Alternative tourism forms: the example of Drymia in Eastern Macedonia – Thrace District

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to document the contribution of alternative forms of tourism in the eco-development of mountain areas with rich natural and cultural environment.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper follows two methods: first, bibliographical research and second, personal fieldwork and study which included interviews with the local body and citizens; collection of information from public agencies; research of the particular characteristics of the natural and cultural environment and registration of socioeconomic activities; visits in the villages, photographing of landscapes and traditional houses and data from the author’s participation in the research program “Possibilities of a self-reliant local development, respecting the environment“, which refers to the mountainous region of Xanthi Prefecture District and with the involvement of Greek and German scientists.

Findings

The utilization of the existing tourism resources of the region with ecological perception, combined with the excellent management of the two national parks, will contribute to eco-agritourism in the eco-development of the area. The ecological center in Drymia, with its completion and expansion to a European Ecological Centre, in direct connection with the national parks, will contribute significantly to the attraction of Greek and European researchers and eco-agritourists.

Originality/value

The scientific community has not thoroughly studied the region of Drymia, which presents unique ecological interest in Greece and Europe.

Citation

Lantitsou, K. (2017), "Alternative tourism forms: the example of Drymia in Eastern Macedonia – Thrace District", Management of Environmental Quality, Vol. 28 No. 3, pp. 368-383. https://doi.org/10.1108/MEQ-02-2015-0019