From Farmers and Shepherds to Shopkeepers and Hoteliers: Constituency-Differentiated Experiences of Endogenous Tourism in the Greek Isle of Zakynthos

UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
Yorghos Apostolopoulos, Associate Professor (Creator)
Sevil Sonmez, Professor and Department Head (Creator)
Institution
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/

Abstract: The effects exerted by endogenous tourism investment on the developing Greek island of Zakynthos are examined, focusing in particular on whether the experiences among residents, tourist enterprises and local government are homogeneous, or whether they reflect varied attitudes related to sociodemographic, destination, development-process and tourist characteristics. Multivariate analysis shows that the main factors contributing to the variance in locals' experiences of and reactions to tourism development are the endogenous nature associated with the early 'development' phase of the evolution cycle, inhabitant constituency, carrying capacity and tourist nationality. In addition, the protection and conservation of natural and sociocultural resources are revealed as serious concerns of the island's local government. Management strategies for visitor-impact alleviation should focus on community-based planning where the hosts' collective wisdom is incorporated into the overall development process and tourism policies are compatible with the physical and human components of the local society.

Additional Information

Publication
International Journal of Tourism Research, 1(6):413-427
Language: English
Date: 1999
Keywords
endogenous tourism, developing islands, constituency-differentiated effects, tourist nationality, carrying capacity, tourism-effect management

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