Ten Sustainable Planning Principles for Second Home Areas

Abstract

Enhancing sustainable tourism destinations is a crucial endeavor. Sustainability improvement measures are needed not only in newly built environments but also in physical capacities that are already established and that have been in operation for an extended period. This contribution addresses second home areas in Denmark which are generally characterized by a persistent and notable planning deficit. The challenge lies in redirecting the trajectory of these areas through meticulous planning and instilling a recognition of their sustainability potential with policy makers, DMOs, second-home owners, and tourists. Drawing upon in-depth case studies in selected second home areas and general inquiries into planning practices, this contribution presents ten distinctive approaches to planning: 1): Optimizing land resource utilization. 2): Planning for second homes beyond the immediate coastal zone. 3): Enhancing accessibility. 4): Decreasing energy consumption. 5): Ensuring flooding protection. 6): Mitigating insufficient wastewater treatment. 7): Facilitating solid waste treatment. 8): Reducing the carbon footprint from the construction. 9): Enhancing biodiversity. 10): Involving the owners and tourists. The article contributes with substance to the tourism planning discussion and points to some of the challenges encountered in the pursuit of the objectives.