Spatial differentiation of tourism intensity in Greece

Abstract

Owing to its features, Greece is a country that can meet a whole range of tourist expectations. The country is a popular destination - the number of tourists is constantly increasing; in 2007 the number amounted to 18,754,593 visitors, over 92% of whom were Europeans. Greece is the most popular with the citizens of the Great Britain, Germany, Italy, Holland, France, and the neighbouring countries - Bulgaria, Albania and Macedonia. However, the tourism intensity is spatially differentiated. Attica and the South Aegean region, Ionian Islands and Crete enjoy the highest popularity among tourists. The regions of islands are most intensely visited, while the lowest intensity of tourism is observed in Epirus and West Macedonia. The highest tourism intensity ratio is observed in the case of the South Aegean region, and the lowest - in West Macedonia.