Local research on sustainable tourism
What the area offers and what travelers are looking for
Tourism, on the one hand, is an important source of income, on the other hand, shapes the communities it touches in both positive and negative ways. The sustainable tourism model is promoted and encouraged around the world, increasing the positives and reducing the negatives. How could sustainable tourism be applied to Poros, Troizinia and Methana? The Ec(h)o consortium (Katheti, Odyssey, Live-Bio), as part of Project Resound, carried out local research on sustainable tourism, with the aim of mapping the activities, needs and prospects of the region.
Travelers who choose sustainable tourism
The local research on sustainable tourism has shown that visitors want to feel respected and safe. Coming to an unknown area, they expect a hospitable environment, with approachable, kind and reliable hosts and residents. The sense of mental and physical safety is achieved with comfort, organization, easy access to information, cleanliness and attractive spaces
They stay longer in a place and return to it when they immerse in the local culture. And that’s what happens when they encounter authenticity and uniqueness. Small hospitality units, natural beaches, architecture, history, interaction with the locals, gastronomic experiences and generally everything that escapes the beaten track. The stunning landscapes, the sea, the mountains, the volcano further enrich the experience of their journey.
They enjoy hiking, cycling, horse riding, fishing, aqua sports and guided tours of historic sites. They participate in cultural, educational, religious and rural activities. They are interested in fine arts but also in crafts, such as soap making and weaving. They are willing to spend more money to satisfy the purpose of their trip in general and especially in local products.
The residents of the area
A place is the home of its inhabitants. Local research on sustainable tourism has shown that residents expect tourists to behave with respect to them, to their traditions, customs, laws, historical monuments and natural environment. Sustainable tourism in Poros, Troizinia and Methana can ensure these expectations and even more.
It brings balance to the nuisance from overpopulation, with the dispersion of visitors and the longer duration of the tourist season. Financially, most of the profit remains in place, more professionals are involved and a healthier economy is being built.
Sustainable tourism in Poros, Troizinia and Methana can be implemented because the region has all the requirements. What is needed is unity, trust and collaboration among entrepreneurs, organizations and municipal authorities. And these come through dedication to purpose and education.
Only through the collective effort for innovation can we target uniqueness and tourism beyond ordinary. Branded local products, offering high quality combination experiences and services including all ages, budgets and purposes of travelers.
A collective effort of evolution
Sustainable tourism in Poros, Troizinia and Methana could only be fully implemented through a collective effort aimed at long-term solutions and mutual benefit for communities.
The article was based on local research on sustainable tourism by the consultative organization Project Resound, which delivers strategic and design solutions around the world, Ec(h)o, which is the local consortium of partners (Katheti, Live-Bio, Odyssey) and the Ecologists without Frontiers, volunteer scientists who support with know-how.
A series of articles will ensue, with interviews of local professionals operating in accordance with the principles of sustainable tourism.
