Aloria

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Coastal towns under threat as tourism stalls
16 October 5636



Residents in Aloria's coastal towns have been expressing their angst over new figures that show a major lull in tourism, potentially threatening thousands of jobs. Tourism in Aloria is down over 25% in the last four years, with areas dependent on the industry along the northern and western coasts particularly vulnerable to these trends.

Towns in northern Ultran and on the Sildarian coast are heavily reliant on tourism, which has historically provided jobs in the hospitality industry, in food and in attractions like theme parks and piers. The Kaunlaran coast, in Ultran, is one of the most tourism-dependent areas with over 20% of people in some towns being directly connected to hospitality services. Many restaurants and pubs cater specifically to urban visitors looking for an authentic slice of the Alorian coastline.

Coastal Aloria is facing a number of problems that are contributing to the decrease in tourism, according to Professor Annik Trenerry of the University of Sildar. Trenerry's research says that water pollution "has turned once pristine beaches into murky pools", while an increase in crime has made many rural citizens "fearful" of booking a shoreline retreat. Coastal towns struggle with low educational employment and few employment opportunities outside of the tourism sector, contributing to a "hostile environment" for young people which "creates disorder". One other factor Prof. Tenerry raises is the high cost of living in cities, which combines with cheap flights overseas to make small town holidays increasingly less affordable to middle class Alorians.

Minister for Tourism Kenan Trewella has pledged to combat the crisis, having announced yesterday that he will be commissioning a study into ways to reverse trends in the short term and diversify coastal economies in the longer term. However, Green party leader Talwyn Trenouth has blasted Trewella as a 'do-nothing minister' and said the government's poor ecological record is driving away visitors. The Greens have made revitalising the tourism industry a centrepiece of their campaign for recent local elections and having gained dozens of coastal councillors since the last election. 

Alôr Ar-Lein is a Cymerian-language news website based in Llyn, Aloria.