Development of a Cycle-Tourism Strategy in Greece Based on the Preferences of Potential Cycle-Tourists

Abstract

Cycle-tourism seems to be an emerging touristic model in many countries, including Greece. Although the infrastructure is limited, entrepreneurship can support the development of such tourism sector, as cycle-tourists have specific needs to be met during an excursion. Thus, it would be helpful if stores that meet specific prerequisites could be certificated as cycle-friendly companies.In order for such certification to be developed, it is necessary for those parameters to be defined. This paper focuses on that topic and such criteria were identified through in-depth interviews with cycle-tourists and cycle-tour operators. Through this research, conclusions were derived about the criteria according to which cycle-tourists in Greece select stores and accommodation during an excursion. Those selection parameters were transcribed to indicators that will be used in order to develop the certification at the next phase of the research. Moreover, conclusions were compared with outcomes of similar international studies. It was found that cycle-tourists are interested in specific services, regardless of the country in which they live or travel. Besides conventional touristic activities, the importance of small retail stores in remote villages acting as meeting points with local people and culture was highlighted.

Crowdsourced Geospatial Infrastructure for Coastal Management and Planning for Emerging Post COVID-19 Tourism Demand

“…To test the methodology, geospatial data about the seashore for a part of the Athenian Riviera were collected by a group of volunteers in a case study. Tourism planning is one of the topics examined at a national level (see [59]) due to the importance of such economic activities for the national GDP [60].…”

Impact of Cycle Tourism Development on Tourist Destination – Attitudes of Local Stakeholders

“…The popularity of cycle tourism recently is on the rise (Bakogiannis et al 2020;Chen and Lee 2017;Černá et al 2014;Duran et al 2018). Many destinations have started to develop cycle tourism as a tourist product (Maggi et al 2021;Sharpley 2014).…”

“…Many authors agree that cycle tourism brings economic benefits to the local community (Cope et al 2003;ECF 2013;Weston et al 2012;Weed 2014;Neun and Haubold 2016). For example, Bakogiannis et al (2020) explained the importance of small shops in nontourist centres for cycle tourists because they represent a link between cyclists and the local community and its customs. The development of cycle tourism in the destination needs to be based on detailed planning, in accordance with the users' needs to achieve a satisfactorily positive level of the effect of this type of tourism on the destination (Malucelli et al 2015;Downward and Lumsdon 2001).…”

“…The development of cycle tourism based on incidental activities and unplanned spending of surplus funds will not lead to the maximum benefit from cycle tourism (Bakogiannis et al 2020). Once the basic actions for cycle tourism development are accomplished, the global promotion of the destinations is needed (Cox 2012;Chen and Lee 2017).…”

Package cycle tourists′ relationship to time and pace

“…As a clean alternative to motor-powered mobility, cycling is often praised for its sustainability performance (Buning and Gibson, 2016; Han et al, 2020; Lumsdon, 2000). Moreover, for its slow velocity, cycling is linked to quality experiences as it allows travellers to explore areas in a detailed manner and interact with the local people and culture (Bakogiannis et al, 2020; Dickinson and Lumsdon, 2010; Fullagar, 2012). Lee (2014) notes that when riding a bicycle at a leisurely pace, tourists can enjoy wonderful landscapes never seen before, serendipitously encounter cultural heritage, breathe fresh air, and work out.…”