The case for offshore wind farms, artificial reefs and sustainable tourism in the French mediterranean

摘要: As the French government strives to achieve their offshore renewable energy target, impact of wind farms on coastal tourism in Languedoc Rousillon is now being questioned. To assess this issue, a choice experiment was undertaken elicit tourist preferences for turbines at different distances from shore. We also examined whether potential visual nuisances may be compensated by farm associated reef-recreation or adopting coherent environmental policy. The findings indicate that age, nationality, vacation activities and destination loyalty influence attitudes towards compensatory policies. Two policy recommendations are suggested. First, everything else equal, should located no closer than 12 km Second, alternatively, can 5 outwards without loss revenues if accompanied recreational activities.