The CAST project aims to strengthen coastal tourism by identifying new opportunities to attract and retain visitors and improve products and services while guaranteeing the sustainability of tourism. Kent, Pas-de-Calais and West-Flanders experience similar issues in coastal tourism, the partners therefore seek common solutions. Coastal tourism in the partner regions is of significant value but it is in decline. To develop this important economic activity in a sustainable manner, improvements in product, quality, communication, marketing and research are vital.In order to achieve these objectives the project will focus on a joint analysis of the area, common marketing actions, and a pilot study in coastal management. They will strive to change perceptions through tools such as jointly branded maps and campaigns, study trips, a joint website about coastal activities in the partner areas. Young people, second home owners and tourism businesses will be the main focus of these efforts, with coastal activities and other new initiatives to inspire them and keep them interested. Expected Results: What are the key results of the project?Activity 1's results include:- Coastal analysis studies - 1 delivered 2 underway due for completion March 2012- Walking and cycling survey - already completed- 3 study tours - 2 delivered 1 booked March 2012- 2 Best Practice trips - booked for 2012- Pilot coastal management strategy - delivered- Geo-caching trail - deliveredActivity 2' results include:- Branding strategy and toolkit for the coast - delivered- Comtemporary image campaigns in the partner areas - delivered- Coastal Maps in Flanders - 3 delivered- Shared coastal guide book in Dutch, French and English - delivered- Portal website on watersports - due for completion in March 2012Activity 3's results include:- Satisfaction survey for tourism coastal businesses- A network of walking/cycling volunteers- Active coast weekAre all partners and territories benefitting from the results?Target groups for the CAST project are:Domestic and overseas visitor markets in the partner regions; tourism businesses in the partner regions; local governments and coastal communities of the partner regions; the project partners.Final beneficiaries include all of the above target groups as they will benefit from learning and understanding best practice in coastal locations and having a greater understanding of the issues.Visitors have benefited (and will continue to do so) from a greater awareness of the coastal communities and the attractions within them, as they experience a better welcome and quality of product.Tourism businesses have benefited from the implementations of the CAST project as improved quality and management will lead to increased business economic opportunity.What are the effects / outcomes for the territories involved?CAST will contribute to an increased and more positive awareness of coastal towns in the visitor market, with more visitors coming to these locations, as a result; an increase in civic pride among local residents and businesses; a better trained and more informed workforce and also, an increase in partnership working across boundaries with the added-value this brings of information sharing, knowledge transfer and best-practise exchange.