Thesis-1998-Vrondou.pdf (11.25 MB)
Sports-related tourism and the product repositioning of traditional mass tourism destinations : an empirical study of Greece
thesis
posted on 2012-11-27, 14:54 authored by Ourania P. VrondouThe thesis investigates the role that sports-related tourism may play in the rejuvenation
and reinvestment process for mature mass tourism destinations, specifically, it
synthesises a range of material and case studies from, and seeks to contribute to tourism
policy development for, various contexts in Greece.
Following a review of published material inter alia on the product life cycle applied to
tourism destinations, on the debates surrounding the need for new rejuvenating products
to be sustainable forms of development, on the development of special interest forms of
tourism, and particularly on the rise of active or sports tourism, the work considers
methodologically how best to investigate the role that sport tourism is playing, or may
play, in assisting to rejuvenate and differentiate mass tourism destinations and assist
mass tourism-oriented economies. Seeking a comprehensive insight into the development of new forms of tourism across
Greece and the potential for further sports-oriented tourism development, this research
included case studies of both traditional regions of tourism concentration (e.g. Crete),
and more isolated and, as yet, under-developed tourism areas (e.g. Thrace), thus
contributing to further understanding the potential of sports tourism in different
contexts. Empirical work in these case study locations was preceded by an in-depth
review of public sector policy relating to tourism and, where relevant, to environmental
and developmental policy. This included a carefully structured series of in-depth
qualitative interviews with both central state policy makers (from senior decision
makers, such as the Minister for Tourism, to policy implementers) and regional or local
officials, who are both receivers and increasingly designers of policy. The study also
benefited from access to a range of both published and unpublished material through the
Greek National Tourism Organisation (GNTo.).
A shift in policy direction towards product differentiation, harnessing sports-related
tourism, was identified. New policy announcements are beginning to support the
increased development of sport tourism forms, through favourable legislation and
subsidies to private investors. Sports tourism increasingly recognised as having a
profile capable of differentiating the tourism offer by exploiting hidden potential, whilst
also helping to bring about a more sustainable development philosophy, despite some
industry skepticism.
History
School
- Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences
Publisher
© Ourania P. VrondouPublication date
1998Notes
A Doctoral Thesis. Submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the award of Doctor of Philosophy of Loughborough University.Language
- en