Exploring Motivators and Deterrents of Cycling Tourism Using Qualitative Social Research Methods and Participative Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP)

Efthimios Bakogiannis, Thanos Vlastos, Konstantinos Athanasopoulos, Avgi Vassi, Georgia Christodoulopoulou, Christos Karolemeas, Stefanos Tsigdinos, Charalampos Kyriakidis, Maria-Stella Noutsou, Maria Siti, Trisevgeni Papagerasimou-Klironomou, Ismini Stroumpou 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
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
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
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
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., 25 Em. Benaki Str., 10678 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
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
Ismini Stroumpou: AETHON Engineering Consultants P.C., 25 Em. Benaki Str., 10678 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, 1-15

Abstract: Cycling tourism is an environmentally friendly way to explore a destination. Nowadays, it is becoming more and more popular worldwide, since it permits an in-depth communication both with nature and people. In this context, the aim of this paper is to explore, in detail, mainly the environmental motivators of cycling tourists, and their significance, in Greece, by using qualitative social research (in-depth interviews and focus groups) and participative analytical hierarchical process. The results show that regarding physical environment, the element which attracts cycle tourists the most is the variety of scenic views along their route. Existence of lakes, rivers and beaches were also valued. On the contrary, “Biodiversity” and “Untouched natural landscapes” were ranked low as a description of the quality of the natural environment. However, the rise of cycling tourism depends considerably on the appropriate infrastructure, namely roads with low slopes, appropriate quality of surfaces and cycling infrastructure. Planners, policy-makers, and competent authorities should give emphasis on the critical factors in order to enhance cycling tourism, thus resulting in positive multiplying effects such as environmental protection and economic growth.

Keywords: cycle tourism; qualitative social research; analytical hierarchy process; preferences; Greece (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (10)

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