Abstract

The Hellenic Republic relies heavily on the summer tourism industry for economic growth (Kouri, 2012). The objective has been to increase demand for lesser-known destinations and encourage visitation outside the peak summer period. However, expanding the tourism offering is complex, as tourism destination networks are some of the most complex systems (da Fontoura Costa & Baggio, 2009). There are no official national framework for sustainable tourism in the Hellenic Republic. However, multiple national frameworks for sustainable tourism within the Hellenic Republic have been designed, focusing on tourism or regions and natural preserves. The problem is that municipal leaders' perspectives are not mentioned within any current frameworks for sustainable tourism in the Hellenic Republic. Municipal leaders are the closest form of government and directly affect local populations. This study facilitated qualitative phenomenological methods to interview twelve municipal leaders from nine of the thirteen regions of Greece. Research findings indicate that municipal leaders approached leadership as individuals or as a municipality leading its community. Leaders stress their need to create improvements within the bureaucratic system in Greece. They shared their desire to deter mass tourism. Leaders discussed collaborating with higher education and academics to develop sustainable tourism development programs. The need and desire to expand the tourism season into the offseason was evident. Within their answers, participants had knowingly or unknowingly mentioned multiple United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and, in some instances, connected multiple goals in their answers. Recommendations for further research include expanding this research between municipalities and their regions and the relative ministries.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Sustainable tourism—Greece; Heritage tourism—Greece; Municipal government—Greece—Leadership

Date of Award

2024

School Affiliation

Graduate School of Education and Psychology

Department/Program

Education

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctorate

Faculty Advisor

H. Eric Schockman

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