Analysis and evaluation of visiting pattern and tourism profile of Zagori

Analysis and evaluation of visiting pattern and tourism profile of Zagori

Tourism is the main economic activity in Zagori. Its development begins in the

60s, evolving and changing especially in recent years, due to the economic crisis. In this paper, the tourism profile of Zagori is presented, analyzed and evaluated. Data regarding the evolution of visitation, the distribution of Greek and foreign visitors, the stay duration of visitors, the distribution of visitors between East and Midwest Zagori, the main reasons attracting visitors, the problems and deficiencies, the impact of the economic crisis on tourism etc. are examined. Through data analysis and elaboration an objective profile of the local tourism activity’s characteristics is attempted. The analysis is done through the application of Fuzzy Delphi method. The survey was conducted in selected villages of Zagori. It is showed that, among else, there is a significant imbalance of tourism distribution between East and Midwest Zagori, Greek visitors are significantly more than foreigner visitors (at the whole of the region), foreign visitors stay, in average, more days than Greek visitors and economic crisis affected mostly negatively Greek visitors. Moreover, it appears that the three years 2005-2008 were the best regarding the number of visitors attracted and since 2009 there has been a significant reduction in tourism activity that reaches up to 70%.