A multicriteria approach to support the location of thalassotherapy (seawater therapy) resorts: Application to Galicia region, NW Spain

This paper proposes a methodology for the location of thalassotherapy resorts to promote sustainable tourism in Galicia, NW Spain. Thalassotherapy is the medical use of seawater and the marine environment as a form of therapy. The proposed methodology is based on a multicriteria evaluation approach that integrates the economic, environmental and social factors that determine the best locations for this activity. A Geographical Information System is used to manage evaluation data and to visualize the results. A total of 211 potential sites were identified, from which 19 suitable locations were selected by applying a conjunctive method based on five criteria. The suitable sites were ranked from the point of view of different stakeholders using a multicriteria evaluation procedure. Results show that the ranking of alternative sites for thalassotherapy resorts is different for promoters, clients and Administration insofar as it is strongly influenced by the weighting of criteria. Accordingly, the proposed multicriteria approach can help stakeholders select the best site according to their interests or objectives and analyze the consequences of the decisions made.

► A multicriteria methodology can be used for the ranking of sites for thalassoterapy.
► Promoters prefer locations with large buildings in good condition.
► Clients prefer locations with good environmental quality, services and infrastructures.
► Administration gives priority to legislation, infrastructures and heritage value.
► The methodology can help stakeholders select the best site according to their interests.