Development of a Cycle-Tourism Strategy in Greece Based on the Preferences of Potential Cycle-Tourists

Efthimios Bakogiannis, Thanos Vlastos, Konstantinos Athanasopoulos, Georgia Christodoulopoulou, Christos Karolemeas, Charalampos Kyriakidis, Maria-Stella Noutsou, Trisevgeni Papagerasimou-Klironomou, Maria Siti, Ismini Stroumpou, Avgi Vassi, Stefanos Tsigdinos and Eleftheria Tzika
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Efthimios Bakogiannis: Department of Geography and Regional Planning, School of Rural and Surveying Engineering, National Technical University of Athens (NTUA), 9, H. Polytechniou Str., Zographou Campus, 15780 Athens, Greece
Thanos Vlastos: Department of Geography and Regional Planning, School of Rural and Surveying Engineering, National Technical University of Athens (NTUA), 9, H. Polytechniou Str., Zographou Campus, 15780 Athens, Greece
Konstantinos Athanasopoulos: Department of Geography and Regional Planning, School of Rural and Surveying Engineering, National Technical University of Athens (NTUA), 9, H. Polytechniou Str., Zographou Campus, 15780 Athens, Greece
Georgia Christodoulopoulou: Department of Geography and Regional Planning, School of Rural and Surveying Engineering, National Technical University of Athens (NTUA), 9, H. Polytechniou Str., Zographou Campus, 15780 Athens, Greece
Christos Karolemeas: Department of Geography and Regional Planning, School of Rural and Surveying Engineering, National Technical University of Athens (NTUA), 9, H. Polytechniou Str., Zographou Campus, 15780 Athens, Greece
Charalampos Kyriakidis: Department of Geography and Regional Planning, School of Rural and Surveying Engineering, National Technical University of Athens (NTUA), 9, H. Polytechniou Str., Zographou Campus, 15780 Athens, Greece
Maria-Stella Noutsou: AETHON Engineering Consultants P.C., 10678,Athens, Greece
Trisevgeni Papagerasimou-Klironomou: Department of Geography and Regional Planning, School of Rural and Surveying Engineering, National Technical University of Athens (NTUA), 9, H. Polytechniou Str., Zographou Campus, 15780 Athens, Greece
Maria Siti: Department of Geography and Regional Planning, School of Rural and Surveying Engineering, National Technical University of Athens (NTUA), 9, H. Polytechniou Str., Zographou Campus, 15780 Athens, Greece
Ismini Stroumpou: AETHON Engineering Consultants P.C., 10678,Athens, Greece
Avgi Vassi: Department of Geography and Regional Planning, School of Rural and Surveying Engineering, National Technical University of Athens (NTUA), 9, H. Polytechniou Str., Zographou Campus, 15780 Athens, Greece
Stefanos Tsigdinos: Department of Geography and Regional Planning, School of Rural and Surveying Engineering, National Technical University of Athens (NTUA), 9, H. Polytechniou Str., Zographou Campus, 15780 Athens, Greece
Eleftheria Tzika: Department of Geography and Regional Planning, School of Rural and Surveying Engineering, National Technical University of Athens (NTUA), 9, H. Polytechniou Str., Zographou Campus, 15780 Athens, Greece

Sustainability, 2020, vol. 12, issue 6, 1-14

Abstract: Cycle-tourism seems to be an emerging touristic model in many countries, including Greece. Although the infrastructure is limited, entrepreneurship can support the development of such tourism sector, as cycle-tourists have specific needs to be met during an excursion. Thus, it would be helpful if stores that meet specific prerequisites could be certificated as cycle-friendly companies. In order for such certification to be developed, it is necessary for those parameters to be defined. This paper focuses on that topic and such criteria were identified through in-depth interviews with cycle-tourists and cycle-tour operators. Through this research, conclusions were derived about the criteria according to which cycle-tourists in Greece select stores and accommodation during an excursion. Those selection parameters were transcribed to indicators that will be used in order to develop the certification at the next phase of the research. Moreover, conclusions were compared with outcomes of similar international studies. It was found that cycle-tourists are interested in specific services, regardless of the country in which they live or travel. Besides conventional touristic activities, the importance of small retail stores in remote villages acting as meeting points with local people and culture was highlighted.

Keywords: cycle tourism; Greece; case studies; indicators; certifications; interviews; selection criteria; certification; entrepreneurship (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
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