When “More” Is “Too Much”—A Study on Tourists’ Perception Regarding Beach Restoration in Mamaia on the Romanian Black Sea Coast

Abstract

Coastal erosion affects all coastal areas with different intensities, and its effects may be severe. This is the case of the Black Sea sandy beaches on the Romanian coast, where the beaches have been used for tourism since the mid-19th century. In 2012, a project was launched to reduce erosion and protect the Romanian Black Sea coast from its destructive effects. By the 2021 tourist season, the completed works in Mamaia resort resulted in beaches exceeding, in some cases, 300 m in width. However, while these efforts successfully curtailed erosion, they also brought unintended consequences. The imported coarse sand and increased seawater depth canceled the resort’s traditional advantages, raising concerns among both tourists and local stakeholders. The purpose of our article was twofold—to present the case of the Mamaia resort and the expansion works conducted and to present the results of an exploratory study highlighting the tourists’ perceptions regarding the beach extensions, as well as their motivations, preferences, and expectations for the development of a modern beach. Our results suggest that while the beach extension works were necessary and long-awaited, they inadvertently caused dissatisfaction among tourists, leading to shifts in tourist flows and financial losses for local tourism operators. Data visualization techniques were employed to explore the complex relationships between tourist satisfaction with the extension works (in both 2021 and 2022) and factors influencing their comfort and overall experience. Additionally, the extraction of millions of cubic meters of sediment for the extensions disrupted marine habitats, raising ecological concerns. Future coastal protection efforts should balance erosion mitigation, ecological sustainability, and tourism needs by adopting environmentally sensitive methods, preserving marine ecosystems, and engaging stakeholders to align projects with tourists’ expectations, thus ensuring the long-term viability of popular tourist destinations like Mamaia.

1. Introduction

The coastal zone represents a unique element of the landscape, being located at the edge of the land where it meets the marine environment. In most places, coastal areas are narrow and highly vulnerable to environmental factors due to their direct interaction with the sea and ocean water [1]. Coastal tourism continues to expand worldwide, largely due to the appeal of relevant motivations such as scenic beauty and recreational activities offered to tourists [2].

In Europe, it represents the most important sector of the blue economy in terms of the number of people directly employed, i.e., about 60% of the total jobs in this field. While the settlements located in the coastal areas of the EU occupy only 15% of the land, almost half (47%) of the number of paid overnight tourist stays are spent there. However, the jobs in the sector are often temporary, seasonal, and poorly paid, leading to below-average performance in terms of their share in GDP in many of the coastal areas of Europe [3].

The Romanian coastline along the Black Sea spans 244 km, from the Danube Delta in the north to the border with Bulgaria in the south, with a plethora of resorts and tourist towns stretching for 82 km, between Cape Midia to the north and the town of Vama Veche to the south. Approximately 80% of the shoreline consists of beaches, while the remaining 20% represents relatively high shores (cliffs) [4]. Notably, the seaside resorts host the majority of the country’s tourist accommodation capacity. Their geographic location (between the 44°25′ and 43°25′ north latitude), similar to renowned European destinations, such as San Remo, San Marino, Monaco, and Rimini [5], their wide sandy beaches, and the daily sun exposure of up to 12 h [4] turned them into popular tourist destinations. However, the coast also faces significant challenges, including accelerated coastal erosion driven by sediment loss, sea level rise, and human activities. Over recent decades, dozens of hectares of beaches have been lost, and some areas of the beach have narrowed so much that they nearly vanished, thus rendering them unusable for tourism.

In response, large-scale projects and investments were implemented to protect and restore the coastal area. One such project in the north of Mamaia resort resulted in an unprecedented beach expansion, with some sections reaching widths of over 300 m. While restoration efforts aimed to enhance the area’s tourism appeal, the excessive expansion caused a series of deficiencies that overshadowed precisely the natural properties and advantages that had originally established Mamaia as the most popular Romanian seaside resort. Mamaia was particularly famous for its very fine golden sand and the low depth of the water basin; the newly restored areas of the beach no longer fit this description Marin et al., 2022 [6], p.14, thus dampening the attractiveness and the century-old fame of the resort.

This case is particularly notable, as it diverges from typical coastal restoration outcomes where beach expansion usually generates positive results both in terms of environmental protection and tourism purposes. To the best of our knowledge, there are no other documented cases of such extensive beach over-expansion, turning Mamaia into a unique example calling for further investigation. By examining this phenomenon, this study aims to contribute to the broader understanding of coastal restoration impacts and to provide actionable insights for future projects. This deviation from typical restoration outcomes raises a series of critical questions. First, bearing in mind the economic and environmental importance of the coastal area, it becomes essential to understand the broader implications of coastal erosion and restoration along the Black Sea shore to ensure the prospects for sustainable tourism development. Second, the evaluation of the measures implemented to mitigate erosion is unavoidable, specifically in order to assess their effectiveness as well as the probability of generating unintended effects. Finally, yet importantly, the unique case of Mamaia highlights the need to investigate the impact of such projects on tourists’ perceptions and their satisfaction, as tourist activity is of utmost importance for the region.

Therefore, the objectives of this article are twofold. First, the article aims to examine the phenomenon of coastal erosion, including its consequences, and the necessity for beach restoration effort, as well as to provide an overview of the projects initiated and completed along the Romanian coast. Second, it presents the findings of an exploratory study conducted by the authors, which investigates tourists’ perception regarding the over-expansion of the beach in Mamaia. The following research questions are formulated: (1) What are the primary consequences of coastal erosion, and what justifies the need for beach restoration along the Romanian coast? (2) What measures have been implemented to mitigate coastal erosion and facilitate beach restoration on the Romanian coastline? (3) How do tourists perceive the over-expansion of the beach in the Mamaia resort, and what are the implications for the local tourism industry?

2. Literature Review: Coastal Erosion and Its Effects on Tourist Beaches

2.1. Coastal Erosion and Its Effects on Tourist Beaches

The coastal zone is a geographical space located at the contact of seawater with land, including surface and groundwater coastal waters and adjacent lands, wetlands in contact with the sea, beaches, and cliffs.

By nature, beaches are unstable coastal landforms, influenced by changes in sediment supply, the hydrodynamics of waters near the water’s edge, and the levels of seas and oceans [7].

All European states that have coastal areas are affected, to a certain extent, by coastal erosion. A study completed in 2004 showed that approx. 20,000 km of coast in Europe, approx. 20% of the total, was facing severe impacts of erosion, and of these, along a length of approx. 15,000 km, some are actively retreating despite the protection works carried out. The study also showed that in these areas, the losses due to erosion were estimated at 15 km² per year [8].

Beach developments depend on several processes, such as sediment availability, complex interactions of onshore and in-water sedimentary material, sea level rise, storms that cause major time-persistent beach changes, etc. The phenomenon of erosion is the combined result of a wide range of factors, both natural, such as storms, winds, and sea currents, and anthropogenic (human-induced), such as, for example, works to regulate river basins or coastal development works (coastal engineering), acting in different places and times.

The essential properties of coastal morpho-dynamic processes are due to the feedback loop between topography and fluid dynamics, which drive sediment transport, producing morphological changes [9].

Alexandrakis and Poulos present an index of beach erosion vulnerability, called the Beach Vulnerability Index (BVI), based on the numerical approximation of the main processes that control beach evolution. Thus, seven indicators used to determine the BVI were calculated, namely (1) the long-shore sediment transport; (2) the cross-shore sediment transport; (3) the riverine sediment influx; (4) the coastal landform erosion; (5) the sea level change; (6) the wave run-up; and (7) the indicator related to aeolian transport. The BVI was calculated as the arithmetic mean of the seven mentioned indicators [7].

Coastal areas have experienced important economic developments in recent decades, primarily driven by the expansion of tourism activities, as well as growth in sectors such as ports, industry, service provision, etc. However, in many instances, the development of coastal areas was conducted in a chaotic manner, as stakeholders did not recognize in due time the limitations of the available space and the necessity for initiating development plans for these areas, which are situated between the sea and land territories, plans that would adequately address the needs of all legitimate users [10].

Examples of activities sometimes associated with tourism that can affect the rate, pattern, and extent of these physical processes are the development of economic activities, beach protection schemes, replacement of beach sand where it has been eroded, and extraction, for various purposes, of the sand on the beaches [1].

At present, public authorities should focus more on the environmental management of coastal areas considering the increase in population in these areas, with all related anthropogenic impacts. There is a need for integrated coastal zone management (ICZM), a concept that refers to the planning and administrative decision-making process that considers all interests affected by each decision, including those of future human generations and the necessity to protect the environment [5]. The most important stakeholders who should be involved in environmental planning are policy- and decision-makers at different levels, scientists, engineers involved in the creation and evaluation of plans, and the contractors who implement the adopted plans. The other stakeholders are the users, the general public, non-governmental organizations, private companies, lobby groups, and the mass media [11].

ICZM is a continuous and dynamic process through which decisions are made for the sustainable use, development, and protection of coastal and maritime areas and resources [12]. At the same time, ICZM is a process intended to promote the sustainable management of the coastal zone. In the long term, ICZM aims to balance the benefits of economic development and the use of the coastal zone with the benefits of protecting, preserving, and restoring the coastal zone, and the benefits of public access to this zone, all within the limits determined by the natural dynamics and carrying capacity of the environment.

The lack of real consultation with all stakeholders can lead to conflict and dissatisfaction among those affected by certain measures. This is also the case with the works to consolidate and expand the beaches on the Romanian Black Sea coast. The works were necessary and long-awaited, but they have negatively influenced the activity of some businesses in Mamaia resort, and above all, they have led to tourist dissatisfaction.

Many tourists prefer coastal destinations motivated by the traditional “3S” (sun, sea, and sand), for the scenic beauty of the landscape but also for the recreational activities. In some places, the development of 3S-type tourism has concurred with the total or partial urbanization of coastal areas [13]. Similar conclusions were drawn by Botero et al. [14] in a study comparing tourists’ preferences in Europe and Latin America: the 3S tourism in Colombia, the Caribbean, and even Latin America is a high potential activity.

A study conducted by Cervantes et al. [15] in three different locations (Brazil, Mexico, and the USA) showed that beach users considered the quality of the sand as an important factor in choosing a specific beach and expressed the preference for a clean seawater and sand. Williams analyzed the preferences of tourists regarding five beaches in the UK, the USA, Turkey, Malta, and Spain, and the results of the study showed that tourists, when aiming to choose “a good beach”, were particularly interested in the following aspects: safety, facilities, litter, scenery, and water quality. However, the tourists’ responses were quite different in terms of the order of importance of these factors [16].

Investigating the opinion of beach users regarding the sandy beaches in South Africa, Lucrezi and van der Walt [17] found that even though the users represented heterogeneous groups, they all shared concerns for the wellbeing of the sandy beaches. Their study also highlighted that taking into consideration the beach users’ opinions was an essential tool in decision-making processes in integrated coastal zone management.

2.2. Particularities of Coastal Erosion and Its Effects on Tourist Beaches in Romania

The evolution of the Romanian coastline is the result of a balance between the losses and accumulations of sedimentary material from the last decades, and this balance was negative for some large sectors of the Romanian coastline because of the new conditions that interfere with the natural environment nowadays. These conditions include human interventions, especially the development of internal hydrotechnical works, the most important of which were the two hydrotechnical dams on the Danube River [18].

The entire Romanian coastline on the Black Sea is affected by the phenomenon of erosion, which is influenced by changes in coastal dynamics; this includes erosion resulting from wave action, particularly during extreme storm conditions, as well as sediment deposition processes.

The configuration of the Romanian coast is almost linear, except for the areas where the commercial ports of Constanța, Midia-Năvodari, and Mangalia were built and areas where leisure ports and coastal protection works were carried out [8,11].

Sandy beaches represent 68.5% (167.3 km) of Romania’s Black Sea coastal area, some of which, located in the northern part of the Romanian coast, are considered wild beaches, mostly formed from alluvial sand originating from the discharge of the Danube River into the Black Sea [19].

The balance between erosion and deposition has been disturbed on the Romanian coast by the action of some anthropogenic factors, especially the construction on the inland rivers and the Danube River but also the port developments carried out in the coastal area.

The main causes of the imbalance between erosion and deposition are as follows:

-

The deficit of sediments reaching the Black Sea, because a large part of the sediments transported on the inland rivers and the Danube are retained by anthropogenic works, mainly dams and reservoirs, given that the Danube and its tributaries are the main source that feeds the Romanian beaches located south of the mouths of the Danube;

-

Changing coastal dynamics due to anthropogenic factors in the coastal area (particularly port development works). Thus, in the Sulina area, where the Danube flows into the Black Sea, jetties built to facilitate navigation direct the deposition of alluvium brought by the Danube towards the sea, thus reducing the amount of alluvium that reaches the shore. Also, the route of the sea currents was strongly disturbed by the construction of the ports of Midia-Năvodari, Constanța, and Mangalia, the respective currents being thus removed from the shore, which led to the reduction in the volume of transported sediments that contributed to the restoration of the beaches. This imbalance between erosion and deposition has resulted in a reduction in the width of the beaches, and in some areas, it has even led to their complete disappearance [20].

Simultaneously, alongside the influence of anthropogenic factors, the action of waves on the shoreline plays a particularly significant role in the evolution of beaches on the Romanian coastline, including both the continuous long-term effects and the short-term impacts experienced during storm events [20].

The multi-year monitoring of the coastal zone in Romania highlighted the general trend of degradation of beaches and cliffs through erosion.

The degradation of the coastline due to erosion is of paramount importance in many states, first because the erosion of beaches and cliffs results in a loss of territory. Second, it compromises the coastal ecosystems and the socio-economic activity in the coastal area, which has a negative impact on the sustainable development of the local and national economy.

3. Coastal Erosion in Context: A Case Study of Its Particularities and Impacts on Tourist Beaches in Romania

To prevent the erosion process and rehabilitate degraded beaches, a scientific approach and a thorough knowledge of the hydrodynamic and sedimentological processes are necessary, not only in the coastal area but also in the Danube Delta in the fluvial area, as well as a careful monitoring of all morpho-dynamic changes, a modeling of these processes, and protection and rehabilitation solutions so that, subsequently, the optimal options and their implementation would be analyzed according to the press release of the Romanian National Water Administration, published on its website [21].

The retreat of the shoreline on the Romanian Black Sea coast has taken place at a rapid pace in recent decades [22], with the beaches becoming narrower and narrower, and in some areas, they utterly disappeared.

After 1990, the Romanian authorities, mainly due to the lack of necessary funding, stopped all coastal protection works so that by 2010, the beaches on the entire Romanian coast were in a state of intense and continuous degradation due to marine erosion. The areas most affected by erosion were the beaches in the tourist resorts of Eforie Nord and Eforie Sud, the southern resorts from Olimp to Mangalia, as well as the beaches of Constanța and Mamaia [5].

Later (especially between 2005 and 2013), detailed studies were carried out on erosion processes and the dynamics of sediments and water in the coastal area, as well as an annual follow-up program based on which solutions were sought to limit the effects of degradation and rehabilitation, included in the Master Plan entitled “Protection and rehabilitation of the coastal zone”. The Master Plan was approved in 2012 and is considered by the Romanian state to be a strategic document, with its measures to be implemented over more than 30 years. The purpose of this project is to ensure adaptation to climate change, prevention, and risk management through shoreline erosion protection with a recurrence period of up to 100 years for a projected lifetime of 50 years [23].

The general objectives of the Master Plan refer to the protection and improvement of the quality of the environment and living standards along the Romanian coast of the Black Sea and to the increase in safety in the southern unit of the coast, which is seriously threatened by the destructive effects of coastal erosion. The Master Plan has an implementation plan that includes three time periods, namely a short-term action plan, Phase I (2012–2015), Phase II (2014–2020), and a long-term plan (2021–2041). Thus, the first phase of the Master Plan was implemented and completed in the period of 2012–2015 through which the protection and rehabilitation of the southern part of the Romanian coast of the Black Sea, in the area of Constanța city and Eforie Nord (Constanța county), was achieved. The works aimed at protecting the coastal area along a length of 7.3 km, with the surface of the beaches in the respective areas being increased by 60.66 ha with sand dredged and pumped from the Black Sea [21]. The second phase was started in the autumn of 2018 and is to be carried out until the end of 2024, the beneficiary of the project being the Romanian National Water Administration together with the Dobrogea-Litoral Water Basin Administration [23].

Alongside the beach sanding operations, this phase of the project will also involve the construction of hydrotechnical structures designed to provide the supplementary protection and stabilization of alluvial deposits in addition to efforts aimed at reinforcing the cliffs. Unlike the first phase of the project, in the current stage, the works to stimulate and restore the marine ecosystem also play an important role. Thus, the Romanian specialists intend to implant seagrass on an area of almost 800,000 m² (zostera noltii/cystoseira barbata) to ensure the protection of the biodiversity of the Black Sea water and the increase in its quality. Seagrass, in addition to providing a habitat for many marine species, also captures carbon 35 times faster than a rainforest [24].

Through the implementation of this project, 226.16 ha of new beach will be created, thus contributing to the improvement of the conditions of the marine ecosystem but also to the socio-economic development of the entire Romanian coast. The total beach area managed by ABAD-L is 392 ha, distributed over several territorial administrative units (localities) in the coastal area of Romania [25].

4. Impact of Beach Restoration and Expansion Works in Mamaia

Among the tourist resorts on the Romanian coast, Mamaia (once considered to be the “Pearl of the Romanian coast” or the “Eastern Riviera”) is the largest and one of the oldest (inaugurated in August 1906) tourist resorts of national interest [26]. Mamaia is located to the north of the city of Constanța, on a narrow strip of land between the Black Sea to the east and Lake Siutghiol to the west. The beach in Mamaia is formed from alluvial fragments brought by the Danube River and transported by sea currents on the beaches, as well as from sediments of biogenic shells (especially shells of Mytilus and Mia arenaria) [8,11] (see Figure 1).

From an administrative perspective, Mamaia is part of the municipality of Constanța, situated within Constanța County, and it is simultaneously a residential district of the city. The tourist accommodation capacity of the Mamaia resort counted 21,110 places on 31 July 2022 in 149 tourist accommodation units, according to the data provided by the Statistics Directorate of Constanța County [27], which represents a share of approx. 19.55% of the total number of accommodation places in the entire coastal area [27].

The restoration and expansion of beaches along the Black Sea coast—one of Romania’s largest investment projects in this sector—was essential for safeguarding the coastal area and supporting the sustainable development of coastal tourism. These efforts were both necessary and long-awaited by local tourism entrepreneurs and visitors alike, as severe coastal erosion had significantly reduced the size of certain beaches, with some nearing complete disappearance.

After the beach nourishment project carried out in Mamaia, the structure and characteristics of the sand underwent changes due to the addition of sediments from external sources. This intervention was aimed at combating erosion and expanding the beach, but it also brought important changes in the composition and texture of the sand.

The sand used in the nourishment process in Mamaia was extracted from great depths of about 30 m from the Black Sea, a few kilometers away from the shore. The characteristics of this sand differ from those of the natural sand on the beach before the intervention, depending on the following aspects: the grain size (size of sand particles) of added sand is generally larger than that of natural beach sand. Sand from deep-sea sources tends to be coarser and have larger grains because the finer particles are often washed away by ocean currents.

Black Sea sand is mainly of siliceous origin (predominantly quartz), with small inclusions of minerals such as feldspar and other detrital materials. The composition is similar to natural beach sand, but there may be subtle differences in the ratio of the component minerals. The sand added may have a slightly different color than the original, ranging from a yellowish white to slightly darker tones depending on the mineral content and age of the sediments. Before sandblasting, the sand on Mamaia beach was finer, with an average particle size of about 0.2 mm to 0.3 mm. After the enlargement, the sand grains brought from the bottom of the Black Sea were generally larger, with an average grain size of 0.3 mm to 0.5 mm. This difference in grain size has several consequences on the behavior of sand on the beach. Coarser sand tends to be less compact, meaning the beach structure is more stable against erosion but may be less comfortable for tourists [28]. Fine sand, specific to natural beaches, provides a softer surface, while coarse sand is more stable but can be rougher to the touch. Larger grains of sand behave differently under the action of waves and ocean currents [29]. They are less likely to be carried away by water, which helps to stabilize the beach and reduce the rate at which it is eroded. Therefore, the coarser sand brought in by nourishment works helps prevent rapid sediment loss and maintain a wider beach. Coarser sand tends to allow water to drain more quickly, making the beach less slippery and ensuring it does not hold as much water after rain or high waves.

Another important aspect of sand structure modification through the enlargement process is increased resistance to erosion. Sand with a larger particle size is more difficult to transport by waves and wind, which helps to maintain the volume of sand on the beach for a longer period.

However, natural processes of sediment transport are expected to adjust the structure of the sand over time. Coastal currents and waves will redistribute the sand over the entire beach, and the finer particles from the sea will gradually be mixed with those brought in by the nourishment process. In this way, the structure of the sand will return to a more natural state of equilibrium depending on the local dynamics of the sediments.

The rehabilitation of the beach in Mamaia brought about notable changes in the structure of the sand. The main change was the increase in grain size, which resulted in greater beach stability but slightly altered the texture and comfort for tourists. Although the sand used for sandblasting is mineralogically similar to natural sand, the larger grains and rougher texture are the main differences. Over time, natural processes will help to balance these changes but regular maintenance interventions will be necessary to keep the beach in optimal condition [30]. But for Mamaia resort, the excessive size of the restored beaches, over 300 m wide in some areas in the northern half of the resort, and the poor quality of the sand brought to the beach (with high graininess and an elevated content of clam shells) starting in the summer of 2021 left many tourists disappointed and eager to visit other destinations on the Romanian coast or abroad [5].

In a Romanian Waters National Administration (RWNA) press release, it is mentioned that within the project for Mamaia resort, coastal protection works were planned for a length of 6950 mL of shore and the creation of 53 ha of new beach [31]. When visiting the first lot of restored sandy beaches in Mamaia on 20 May 2021, the Minister of Environment, Water, and Forests from Romania stated that the newly created beach area spans nearly 70 ha and extends over 100 m in width [32]. The additional 17 ha of newly created beach resulted in very wide beaches, unusual for the Romanian coast, reaching over 300 m in width in the northern half of Mamaia resort. In the absence of public explanations from the beneficiaries of the works (NARW), it remains difficult to understand why this additional extension of the beach was necessary compared to the original project. All the more so since in the Adequate Assessment Study, supplemented with alternative solutions for this objective from the feasibility study stage, it is mentioned with reference to Mamaia area that the width of the beach cell is sufficient to keep at a minimum of 100 m, measured from the shoreline to the cadastral boundary, even after 25 years [20]. Moreover, for the Mamaia central area, an average erosion rate of approx. 0.5 m/year, respectively, 25 m/50 years is foreseen, and in the Mamaia Northen area, as it is specified in the same document, no change in coastal development is expected in the next 15 years; after this period, the erosion would be of about 0.5 m/year [20].

Many of the tourists who arrived in Mamaia in the summer of 2021 were unpleasantly surprised to find that they had to walk a considerable distance to reach the sea, especially since the sand of the new beaches was no longer fine, as it once had been, but rather coarse and filled with numerous clam shells (please see Figure 2 and Figure 3 for exemplification). In addition, because the works were completed late, well into the summer season, there was no time left to go through all the bureaucratic procedures that would allow the private beach operators to obtain the exploitation rights for tourism purposes. As a result, tourists in these beach areas could no longer enjoy amenities such as beach bars or the rental of sunbeds and umbrellas. These were some of the reasons why many tourists canceled their reservations or avoided coming to Mamaia in the summer of 2021. In fact, it was mainly the northern half of the resort that was affected. But the accommodation and food outlets in the rest of the resort were also affected, as confusion arose from discussions on social networks and in the media, leading to a widespread misconception that all beaches across the entire resort had been expanded to the same extent.

The beach in Mamaia has always been renowned and appreciated by both tourists and locals, especially for its fine sand and the gradual shoreline entry, favoring the so-called “walking on water”, indicated as a therapeutic procedure, but also with a very low risk of drowning for children [5]. Following the completion of the beach extension works, these advantages were lost.

Additionally, the risk of drowning increased after the beach widening, as the distance between the shore and the buoy was reduced to a maximum of 20 m. Lifeguards in Mamaia have also drawn attention to this hazard.

The ABAD-L representatives stated that the beach profile in Mamaia was as anticipated right from the design stage. But, in July–August 2021, there was a discussion about the profile established during the feasibility study stage (the final profile desired by the beneficiary) and the completed profile (extended compared to the final one by up to 60 m, the difference representing such a called “sacrificial” volume). Thus, by the end of the execution of the works, an over-extended beach could be observed, and some temporary problems were indicated, one of them being the rapid progression into the bathing area. This temporary inconvenience is to stabilize in the coming years (especially in the cold season, which is characterized by stronger sea storms), and the stabilization will occur through the erosion of a buffer volume of sand from the surfaced beach [25].

In 2022, tourist arrivals in Mamaia recorded a 9.86% rise compared to 2021, a development that can be attributed to the easing of pandemic-related restrictions. However, it is noteworthy that the total number of arrivals in 2022 remained relatively low, reaching only 81.5% of the figures recorded in 2019, below the average performance recorded on the entire coast [33]. In 2023, while the overall tourist traffic along Romania’s coastal region exhibited a significant upward trend, marked by an 8.2% rise in tourist arrivals compared to the previous year, Mamaia registered a rather modest increase of merely 1.6% (Figure 4).

In analyzing the trends in overnight stays, it is noteworthy that the overall coastal region of Romania registered a 9.4% increase in 2023 compared to the previous year. In contrast, Mamaia resort recorded minimal growth, with an increase of only 0.58% overall.

As for the average length of stay, it can be observed that in Mamaia, it has been below the average for the entire coastal area in recent years. In 2023, it was 3.14 days, while at the level of the entire coastal area, the average length of stay was 3.3 days.

It is important to note that this situation occurred despite the clear efforts made by local tourism operators to enhance their offerings, as well as the ongoing initiatives of the newly established Constanța-Mamaia Tourist Management Organization to promote tourism and organize events designed to attract visitors.

Given these circumstances, the decline in the overall condition of Mamaia resort has become a significant case study for identifying the factors contributing to tourist dissatisfaction.

The specialized literature shows a growing concern for accurately identifying the perception and the preferences of tourists regarding beaches, considering that a better insight will allow for an efficient management of tourist seaside destinations. A large number of seaside tourist destinations face problems related to climate change (accelerated increase in temperatures, intensification of strong storms—hurricanes), especially coastal erosion. At the international level, there are various studies that investigate the impact of the changes in landscape (both due to natural causes and human action) on the tourists’ perception of the destination.

The first studies that focused on how the characteristics of beaches influence the perception and preferences of tourists for a certain location date back to the 90s. For instance, the studies carried out by Lindsay et al. [34] and Morgan [35] showed a preference of tourists for wide beaches compared to narrow high-tide beaches. Additionally, the studies pointed out that tourists’ preferences were also influenced by the type and color of the sand. Cabezas-Rabadán et al. [36] carried out detailed research on users’ profiles, expectations, and perceptions of six different Valencian beaches from the point of view of artificialization and sediment type, including in the analysis semi-natural and urban beaches and pebble and sandy beaches. The study considered numerous factors that influence the perception of users, namely the reasons for choosing a beach and their order, the influence of the characteristics of the beaches (pebbly or sandy beach, natural or urban landscape, the width of the beach, water quality), the perception regarding facilities, and aspects related to the environment. The results obtained showed that the quality of the sand, sediment cleanliness, water quality, and landscape were the most important characteristics that influenced tourist choice. Regarding the perception of the width of the beach, the opinion of the users was nuanced, where very narrow beaches (14 m) were not appreciated but neither were the wide ones (80 m) because of the long distance to the water.

Investigating the perception of beach nourishment in California, Pendleton et al. [37] showed that managing beach width is a major task for coastal managers. Their study demonstrated that the size of the beach was an issue for users, although differently perceived by different categories of users. The same study, however, drew attention to the fact that in some cases, like Southern California, the beaches were so wide that it became a major inconvenience. Others, such as that by Muller [38], studying the impact of beaches‘ replenishment on the recreational activities of beach users, proved that these type of initiatives were indubitably needed to continue to protect property and infrastructure, but beach goers had to be protected as well when practicing nautical sports. Therefore, the width of the beach was not the only factor of importance but also the suitability of the beach slope to prevent accidents and the decrease in economic activities.

A recent study examined the primary factors influencing Romanian tourists’ decisions to select destinations along the Romanian and the Bulgarian coastline [39]. Thus, among the five categories of individuals who participated in the survey, two categories were represented by Romanian tourists who chose the Bulgarian coast as their destination, either because of their perception that the quality of services was higher or because it was overall cheaper. The other three categories of Romanian tourists surveyed chose the Romanian coast as their destination. It is important to mention that Romania was the most important tourist source market for Bulgaria between 2019 and 2022 [39].

5. Materials and Methods

Research Methodology and Objectives

Through this research, we mainly aimed to identify the perceptions and opinions of Romanian tourists regarding the extended beach in Mamaia resort, the causes of tourist dissatisfaction, and also what amenities/services they would like to be provided on the extended surface of the beach to ensure a pleasant and comfortable vacation. We also intended to find out if the works to widen the beaches in the northern part of Mamaia resort were the main reason for dissatisfaction and why tourists preferred other tourist resorts, either on the Romanian coast or abroad, during the summer seasons of 2021 and 2022. Concurrently, we sought to determine the various factors that affect comfort at the beach, alongside those that may enhance overall satisfaction, in order to promote Mamaia resort as a preferred tourist destination. Data visualization was used in order to properly understand the complex relation between tourist satisfaction with the extension works conducted (in both 2021 and 2022) and a set of factors that influence their comfort at the beach (distance to travel to the sea water, sand quality, depth of sea water at a short distance, provision of beach bars and their location in relation to the seashore, provision of children’s playgrounds, organization of entertainment programs, provision of restrooms, provision of shower cabins, provision of locker rooms, provision of medical offices, and cleanliness in the resort/on the beach). We employed data visualization through 2D graphs for the evolution of the data and 3D graphs for comparing their influences on the dependent variable. Python Numpy, Pandas, and Matplotlib were used for the graphical representations of the data value evolutions.

To achieve the proposed objectives, direct research was carried out between June 2022 and March 2023.

The primary research tool used in this exploratory study was a questionnaire, designed to gain insights into tourists’ perceptions and preferences regarding the beach extensions conducted in northern Mamaia. The main components of the questionnaire focused on (a) tourists’ opinions on the beach expansion; (b) reasons for dissatisfaction and destination preferences; and (c) socio-demographic information.

The central part of the questionnaire included questions related to tourists’ opinions on the extended stretches of beaches in Mamaia. These questions explored tourists’ views of the significant changes underwent, including the main drawbacks and the benefits of the beach restoration works. Furthermore, the respondents were asked about the specific amenities and facilities that contribute to their comfort on the beach and what elements they would like to see introduced in the future, in accordance with their perceptions regarding modern beaches. Another group of questions aimed at identifying the reasons for dissatisfaction that led tourists to avoid Mamaia resort and choose other tourist destinations. This section also focused on how these changes impacted their overall experience.

The final section of the questionnaire included questions focused on obtaining information on the socio-demographic profile of the targeted sample. Here, variables such as age, education level, and average monthly income were included.

The sample size (N) was determined using the following formula [40]:

$$N={\displaystyle \frac{\frac{Z\frac{2}{\propto }p(1-p)}{e^2}}{1+\frac{Z\frac{2}{\propto }p(1-p)}{e^{2}P}}}$$

where p is the size of the general population, z is the z-score, e is the margin error, and p is the probability to obtain an affirmative answer to the question addressed. We considered the general population as the adult population in Romania (15,306,592, according to the Statistical Yearbook, 2020 [41]).

The z-score was 2.58, corresponding to a confidence level of 99%, while the margin error was 0.05 and p was 0.5. Using the formula above, the resulting sample size was 665.

The Google Form questionnaire was available for responses between June 2022 and March 2023. To build a diverse and comprehensive sample, a database was compiled with the email addresses and telephone numbers of people who were tourists in Mamaia resort or on the Romanian coast during the 2021 and 2022 seasons, obtained from several seaside hotels and travel agencies located in all areas of Romania. This ensured the inclusion of respondents from different areas, socio-economic backgrounds, and tourism preferences. The research also benefited from the attention and support of several tourism employer organizations in Romania, both local and national, which contributed to the dissemination of the questionnaire. Further efforts were made to enhance respondent diversity by distributing the questionnaire during various events organized by employers’ associations in the tourism sector and by the local public administration in which the authors participated.

Despite the efforts to ensure stratification and representativeness, the sampling process has certain limitations, including potential biases arising from the reliance on hotel and travel agency databases, as well as the self-selection of participants who chose to respond to the questionnaire, which may not fully capture the perspectives of all tourists visiting the Romanian coast.

At the end of the period of availability for completion, 670 valid questionnaires were obtained and subjected to data analysis using IBM SPSS Statistics 26.

6. Results and Discussion

The structure of the sample is presented in

Table 1. The structure of the sample.

Age	(%)	Average Monthly Income Per Family Member	(%)	Education	(%)
18–24	23.7	More than 2476 (minimum wage) *	79.4	University studies	48.8
25–34	17.3	Less than 2476 (minimum wage) *	20.6	Postgraduate studies	30.9
35–44	26.0			Secondary studies	20.3
45–54	21.0
55–64	9.6
>65	2.4

* Minimum wage level at the time of the research.

.

Over 80% of the respondents visited the Romanian coast in both years covered by the survey—80.78% in 2021 and 82.84 in 2022.

A total of 35.97% of the sample stated they also visited a seaside tourist resort abroad in 2021 and 44.77% in 2022.

Of the respondents who spent their holiday in Mamaia, 48% were accommodated in 2021 in the resort area where the beach was extended to a width greater than 100 m from the Black Sea shoreline, and in 2022, their share was 52%.

The data analysis allowed for the grouping of the results under two main headings, namely (1) the identification and measurement of factors influencing tourists’ perceptions and satisfaction and (2) an understanding of respondents’ expectations regarding the future development of the beach in Mamaia.

These findings will be further developed and examined in the following sections, where we will explore their implications in greater detail.

• Identification and measurement of factors influencing tourists’ perceptions and satisfaction

Only approximately 34% of the respondents who visited Mamaia during the summer seasons of 2021 and 2022 were satisfied with the beach extension works in this area of the resort. Still, a few positive aspects regarding the expanded beaches were noted, including “more space”, “larger space between the sunbeds”, and “appearance of a vast landscape”.

At the same time, we note that the level of dissatisfaction increased in 2022 compared to 2021 for each analyzed factor. Thus, the most significant increase in the level of dissatisfaction, rising from 38.01% in 2021 to 65.38% in 2022, pertains to the poor condition of the sand. This was closely followed by the long distance to the shoreline, for which the degree of dissatisfaction increased from 34.92% (in 2021) to 58.85% (in 2022), and the high depth of the sea level, at a distance of only a few meters from the shore, from 25% (in 2021) to 45.77% (in 2022). Ranking last in terms of increased dissatisfaction is the issue concerning the absence of beach bars or their location being too far from the seashore, with dissatisfaction rising from 31.35% in 2021 to 46.54% in 2022. Our results are in line with previous research studies, which highlight tourists’ preference for fine sand [13,35] and for moderate widths of the beaches (generally up to 50 m) [37].

Some respondents chose another holiday destination on the Romanian coast in 2022, being dissatisfied with certain elements of the tourist offer in Mamaia resort.

In contrast to other resorts, 47.28% of respondents felt that accommodation rates in Mamaia are higher, while 46.79% believed that prices for food and drinks in restaurants and other dining services were elevated. Additionally, 43.11% rated parking fees as excessively high, and 37.98% considered the overall quality of tourist services—such as accommodation, food, entertainment, and public transport—to be lower.

2.

Understanding the respondents’ expectations regarding the future development of the beach in Mamaia

▪

Desired amenities for the extended beach areas

In this context, the primary objective was to identify the facilities that the extended beach areas in Mamaia should provide (in addition to sunbeds and designated spaces for tourists or locals to bring their own beach mats). Respondents highlighted the following amenities, listed in descending order of importance: (1) restroom facilities, shower cabins, locker rooms, and medical units, deemed important by 93.3% of the sample; (2) amenities for beach sports (85.7%); (3) playgrounds for children (83.4%); (4) beach bars (80.9%); (5) areas with vegetation, including shrubs and trees (79%); (6) outlets for renting and engaging in water sports (76.7%); (7) indoor and heated water parks (aqua parks) open year-round (64.8%); and (8) event venues for festivals, concerts, and similar activities (62.8%). Previous studies also found that tourists tend to choose beaches taking into account the facilities provided by beach operators [14,15].

Private operators conducting beach activities and ABAD-L, along with the local administration, could take into consideration these aspects as key tourist demands for equipping a modern beach. The ranking of these amenities by importance could serve as a foundation for the future development of the extended beach in Mamaia.

• ▪

  Attributes essential for ensuring tourist comfort

The second objective was to assess the impact of specific attributes on ensuring the comfort of tourists. The answers were processed using the semantic differential with five steps (five being assigned for “to a very large extent” and one for “to a very small extent”).

The results indicated that respondents believed the “state of cleanliness in the resort/on the beach” greatly or very greatly influences their comfort, with a calculated value of 4.13. Additionally, other characteristics, such as “the provision of shower cabins” (4.03), “the provision of restroom facilities” (3.86), and “the quality of the sand” (3.73), were also found to significantly impact beach comfort. In contrast, “the provision of locker rooms” had a less significant influence, with a value of 3.58.

• ▪

  Respondents’ Expectations for Beach Facilities and Their Impact on Satisfaction

The third objective is related to identifying the respondents’ expectations regarding beach facilities and the extent to which these facilities could enhance their satisfaction when choosing a vacation in Mamaia.

To this end, a Likert scale was employed (with values from +2 to −2, corresponding to the statements “total agreement” to “total disagreement”). Based on the scores obtained, we ranked the importance of the facilities desired by the respondents.

The scores obtained are as follows: 1.41 for the development of vegetation areas (including the planting of shrubs and trees on the old beach areas near the promenade lane of the resort); 1.18 for the establishment of facilities for specific beach sports; 0.88 for outlets for renting and engaging in water sports; 0.84 for covered and heated water parks (aqua parks) open year-round; and 0.81 for event venues (such as festivals and concerts). Based on these scores, we can conclude that these items are the most important for enhancing tourist satisfaction.

Additionally, through an open-ended inquiry, we identified factors that could contribute to tourist dissatisfaction and should be prohibited in the newly expanded sections of the beach in Mamaia. These include access by animals, cars, and ATVs; street vendors; events, noisy activities, and excessively loud music from beach bars; the placement of sunbeds across the entire beach surface; construction activities; and smoking.

• ▪

  Blue Flag certification

Another aspect of the survey aimed to determine whether tourists are aware of the Blue Flag certification for beaches and if they would prefer to visit a beach with this designation. After analyzing the responses, more than half of the participants (55.4%) indicated that they are familiar with the meaning of the Blue Flag certification. Among these, 56% reported awareness of the beaches designated with the Blue Flag along the Romanian coast. Furthermore, when considering the total sample, 55.22% expressed a preference for choosing a “Blue Flag”-certified beach to enjoy improved conditions, even if it meant incurring higher costs.

3.

Assessing Relationships and Associations Using Chi-Square Tests

Considering that the primary reasons for tourist dissatisfaction with the widened beaches were the increased distance to the seawater and the quality of the sand, several tests were conducted to gain a deeper understanding of tourist behavior.

A chi-square test of independence revealed that there was a significant association between the age of the respondents and the perceived impact of the longer distance to the seawater on their personal comfort, with χ2 = 35.966, 20 df, p < 0.05. Post hoc comparisons of the perceived impact on comfort revealed a lesser degree of dissatisfaction among the age groups 18–24 and 45–54.

Similarly, a chi-square test of independence revealed that there was a significant association between the age of the respondents and the perceived impact of sand quality on their personal comfort, with χ2 = 46.747, 20 df, p < 0.05. Post hoc comparisons of perceived impact on comfort revealed a greater degree of dissatisfaction among the age groups 18–24 and over 65.

4.

Data visualization method and interpretation

First, to evaluate the internal consistency and reliability of the data, a Cronbach’s alpha test was performed. This test is widely used to assess the degree to which a set of items within a scale are correlated, indicating their cohesiveness and reliability as a single construct. The tests results, a Cronbach’s alpha value of 0.89 for the entire dataset in both 2021 and 2022, is considered very good and attests to an appropriate level of internal consistency across the collected data.

Next, correlation tests between variables were conducted for both 2021 and 2022. The results are presented in the tables below (

Table 2. Correlation between variables (2021).

	DIS	SAN	WAT	BEA	PLA	ANI	RES	SHO	LOC	MED	CLE
SA21	−0.41	−0.22	−0.1	−0.13	−0.038	−0.031	−0.051	−0.084	−0.065	−0.016	−0.016

Source: authors’ processing. SA21—tourist satisfaction with beach extension works in 2021; DIS—distance to travel to the sea water; SAN—sand quality; WAT—depth of sea water at a short distance; BEA—provision of beach bars and their location in relation to the seashore; PLA—provision of children’s playgrounds; ANI—organization of entertainment programs; RES—provision of restrooms; SHO—provision of shower cabins; LOC—provision of locker rooms; MED—provision of medical offices; CLE—cleanliness in the resort/on the beach.

and

Table 3. Correlation between variables (2022).

	DIS	SAN	WAT	BEA	PLA	ANI	RES	SHO	LOC	MED	CLE
SA22	−0.45	−0.25	−0.14	−0.13	−0.035	−0.024	−0.091	−0.12	−0.094	−0.07	−0.05

Source: authors’ processing. SA22—tourist satisfaction with beach extension works in 2022; DIS—distance to travel to the sea water; SAN—sand quality; WAT—depth of sea water at a short distance; BEA—provision of beach bars and their location in relation to the seashore; PLA—provision of children’s playgrounds; ANI—organization of entertainment programs; RES—provision of restrooms; SHO—provision of shower cabins; LOC—provision of locker rooms; MED—provision of medical offices; CLE—cleanliness in the resort/on the beach.

). Given the correlation values, for further processing, we kept only the independent variables with a correlation to the dependent variable higher than |0.1| (highlighted in the tables below). One can observe that for the year 2021, four independent variables were kept, while for 2022, a fifth variable was added to the set.

The method used in the 3D representation of polynomial functions is the ax.plot_surface function from the Matplotlib module of Python 3.11.11. For representation, trend functions are determined, whose free terms are calculated based on degree-four polynomials (degree fixed by the authors) represented in Python (within Collab Notebook from Google Chrome) as follows:

a + b*x + c*y + d*x**2 + e*y**2 + g*x**3 + h*y**3 + i*x**4 + j*y**4

or

a + b*x + c*y + d*x2 + e*y2 + g*x3 + h*y3 + i*x4 + j*y4

where

a, b, c, d, e, g, h, i, and j are the free terms;

x and y are the independent variables taken two by two.

Subsequently, the variations in the dependent variable against the independent variables are based on these functions.

The results of the tests conducted show a significant variation between the variables, regardless of the group in which they are analyzed. Thus, it was decided to evaluate the graphic representations of the evolution of the dependent variable against the independent variables, taken two by two. Six graphs resulted for the year 2021 (Figure 5) and 10 graphs for the year 2022 (Figure 6), respectively.

For a proper visualization and to aid interpretation, each 3D representation is doubled by a second graph of each variation (e.g., Figure 5a, the figure on the right), adjusted by elevating the representation plane at a value of one. This modification highlights steeper variations and emphasizes the nuanced changes in the relationships among variables. Each graph illustrates how the dependent variable evolves relative to pairs of independent variables. Inflection points, which indicate changes in the direction of the trend, and the steepness of these trends serve as critical parameters for evaluating the influence of the independent variables. For instance, a steeper curve or a greater number of inflection points reflects a more significant effect on the dependent variable.

The 3D graphs allow for the identification of dominant variables, interaction patterns, and obtaining variable hierarchy. In order to identify dominant variables, the analysis prioritizes variables based on their influence on SA21 and SA22, respectively. Furthermore, the graphs reveal how pairs of independent variables interact to influence the dependent variable. Ultimately, based on trends and variations observed in the visualizations, the ranked lists of the independent variables’ influences on SA21 and SA22, respectively, are established.

Figure 5 and Figure 6 offer a comprehensive perspective on the dynamic relations between the dependent and independent variables in each of the two years under study, allowing for a proper understanding of both their individual and combined influences.

In establishing the hierarchy, the number of inflection points from the representation of the trends of each function belonging to the independent variables, as well as the speed of increase or decrease in the trend (steep), were evaluated.

Observing the 3D graphs in Figure 5, the following conclusions may be drawn:

-

Figure 5a: The evolution of SA21 is influenced to a greater extent by DIS than by SAN, even if it has more inflection points. This suggests that while SAN has a more complex influence, DIS has a consistent and stronger overall impact on SA21.

-

Figure 5b: The evolution of SA21 is influenced to a greater extent by DIS than by WAT, even if it has more inflection points. This suggests that DIS drives variations in SA21 more significantly, overshadowing the influence of WAT.

-

Figure 5c: DIS is much more influential than BEA and with more inflection points. The steep influences in SA21 indicate that DIS impacts it to a higher extent than BEA.

-

Figure 5d: WAT more influential than SAN, even if it has more inflection points. SA21 variations are more apparent in the case of WAT, underlining its stronger impact.

-

Figure 5e: SAN and BEA are almost equally influential, but SAN determines a slightly higher variance in SA21.

-

Figure 5f: WAT and BEA have similar influences, but in the case of WAT, the variations in SA21 are more obvious, suggesting WAT plays a more significant role.

Thus, a hierarchy of the variations in the dependent variable was determined as a result of the evolution of the trends of the independent variables. To sum up, DIS has the highest influence on SA21, followed by WAT, SAN, and BEA.

Table 4. The hierarchy of factors influencing SA21.

No. of Dimensions That Are More Influential Than the One Presented in the First Row of the Table (on Each Column)	Hierarchy of Influences	DIS	SAN	WAT	BEA
0	I					DIS
2	III					SAN
1	II					WAT
3	IV		=	=		BEA

Source: authors’ processing. is a stronger influence or variation (e.g., DIS SAN means DIS is more influential that SAN). is an influence or variation much stronger. = is a close influence or variation but slightly higher.

below summarizes the influences of each dimension in the process of comparison.

Observing the 3D graphs in Figure 6, the following conclusions may be drawn:

-

Figure 6a: similarly to 2021, DIS is much more influential than SAN and with more inflection points.

-

Figure 6b: DIS is much more influential than WAT, although with the same number of inflection points but with a much more obvious influence on SA22. DIS remains dominant over WAT.

-

Figure 6c: DIS is much more influential than BEA, although with the same number of inflection points but with much more obvious influence on SA22.

-

Figure 6d: DIS is much more influential than SHO, although with the same number of inflection points but with a much more obvious influence on SA22. DIS demonstrates a substantial influence on SA22 compared to the new variable, SHO.

-

Figure 6e: SAN and WAT have similar influences but with more obvious inflection points in SAN than in WAT. SAN has a more significant influence on SA22.

-

Figure 6f: SAN compared to BEA has a close influence, the same number of inflection points, but it has a more obvious influence for SAN. SAN exhibits a slightly higher variance in SA22.

-

Figure 6g: SAN is much more influential than SHO, with more inflection points and a much more obvious variation in SA22.

-

Figure 6h: WAT with BEA have similar influences and more pronounced variations in the case of WAT, although they have the same number of inflection points.

-

Figure 6i: WAT is more influential than SHO, with more inflection points and slightly more pronounced SA22 variation.

-

Figure 6j: BEA and SHO are close in terms of influence, with a slight superiority of BEA because it determines greater variations in the inflection points.

Table 5. The hierarchy of factors influencing SA22.

No. of Dimensions That Are More Influential Than the One Presented in the First Row of the Table (on Each Column)	Hierarchy of Influences	DIS	SAN	WAT	BEA	SHO
0	I						DIS
2	III						WAT
1	II						SAN
3	IV			=			BEA
4	V						SHO

Source: authors’ processing. is a stronger influence or variation (e.g., DIS SAN means DIS is more influential that SAN). is an influence or variation much stronger. = is a close influence or variation but slightly higher.

below summarizes the influences of each dimension in the process of comparison. In 2022, the hierarchy of factors influencing SA22 is as follows: DIS, SAN, WAT, BEA, and SHO.

One may observe a difference between the two years of 2021 and 2022; in 2021, WAT is more influential that SAN, while in 2022, it becomes the other way around.

All tourist destinations experience a specific evolution of demand over time, and the influence of various factors related to tourist supply, as well as tourist demand, can result in periods of decreased attractiveness and diminished tourist flows to that destination.

Mamaia resort has experienced tumultuous real estate developments over the past thirty years, resulting in a contentious blend of offerings typical of a national interest tourist destination and the presence of an urban neighborhood within the same area of Constanța. This situation has ultimately had an adverse impact on the growth of tourist demand for the resort.

The excessive widening of the beaches in the northern half of the resort, where the width exceeds 300 m in some areas, along with the lower quality of sand used on the new sandy surfaces, were significant factors contributing to dissatisfaction among certain tourists, who chose alternative coastal resorts during the summer seasons of 2021 and 2022.

The results of our study indicated that although other issues also contributed to tourist displeasure—such as high rates and prices for tourist services in Mamaia resort and the inflated cost of parking spaces—the primary source of dissatisfaction stemmed from the beach expansion, which was perceived as excessive and not aligned with their expectations.

At the end of the beach consolidation works, there is great concern among tourism entrepreneurs in the Mamaia resort but also among tourists regarding the purposes of the extended beach in Mamaia.

On 11 July 2021, the Minister of the Environment, Waters, and Forests of Romania announced that following the completion of the construction works and the subsequent reception and documentation of the newly added section of the beach, the Ministry of the Environment, in collaboration with the Romanian Waters National Administration, would initiate an international competition aimed at soliciting urban planning and architectural proposals for the enhancement of the expanded beach area in Mamaia resort. To prepare this international contest of solutions, the Ministry concluded a partnership with the Romanian Order of Architects to find solutions for the use of these new beaches.

We believe that both the public debate and the questionnaire-based public consultation should have been better publicized and organized in partnership with the employers’ associations in tourism on the Romanian coast, especially with those in Mamaia-Constanța, but also with representatives of the academic environment specializing in tourism. The results of this solution competition are awaited with interest, which will indicate how the extended beaches of Mamaia will look in the future.

7. Conclusions

The project aimed at consolidating, restoring, and expanding the beaches along the Romanian coastline was not only a necessary initiative but also a critical step towards addressing coastal erosion, long-awaited by tourism entrepreneurs in the region, as well as by tourists.

However, the over-expansion of beaches in the northern section of Mamaia resort altered the beach characteristics and resulted in unintended consequences that diminished the resort’s appeal as a prime tourist destination. This case serves as an essential example for future beach restoration projects, emphasizing the importance of balancing environmental, economic, and social considerations.

A critical consequence is that the drastic transformation of beach features in Mamaia led to significant tourist dissatisfaction. Tourists expressed concerns over the excessive width of the beach, coarse sand quality, and steep sea entry, which were in stark contrast with the destination’s previously renowned characteristics. These issues highlight the importance of aligning beach restoration projects with the expectations and preferences of the end users.

The results of our exploratory study show that the loss of the once famous assets of the beaches in Mamaia was the main reason for dissatisfaction for a significant number of tourists (about 66%). Following this over-expansion, Mamaia saw a decrease in tourist demand, reflected in the level of tourist traffic indicators recorded in the two years following the restoration works. In 2022 and 2023, both the number of arrivals and the average length of stay in Mamaia were lower than the averages recorded along the entire coast. Furthermore, this decline in tourist demand occurred despite ongoing efforts by local tourism operators to enhance their offerings, as well as initiatives from the newly established Constanța-Mamaia Tourist Management Organization to promote tourism and organize events aimed at attracting visitors. Our research revealed that in 2021, tourist satisfaction with regard to the expanded beach was mostly influenced by the distance to travel to the sea water, the depth of sea water, the quality of the sand, and the provision of beach bars and their location in relation to the seashore. In 2022, the hierarchy of factors influencing tourist satisfaction was as follows: the distance to travel to the sea water, the quality of the sand, the depth of sea water, the provision of beach bars and their location in relation to the seashore, and the provision of shower cabins. These results are in line with previous studies signaling tourists’ preference for fine sand [15] and moderate beach widths [37].

The case of Mamaia demonstrates that large-scale environmental interventions can directly and adversely impact tourism, a vital economic sector for the region. While addressing coastal erosion remains a legitimate concern, it is crucial to adopt a balanced approach that safeguards tourism alongside environmental restoration. This case serves as a cautionary example, underscoring the importance of ensuring that sustainable policies maintain ecological balance without undermining the local economy. The aftermath of the excessive beach enlargement highlights the necessity for policy-makers to incorporate both social and economic considerations into environmental initiatives. As such, sustainable development policies should aim to balance environmental preservation with the economic viability of tourist destinations. Moderate and sustainable solutions that address environmental challenges while preserving economic viability should be prioritized. This includes assessing the environmental footprint of technical solutions and avoiding unnecessary expansions. Moreover, we argue that formal mechanisms for comprehensive consultations should be implemented to involve local stakeholders and the end-users prior to the project’s design phase. This study demonstrates the need for integrated planning that addresses technical, ecological, and socio-economic aspects holistically. Ultimately, beach restoration is not only an environmental necessity but also a strategic tool to enhance tourism.

One of the limitations of the conducted study is the relatively short period since the completion of the beach widening process, which has hindered the consolidation of tourists’ opinions regarding the long-term effects of this alteration in beach structure. Consequently, a future direction for research will involve resuming the study through a survey targeting tourists who have experienced the beach in Mamaia over an extended timeframe. Additionally, the research can be expanded to include a comparative analysis of tourist experiences across multiple beaches that have undergone similar expansion processes in other countries. On a broader level, further investigations are warranted to enhance the understanding of tourist perceptions concerning beach quality, incorporating additional dimensions such as environmental factors, amenities, and services.

To sum up, we believe that the findings of this study can be valuable for future beach widening projects along the Romanian coast and potentially in other locations to prevent the challenges encountered by the tourist resort of Mamaia. Careful planning and stakeholder feedback are essential to ensure that such projects are both equitable and economically viable. A more comprehensive analysis is essential when considering any beach extension project to ensure that it safeguards the sustainability and the attractiveness of tourist destinations.