Strengths To The Tourism Industry In Greece Tourism Essay

Strengths To The Tourism Industry In Greece Tourism EssaySecondly, Greece has a family-friendly environment, make it ideal for tourists of all nationalities and creeds. One of the factors that contribute to this is its hot, dry Mediterranean climate, with an comely of 290 days of sunshine a form. The capital urban center, capital of Greece, has an average of save 7 days of rain during summer and daytime temperatures in the low mid-thirties4. These ideal climate conditions make it more well-disposed for tourists to experience the embarrassment of kayoeddoor activities that are avail fitted, from swimming at Greeces picturesque beaches and yachting, to more exacting activities such as mountain climbing and long-distance trekking to moot nearly of the inelegants most ancient landmarks and artefacts in the most inconspicuous locations.Finally, Greece has a adept of individuality and uniqueness to it. In comparison with other European countries that whitethorn cl occupy to bind a long history, Greece has one of the oldest civilisations and cultures outside of the plaza East. Infact, m all historians perceive Greece as the cradle of Western civilisation, as wellspring as the origin of democracy, the Olympic games, Western literature, political science, Western philosophy, and major(ip) scientific and mathematical principles5. This is validated by the fact that 17 UNESCO innovation Heritage sites6can be found around the country.Therefore, many foreigners see the countrys rich culture and history as a major attractor that intrigues them and inspires them to visit Greece.However, amidst the current strengths in touristry industry are somewhat weaknesses and barriers to the tourism industry development. One of the strengths mentioned earlier has also proven to be a weakness climate, or more precisely, seasonality capers. Mediterranean climates are characterised by hot and dry summers, and also have mild and wet winters. The superlative season for travel to Greece is May-September, which is further supported by the fact that an sweep over 75% of all tourists who travel to Greece travel during this period7. That means only a paltry 25% of the tourists travel between October-April. Although the cooler months in Greece dont have sub-zero temperatures like its other Eastern European neighbours, the queen-size meat of rain the country receives during this period serves as a deterrent for super number who enjoy outdoor activities and sightseeing. Therefore, the revenue levels of a lot of local businesses that hope heavily on tourism decrease substantially during this period of time. other major weakness is the lack of universal transport fundament and accessibility. charm countries such as Singapore, Japan, United Kingdom and Germany have reputable public transport systems it is a hassle to travel to some of the most high-flown and beautiful parts of Greece. This is because the country as very spread out and the populatio n density, when compared to its European counterparts, are very low, ranked 115th in the world with 85.7 the great unwashed per square kilometre8. A lot of people may see the public transport infrastructure as a negative, because they want to travel between locations with minimal complications.Other major weaknesses and barriers allow marketing and management. Although countries like France and Germany have managed to modernise themselves despite their long histories and have made themselves more cosmopolitan and attractive to younger people, Greece has, to a large extent, chosen to remain stuck in the past and relied heavily on its 3500+ year history to promote its tourism industry. This is an obstacle when it comes to targeting potential tourists who may non have the same level of appreciation for things related to historical matters. In other words, Greece tourism promotion and marketing hasnt evolved with the times, leaving potential tourists with a fixed stereotype of the co untry and hence little opportunity for surprise.The weaknesses and barriers to the tourism industry development lead to an issue that may benefit the Greek tourism industry as a whole what are the opportunities to rear the tourisms economical contribution? Well, as one of the weaknesses mentioned earlier, on that point is an opportunity to better the public transportation. An improvement in this area could lead to a large extend in tourism for the Greek Islands off the mainland of Greece, and overall, an increase in tourism for Greece. Places such as Mykonos, Crete, Rhodes and Kassos could all experience a large inflation in tourist numbers, hence leading to increased revenues and acquire for the local businesses in those respective areas. Continued improvement in infrastructure and technology allow for also go a long fashion towards enhancing the tourisms economic contribution. Giving the country a modern conjure up pass on help to counteract the weakness mentioned ear lier about Greeces outdated marketing techniques in the area of tourism promotion. Finally, a decrease in fitting prices may lead to an influx of tourists. As we know, not everyone can bear up under to stay in four or five-star accommodation. In 2009, Athens was named the city with the 10th most expensive hotel prices in the world, with the average hotel in Athens costing AUD $321 a night9. This price is deemed to be very expensive for people in the middle and lower-class income brackets and may deter them from tour Greece in the first place. Affordable accommodation may be able to break the mindset that Greece is an expensive place to travel.There are motley threats that need to be overcome, in order to advance Greeces theme as a safe and hospitable tourist destination. The first issue is riots. major riots occurring in December 200810and more recently, May 201011, have tarnished Greeces reputation as a safe destination. This has had adverse effect on the tourism industry, w ith pre-bookings existence down 8% for the peak-season in comparison to last year. With tourism cosmos absolutely pivotal to Greeces economy, equating to 17% of its Gross Domestic Product, any sharp decline in this occur could be detrimental to the Greek economy on a whole. Also related to the issue of gumshoe are two terrorist attacks that occurred last year1213.Environmental pollution is some other threat to the tourism industry that needs to be confronted. This problem emanates derriere to the 1970s14, when rapid industrialization began to take place in Greece. This industrialisation culminated in serious air pollution in Athens during the 1980s. smogginess (carbon monoxide) and exhaust fumes from cars became prevalent in Athens and even dissolving agented in 87 industries and 73 factories being order to cease production15, collectible to the governments concerns over the effects the pollution was having on peoples respiratory systems. The widespread ramifications of thi s problem dont stop there. Various species of mammals, reptiles, birds and freshwater fish are on the verge of extinction because of failure to minimise the pollution516.The issue of political intervention appears as a threat to the tourist industry. The recent riots in May 2010 were the result of protests against the governments austerity decisions to combat the countrys large sovereign debt levels1718. Countries with political instability and countries that levy austere decisions, which are likely to lead to civil unrest, make the country less attractive to foreigners and hence get out find it very awkward to attract potential tourists.So far, we have discussed the current strengths, weakness and barriers of the Greek tourism industry, as well as potential benefits and threats that could either enhance or decimate the industry. Combining the main points discussed in this research, we can falsify implications for specific strategies of industry, government and the community to enhance the economic impacts of tourism in Greece. In our opinion, we believe there are three main implications.Firstly, there should be a strategy to consolidate on the profitable and matched Greek tourism industry, both in the short-term and more importantly, long-term future. Possible techniques to achieve this objective include change the marketing and promotion, aim to increase levels of tourism and try to promote different types of tourism to charm to a wider variety of people. Improvements in these areas should lead to a considerable increase in revenues and profits for businesses in Greece that rely on tourism and will allow Greece to maintain strong percentages of tourism in its GDP (as mentioned earlier, 17% of GDP in the Greek economy is derived from the tourism industry).Secondly, there should be an increasing need to cultivate and maintain Greek tourist destinations and attractions, which thereby will lead to economic prosperity in the future. This strategy is pert ain with improving the environment, public transportation infrastructure, ecumenic infrastructure and decreasing pollution. By improving the standard of public facilities, making transport more accessible for tourists and improving legislation to decrease pollution, not only will it appeal to more potential tourists, but furthermore, Greece will develop a reputation as a nation that cares for the general wellbeing of people and will take the respective measures to make a tourists experience as sweet and pleasant as possible.Finally, there should be a strategy for improving the general satisfaction of tourists. This may be achieved through improving general services and also promoting different types of tourism for the people of varying economic backgrounds. For example, the Greek tourism industry should promote certain holiday packages for the higher-income earners who may want to experience a bit more extravagance and luxury, packages for families with nice children, packages fo r those who are on a budget and so on. Certain types of lifestyles (attributed to the amount of money the tourist is willing to spend) should be targeted to achieve this objective.