 180 million people visit our coastlines each year, and most Americans spend at least 10 days a year near a coast.
Coastal tourism is vital to the U.S. economy.
More than 90 percent of foreign visitors to the United States visit our coasts. Coastal counties, which produce 32 percent of America's gross domestic product, have a profound impact on the economic health of the entire nation. However, where this influx of visitors significantly adds to the nation's economy, it can also strain our nation's beaches and related natural resources. Without long-term planning, growth and development, overuse can permanently harm these important natural resources. Government, industry, and individual citizens can support sustainable coastal development and use by ensuring that environmental integrity is maintained as coastal communities are allowed to expand physically and prosper economically.