Eureka! Institutional Repository

This diploma thesis explores the prospects for the development of cycling tourism in Greece in the scope of niche tourism. Initially, an analysis of the basic concepts of cycling tourism takes place along with the consequences it brings to a destination. Then the Greek market in the same scope is presented as it is formed so far. The results of this research led to the formulation of proposals for the promotion of cycling tourism in Greece. Firstly, there is a brief review of the global tourism market as well as the reasons why a destination such as Greece tends to develop alternative forms of tourism and specifically cycling tourism. This chapter presents the definitions of mass and niche tourism as well as the differences between them. Then the analysis of niche tourism in Greece takes place. The third chapter contains the basic concepts of cycling tourism and the experience of many European countries is presented and the contribution of the European cycling network Eurovelo as well. The lack of research and interest for this tourism market in Greece for many years is obvious. After the literature review, in the fourth chapterthe questions are formulated that the specific paper is asked to answer. Finally, the conclusions show that there are good prospects for the development of the tourist market in the context of cycling tourism. Of course, the need to plan the strategy and the cooperation of the public sector with private representatives to achieve the goal is imperative.