P/T/27. Dissertation. Tourism planning in Mountain Pelio, Greece

The dissertation aims at investigating tourism as an alternative industry for regional development in rural areas. The objectives of the research are to deal with the problems of a Greek rural area, Mountain Pelio, rich in natural and cultural attractions that claims to be effecting its own tourist planning. The attitudes of the local community to tourist development are examined. Proceeding from a thorough review of literature the author defines the key concepts of the study (rural area, rural tourism, etc.) and outlines the negative and positive impacts of tourism. Various approaches to tourist planning are presented. Background information about Greece and Pelio region is supplied. The attitudes of the local public to tourism development are described and analysed. The author uses qualitative methods of research, both primary (interviews with data coding) and secondary (surveys of printed and online information sources). The paper recommends that tourism decision-making should be conducted by people living or working in the area, with maximum participation of the community stakeholders. The conclusion is made that tourism planning in Pelio area is at a rudimentary stage, and possible solutions to the problem are offered.