The economic effects of European integration on Greek tourism

Abstract

This article analyses, the economic effects that the European Integration will bring forward on Greek tourism. The article firstly examines the general theoretical framework of the European tourism policy. Then, an effort is undertaken to investigate the probable economic effects of the European Integration on the institutional framework, on the basic characteristics of Greek Tourism, on the tourist and hotel enterprises, on the package of travelling, on the environment and on air-transports, according to the current regulatory provisions of the European Union (Directives, Recommendations) that result from the legislative programme of the "White Paper". Based on the framework of analysis of the actual tourist effects, it is suggested that the logic of "sustainable" development for tourism is adopted. This logic requires the reconsideration of Greek Tourism policy towards a new direction, based on scientific grounds and industrial orientation. This policy can be specified through the planning and choice of a tourist policy of "selected protectionism" that will be based on the choice and reinforcement of specific types of tourism which are characterised by the most advantageous impacts on the national and regional levels of the Greek Economy.