The Role of Technological Tools in Managing Yacht Marinas: A Study of the Red Sea Coast

Abstract

Yacht marinas play a crucial role in the maritime tourism, requiring efficient management systems to ensure smooth operations, enhance security, and improve the visitor experience. The integration of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has transformed marina management, providing innovative solutions in security, reservation systems, and remote monitoring. This study aims to assess the adoption of ICT tools in yacht marina management along the Red Sea coast, focusing on the level of implementation, perceived benefits, and key challenges related to digital transformation. A structured questionnaire was distributed to 408 stakeholders, including yacht and boat owners, marina managers, captains and crew members, investors, and tourism professionals. The findings reveal that security systems and GPS tracking technologies are the most widely adopted, reflecting a priority for safety and vessel monitoring. However, maintenance management, environmental monitoring, and data analytics tools are underutilized, suggesting a gap in the use of smart technologies for long-term sustainability. While ICT contributes to improving operational efficiency, customer experience, and marketing strategies, barriers such as high implementation costs, lack of technical expertise, and resistance to technological change hinder full-scale adoption. The study concludes that while ICT has a transformative impact on marina operations, further investments are needed in staff training, cybersecurity, and cost-effective solutions for smaller marinas. Recommendations include improving digital literacy among marina staff, subsidizing technology adoption for smaller operations, and integrating advanced environmental monitoring systems to enhance sustainability.