Abstract

This article examines the effects of climate-induced environmental changes, including beach erosion and temporary closures, on tourist welfare in Chile's main coastal destinations. Using the Travel Cost Method, we estimate conservative lower-bound welfare measures linked to the mitigation of beach retreat, and the maintenance of beach access. Results show a positive willingness to pay CLP 868.17 per additional meter of beach width (USD 1.00) and significant welfare losses from potential one-day closures, ranging from CLP 374.39 million (USD 0.43 million) in Coquimbo to CLP 325.24 million (USD 0.37 million) in Valparaiso. Tourists value natural features but react negatively to visible infrastructure such as drainage systems. These findings offer practical insights for climate adaptation and sustainable coastal management in tourismdependent regions.