Ο πεζοπορικός τουρισμός ως εργαλείο βιώσιμης τουριστικής ανάπτυξης στο νησί των Κυθήρων

Abstract

Ιn recent years, specialized and alternative forms of tourism have emerged as the primary choice for travelers. The need to move away from mass tourism has resulted in the rapid growth of these sustainable tourism modalities. One such destination is the island of Kythera, which affords visitors the opportunity to explore the beauty of nature and culture through a plethora of activities, primarily centered around hiking and an exceptionally developed network of trails. This thesis examines hiking tourism as a pivotal factor in achieving sustainable tourism development on the island of Kythera. It analyzes the significance of hiking tourism as an alternative tourism model that contributes to averting overtourism and ensuring a balanced flow of tourism throughout the year. The focus is also on the development, significance, and restoration of the island's trails, which play a vital role in preserving its natural and cultural heritage. Furthermore, the thesis explores how hiking tourism can bolster the local economy, mitigate labor fluctuations, and counteract depopulation on the island. To achieve the objectives of this thesis, empirical quantitative research was conducted using a simple random sampling method, facilitated through an online questionnaire distributed to stakeholders involved in the island's tourism industry. The survey respondents expressed their views on the contribution of hiking to the island's tourism product and the key factors that could further advance hiking tourism. Lastly, the research aimed to ascertain the extent to which hiking tourism can contribute to the island's sustainable tourism development.