The combination of the current sea level rise (SLR) and an increase in the frequency and severity of sea storm events and surges, will have important environmental impacts on coastal tourist areas located in oceanic islands that are often heavily dependent economically on tourism. Importantly, coastal tourist resorts and their associated beaches are commonly located in the S-SW of these islands where they are protected from the effects of the NE trade winds but exposed to these storms. This study analyses the current and future conditions of SW sea storm events. Then, through mapping using orthophotos, LiDAR data, and bathymetry with high spatial resolution, it studies the environmental effects that these events are having now and will have in the future on tourist zones of oceanic islands. This is of particular importance, as in the case of the Macaronesia islands, SW sea storm events are occurring with ever greater frequency. The case study considers the SW sector of the island of Gran Canaria (Canary Islands, Spain). Regarding the analysis of SW storms, the results obtained show an increase in the frequency of events, especially since the 1990s, with 104 events detected (67.5% between 1958 and 2018). The most affected areas during these storms are usually beaches (severe erosive processes). Breakwaters and seafronts usually resist the impact of waves well, however, as is discussed that in the future scenario, their implementation will mean a high economic cost for local administrations.

The research hypothesis considered in this study is that decisions adopted on beach use and management in arid environments can result in significant changes in the biogeomorphological processes of the beach-dune system of which it forms part. Different information sources and geographical information systems were used to make a spatiotemporal analysis of possible correlations between the presence of beach equipment, services and uses in the backshore area of an arid beach-dune system, such as the beach named Playa del Inglés (Gran Canaria island, Spain) and environmental changes detected in the same area. The period considered in the study covers from 1961 (before the development of the mass tourism on the island) to 2018. Significant variations in vegetation cover over the course of the study period were detected, as well as an overall increase in erosion (topographic and erosive aeolian landforms) and foredune fragmentation and a decrease in geomorphological resilience. The study found not only relationships between management decisions and environmental impacts, but also that environmental impacts of management decisions on beach use made in the 1970s and 1980s continue to be felt today. Moreover, the results also reinforce the idea that management decisions made based on the results of scientific research studies (management-research binomial) can lead to more environmentally sustainable actions.