kathimerini.gr
Greek Tourism: Sustainability Concerns and Shifting Tourist Preferences
A recent survey of 1,314 Greeks reveals that 67.3% see tourism as vital but express concerns about its environmental and social effects, prompting calls for a sustainable tourism strategy. Climate change is also shifting tourist preferences, with nearly 30% avoiding destinations with extreme heat.
- What are the primary concerns of Greeks regarding the impact of tourism on their country, and what policy changes are being advocated for?
- A recent survey reveals that 67.3% of Greeks acknowledge tourism's importance to their economy and employment, yet express concerns about its environmental and social impacts, such as rising rents and the character of destinations. This has led to calls for a new national tourism strategy prioritizing sustainability and alternative tourism models.
- How are climate change and rising costs affecting tourist choices, and what are the implications for the traditional tourism season in Greece?
- The survey highlights a shift in tourist preferences, driven by climate change. Nearly 30% of tourists are avoiding destinations with extreme heat or overcrowding, leading to a potential season extension as evidenced by a shift in revenue from July-August to September. This aligns with international trends influenced by rising costs and geopolitical instability.
- What are the key challenges and opportunities for ensuring the long-term sustainability and competitiveness of Greek tourism in light of global economic and environmental pressures?
- Looking ahead, Greece needs to address overtourism and its environmental consequences through targeted policies. This includes limiting tourist numbers in sensitive areas, promoting alternative tourism models like ecotourism, and investing in green infrastructure. The success of this will depend on effective spatial planning to manage new investments and ensure sustainable growth.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article presents a balanced view of the issue of tourism in Greece, highlighting both the economic benefits and the environmental and social concerns. While it emphasizes the need for a sustainable tourism model, this emphasis is supported by the survey data and expert opinions presented. The headline (if there was one) would significantly impact the framing; a headline focusing solely on negative aspects would skew the presentation, even with a balanced body.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses primarily on the economic and environmental impacts of tourism in Greece, with a significant portion dedicated to the opinions and concerns of Greek citizens. While it mentions the changing preferences of international tourists and the challenges faced by tourism workers, it could benefit from a more in-depth exploration of these aspects. For example, specific examples of alternative tourism models or the types of investments in green infrastructure could have been included. Additionally, a broader range of viewpoints on the issue of overtourism, beyond the survey data, would have provided richer context.
Sustainable Development Goals
Tourism is a significant contributor to Greece's GDP (13% direct, 30% indirect) and employment (16.4% direct, around one-third including indirect jobs). The article highlights the importance of tourism to the Greek economy and employment, and the need for strategies to ensure its sustainability and positive impact on jobs.