Ski – resort and regional development: profile of visitors ... - E-Journal

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Garyfallos Arabatzis, Serafeim Polyzos and Stavros Tsiantikoudis
existence of forests, (d) the existence of torrents and streams and riverside ecosystems and
(e) the existence of Alpine grasslands that form the habitat of flora and fauna species.
The good condition of the regional natural environment derives from the maintenance of
traditional land uses which remained extensional. This has a negative effect on the economic
development of the area but allows the maintenance of a high quality natural environment
and consequently of sustainable tourism development. From a "traditional" point of view, the
area offers very limited possibilities of development. From a "modern" point of view its
prospects are particularly good, once the sustainable development that will be supported by
activities of a mild form is possible. This development would not be a burden to the natural
environment which in combination with the anthropogenic environment would maintain the
tourist attractiveness of the area and would create a combined product with an increased added
value on a local level. Moreover, it would achieve the increase of employment in the area and
the maintenance of the economically active population, which would possibly be occupied
in the service sector but also additionally in the primary sector.
The human activities in the area are limited because of the decreased human potential, but
also because of the low rate of development, so that the impact on the environment is little.
Regarding the tourist activities, particular attention should be paid to the sizes that can be
developed without being a burden to the environment. This concerns the size of tourism
facilities as well as the number of visitors to the important biotopes.
The natural and social characteristics of the study area do not encourage particularly the
development of tourist activities in the models of mass tourism. On the contrary, the area is
in a comparatively better position regarding the development of "alternative" forms of tourism,
supported mainly by elements as the natural and cultural environment, the traditional way of
life, the contact with nature, understanding the cultural and historical features of the tourism
destinations. It allocates those elements that will support activities like the naturalist tourism,
the sport tourism, the tourism of adventure, the cultural tourism and the ecotourism.
The most important differentiation of this tourism model compared to the previous perceptions
are the respect for the local environment (natural, cultural, social) which becomes a vital
advantage of the destination area and the visitor’s experience who becomes more demanding
as the quality of the provided services is concerned, especially when it comes to the point of
information. From this point of view, planning of infrastructure and activities that are related
to the tourism development in the study area should be made according to specific standards
that will minimise the consequences for the natural and anthropogenic environment.
METHODOLOGY OF ESTIMATION OF CARRYING CAPACITY OF
MOUNTAINOUS TOURIST AREAS
The term of carrying capacity should not be treated as an absolute size, but should be examined
in regard to social, cultural and economic conditions. In the planning of tourism development
Tourism Today - Fall 2007 - Full Paper