Tourism is the number one, two, or three contributor to all U.S. states’ economic growth and development. At the same time the ‘environmental footprint’ of tourism is an important concern. From energy and water consumption, to waste and pollution, and degradation of coastal habitat, tourism has become a major factor in the longterm sustainability of America’s coasts. This white paper has been written for the national and state Sea Grant programs to consider when developing their strategic plans.