Paul's from Cornwall and certainly Cornwall certainly couldn't cope without the tourism industry...The surf there isn't too bad though.
Up here in Borth, the surf isn't great, but we probably wouldn't suffer too much without tourism, obviously the businesses directly related to tourism would, be the general economy (what there is of one) would probably be OK.
I must admit though, when you live in a coastal area, the influx of tourists in the summer can be a little annoying. We kind of like it to a certain extent as it livens the place up a bit and just makes a difference, but it can be a little annoying when they've pinched you favourite parking spot, or theres a family of pale fat holiday-makers sat smack bang in rigin area!!.
I'd hate to think what it must be like in Cornwall at this time of year. I've avoided the place for a few years now as the traffic just becomes ridiculous in the summer. It isn't too bad here, even on the 10 mile journey into Aberystwyth I'm unlikely to see that many cars, so although we can't really complain, its kinda the done thing for locals to complain about. Living by the sea, surrounded by great scenery and with excellent winsurfing, kite-surfing and occasionally surfing on our doorsteps every day means theres little else to complain about!!
Al.