Skip to main content

Advertisement

SpringerLink
Log in

An Investigation of Factors Determining the Tourism Attractiveness of Greece’s Prefectures

  • Published:
Journal of the Knowledge Economy Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

The contribution of tourism to the local economy has proved particularly significant and led many researchers to study this multidimensional phenomenon. It is therefore appropriate to identify and analyze factors affecting tourism attractiveness, to propose the necessary policies. Since tourism plays an increasingly important role in the Greek economy, this manuscript aims to assess the tourism attractiveness of the Greek prefectures of foreign and domestic visitors. This is achieved by applying multiple linear regression and building on studentized deleted residuals and the diagnostics variables of leverage values and Cook’s distance. Prefectures with an unusual combination of values and prefectures that may have a high impact on the regression models are determined in accordance with the methodology. Overnight stays were used as the dependent variables, and measurable variables affecting tourist attractiveness were used as independent variables, according to international literature. At the end, the manuscript shows that there are major differences as regards tourism attractiveness at the level of Greek prefectures and highlights the need for developing strong policies and practices, with a view of improving regional tourism competitiveness.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
Fig. 6
Fig. 7

Similar content being viewed by others

Data Availability

Not applicable.

References

  • An, L. T., Markowski, J., Bartos, M., Rzenca, A., & Namiecinski, P. (2019). An evaluation of destination attractiveness for nature-based tourism: Recommendations for the management of national parks in Vietnam. Nature Conservation, 32(1), 51–80.

    Google Scholar 

  • Andriotis, K. (2004). Coastal mass tourism. In Diversification and sustainable development in southern Europe. Bristol: Channel View Publications.

    Google Scholar 

  • Andriotis, K., Agiomirgianakis, G., & Mihiotis, A. (2007). Measuring tourist satisfaction: A factor cluster segmentation approach. Journal of Vacation Marketing, 14(3), 221–235.

    Google Scholar 

  • Assaf, A., & Josiassen, A. (2011). Identifying and ranking the determinants of tourism performance. Journal of Travel Research, 5(4), 388–399.

    Google Scholar 

  • Beer, M., Rybar, R., & Kalavsky, M. (2018). Renewable energy sources as an attractive element of industrial tourism. Current Issues in Tourism, 21(18), 2147–2159.

    Google Scholar 

  • Blazeska, D., Milenkovski, A., & Gramatnikovski, S. (2015). The quality of the tourist destinations a key factor increasing their attractiveness. UTMS Journal of Economics, 6(1), 341–353.

    Google Scholar 

  • Boivin, M., & Tanguay, G. (2019). Analysis of the determinants of urban tourism attractiveness: The case of Quebec City and Bordeaux. Journal of Destination Marketing & Management, 11(1), 67–79.

    Google Scholar 

  • Calvo Mora, A., Berbel Pineda, J., Perianez, R., & Suarez, E. (2011). Determining factors of a city’s tourism attractiveness. Tourism and Management Studies, 7(1), 9–23.

    Google Scholar 

  • Capacci, S., Scorcu, A., & Vici, L. (2015). Seaside tourism and eco-labels: The economic impact of blue flags. Tourism Management, 47(1), 88–96.

    Google Scholar 

  • Cehan, A., & Daniel, T. (2015). Methods and models of hierarchization of the tourist attractions. Study case: Neamt County. Annals of the University of Oradea, Geography Series, 25(1), 14–24.

  • Cheng, L., & King, B. (2019). Determinants of attractiveness for a seniors friendly destination: A hierarchical approach. Current Issues in Tourism, 22(1), 71–90.

    Google Scholar 

  • Cheng-Fei, L., & Kuan-Yang, C. (2016). Exploring factors determining the attractiveness of railway tourism. Journal of Travel & Tourism Marketing, 34(4), 461–474.

    Google Scholar 

  • Cracolici, Μ., & Nijkamp, P. (2008). The attractiveness and competitiveness of tourist destinations: A study of Southern Italian regions. Tourism Management, 30(1), 336–344.

    Google Scholar 

  • Cugno, M., Grimmer, M., & Viassone, M. (2012). Measuring local tourism attractiveness: The case of Italy. Paper presented at the Australian & New Zealand Academy of Management (ANZAM) 2012: 26th Annual ANZAM conference: managing for volatility and instability. 05-07 December 2012. Perth, Australia.

  • De Meo, I., Paeletto, A., & Cantiani, M. G. (2015). The attractiveness of forests: Preferences and perceptions in a mountain community in Italy. Annals of Forest Research, 58(1), 145–156.

    Google Scholar 

  • Dimelli, D. (2017). The effects of tourism in Greek insular settlements and the role of spatial planning. Journal of the Knowledge Economy., 8(1), 319–336.

    Google Scholar 

  • Dimitrov, P. M., Stankova, M. Z., Vasenska, I., & Uzunova, D. (2017). Increasing attractiveness and image recognition of Bulgaria as a tourism destination. Tourism & Management Studies, 13(3), 39–47.

    Google Scholar 

  • Eurostat (2019). Tourism destinations - nights spent at tourist accommodation establishments, 2018. https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/statistics-explained/index.php/Tourism_statistics.

  • Fetscherin, M., & Stephano, R. M. (2016). The medical tourism index: Scale development and validation. Tourism Management, 52(2), 539–556.

    Google Scholar 

  • Greek Tourism Confederation (SETE) (2020). Greek Tourism - Basic Figures 2018. https://sete.gr/el/stratigiki-gia-ton-tourismo/vasika-megethi-tou-ellinikoy-tourismoy.

  • Hellenic Statistical Authority (ELSTAT) (2017). https://www.statistics.gr/en/home/.

  • Iatu, C., & Bulai, M. (2011). New approach in evaluating tourism attractiveness in the region of Moldavia (Romania). International Journal of Energy and Environment, 2(5), 165–174.

    Google Scholar 

  • Jingjing, L., Lizhi, X., Ling, T., Shouang, W., & Ling, L. (2018). Big data in tourism research: A literature review. Tourism Management, 68(1), 301–323.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kabanova, E., Frolova, E., Medvedeva, N., Minichenko, M., & Shimanskaya, I. (2016). Cultural and educational tourism in the Russian Federation: Basic problems and development resources. International Review of Management and Marketing, 6(1), 206–210.

    Google Scholar 

  • Klufova, R. (2016). Destination attractiveness of the South Bohemian region from the viewpoint of spatial data analysis. DETUROPE – The Central European Journal of Regional Development and Tourism, 8(1), 1821–2506.

  • Kresic, D., & Prebezac, D. (2011). Index of destination attractiveness as a tool for destination attractiveness assessment. TOURISM, 59(4), 497–517.

    Google Scholar 

  • Leiper, N. (1990). Tourist attractions systems. Annals of Tourism Research, 17(3), 367–384.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mavragani, E. (2015). Greek museums and tourists’ perceptions: An empirical research. Journal of the Knowledge Economy. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13132-015-0283-2.

  • McIntyre, G., Hetherington, A., & Inskeep, E. (1993). Sustainable tourism development: Guide for local planners. Madrid: World Travel Organization.

    Google Scholar 

  • McKinsey & Company (2011). Greece 10 years ahead. Defining Greece’s new growth model and strategy. Athens. https://www.mckinsey.com/~/media/mckinsey/locations/europe%20and%20middle%20east/greece/overview/greece%2010%20years%20ahead/greece_10_years_ahead.ashx.

  • Montaguti, F., & Mingotto, E. (2014). Ecotourism in natural parks: An assured sustainable success? Tourist behavior, attractiveness and sustainable development issues in two Italian parks. Tourism Planning & Development, 12(1), 99–110.

    Google Scholar 

  • Niavis, S., & Tsiotas, D. (2018). Decomposing the price of the cruise product into tourism and transport attributes: Evidence from the Mediterranean market. Tourism Management, 67(1), 98–110.

    Google Scholar 

  • Norusis, M. (2011). Guide to data analysis IBM SPSS 19. USA: Addison Wesley.

    Google Scholar 

  • Pantelescu, A. M. (2012). Trends in international tourism. Cactus Tourism Journal, 3(2), 31–35.

    Google Scholar 

  • Papatheodorou, A., & Arvanitis, P. (2014). Tourism and the economic crisis in Greece – Regional perspectives. Region et Development, 39(1), 183–203.

    Google Scholar 

  • Polyzos, S. (2019). Regional development. Athens: Kritiki Publishing S.A.

    Google Scholar 

  • Polyzos, S., & Arabatzis, G. (2006). A multicriteria approach for the evaluation of tourist resources of Greek prefectures. Tourism Today, 6(1), 96–111.

    Google Scholar 

  • Polyzos, S., & Arabatzis, G. (2008). Determinant factors of tourism attractiveness of Greek prefectures. International Journal Sustainable Development Planning, 3(4), 343–366.

    Google Scholar 

  • Polyzos, S., & Minetos, D. (2011). An ordinal regression analysis of tourism enterprises location decision in Greece. Anatolia – An International Journal of Tourism and Hospitality Research, 22(1), 102–119.

    Google Scholar 

  • Polyzos, S., & Petrakos, G. (2001). Enterprises location in Greece: Analysis of determinants and empirical investigation. Topos: Review of Spatial Development, Planning, and Environment, 17(1), 93–123. 

  • Polyzos, S., Arabatzis, G., & Tsiantikoudis, S. (2007). The attractiveness of archaeological sites in Greece: A spatial analysis. International Journal of Tourism Policy and Research, 1(3), 245–266.

    Google Scholar 

  • Polyzos, S., Tsiotas, D., & Kantlis, A. (2013). Determining the tourism development dynamics of the Greek regions by using TALC theory. TOURISMOS, 8(2), 159–178.

    Google Scholar 

  • Priniotaki, Μ., & Capsis, D. (2008). Tourism effects on economy, agora without frontiers. Quarterly journal of Institute of International Economic Relations, 13(3), 179–192.

    Google Scholar 

  • Puciato, D. (2016). Attractiveness of municipalities in South-Western Poland as determinants for hotel chain investments. Tourism Management, 57(1), 245–255. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tourman.2016.06.019.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Reitsamer, B., & Brunner-Sperdin, A. (2017). Tourist destination perception and well-being: What makes a destination attractive? Journal of Vacation Marketing, 23(1), 55–72.

    Google Scholar 

  • Research Institute for Tourism (ITEP) (2009). Tourism in the Digital Economy. https://www.grhotels.gr/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/digital_tour_itep_PREVIEW.pdf.

  • Ritchie, J. R., & Crouch, G. I. (2003). The competitive destination. A sustainable tourism perspective. Oxon: CABI Publishing.

    Google Scholar 

  • Saayman, M., & Saayman, A. (2017). How important are blue flag awards in beach choice? Journal of Coastal Research, 33(6), 1436–1447.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sparks, B., Wildman, K., & Bowen, J. (2002). Restaurants as a contributor to tourist destination attractiveness. Australia: CRC for Sustainable Tourism.

    Google Scholar 

  • Spilanis, I., Kizos, T., Viatis, M., & Koukourouvli, N. (2013). Measuring the economic, social and environmental performance of European island regions: Emerging issues for European and regional policy. European Planning Studies, 21(12), 1998–2019.

    Google Scholar 

  • Tam, B. (2012). Application of contextual approach for measuring tourism destination attractiveness. Journal of Science, Hue University, 70(1), 217–226.

    Google Scholar 

  • Tomigorova, K., Mendes, J., & Pereira, L. (2015). The attractiveness of Portugal as a tourist destination: The perspective of Czech tour operators. Journal of Travel and Tourism Marketing, 33(1), 197–210.

    Google Scholar 

  • Vangesayi, S. (2008). Destination attractiveness: Are there relationships with destination attributes? The Business Review, Cambridge, 10(2), 289–294.

    Google Scholar 

  • World Economic Forum (2017). The Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Report 2017- Paving the way for a more sustainable and inclusive future. [online] http://www3.weforum.org/docs/WEF_TTCR_2017_web_0401.pdf (Accessed 27 Dec 2018).

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Engineering School Department of Planning and Regional Development, University of Thessaly, Volos, Greece

    Thomas Krabokoukis & Serafeim Polyzos

Authors
  1. Thomas Krabokoukis
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Serafeim Polyzos
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Contributions

Not applicable.

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Thomas Krabokoukis.

Ethics declarations

Conflict of Interest

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Code Availability

Not applicable.

Additional information

Publisher’s Note

Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Krabokoukis, T., Polyzos, S. An Investigation of Factors Determining the Tourism Attractiveness of Greece’s Prefectures. J Knowl Econ 12, 1997–2015 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13132-020-00704-7

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13132-020-00704-7

Keywords

Search

Navigation