Workshop: Sailing and tourism development prospects in Sivota , Thesprotia, Epirus, Greece

Workshop September 17, 2016 Subject: Sailing and tourism development prospects in Sivota , Thesprotia, Epirus, Greece

ISBN:Sivotasail2016

Contents Page 3

Top Tourism’s mission

Page 4

Summary

Page 5

Entrepreneurship and Innovation by G.Tsekouropoulos and D.Theocharis Aristotle University of Thessaloniki

Page 6

Marketing strategy of tourism destinations abroad by Maria Athanassopoulou, Owner of Respond On Demand Ltd

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Sailing as a sport by Thanasis Baxevanis, Founder of Sailing School

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Regattas and nautical events and their relationship with the infrastructure in modern yachting by Kostas Kalogeropoulos,President of Sailing Club of Patras

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Marine Tourism Infrastructure in Ionian Sea by Mr. Dimitris Koutsodontis, President of the Sailing club Marina Gouvia

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Tourism Destination Management & Marketing by Mrs Xeni Gerna, MSc Professor of Tourism Management

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Top tourism is an urban non-profitable company aiming to materialize and handle activities that will promote Greek Tourism and Greek Culture.

The goal of the company is to undertake all kind of legal actions and activities to promote Tourism in Greece, bond relationships with tourist agents abroad and promote fresh ideas and applications that will make Greek tourism further well-known as well as the Greek civilization, thus acting as a Greek Tourism ambassador.

Considering all the above the workshop’s on “Sailing and tourism development prospect in Sivota, Thesprotia� aim was: The promotion of sailing tourism The promotion of the people working on sailing and their relation to tourism To highlight the methods an area can implement to develop sailing tourism To present practical tips for professionals who want to deal with thematic forms of tourism To achieve these objectives, speakers from the university, sailing and tourism sectors were invited.

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Sailing and tourism development prospects in Sivota, Thesprotia, Greece

The aim of the workshop was to indicate the potential for development and to contribute both to the scientific and practical thinking on this topic and to share meaningful knowledge from the travel trade and experts.

The subjects presented were: 



 



The term entrepreneurship refers to the process that combines all functions, activities, and actions which are associated with the identification of the available opportunities and the development of an organization that will utilize them in order to take competitive advantage.

The sailing, as a sport and a recreational activity to examine the potentialities for further growth of Greek yachting tourism.

The nautical events and regattas and their relationship with the infrastructure in yachting tourism.

The role of marine tourism infrastructure as a development factor of nautical tourism and how their organization and capacity affect the level of marine resources activation.

The tourism system in case of a tourist destination and finding the factors considered as important and leading a destination to determine his identity.

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Subject: Entrepreneurship and Innovation TITLE: Business Plans and Funding Programs 1) Dr. George Tsekouropoulos - Researcher 2) Msc. Dimitrios Theocharis - Communication Consultant Abstract The term entrepreneurship refers to the process that combines all functions,

activities,

and

actions

which

are

associated

with

the

identification of the available opportunities and the development of an organization that will utilize them in order to take competitive advantage.

Entrepreneurship usually referred as the fourth factor of production, and it includes various attributes that describe its content. The value generation for companies or consumers, the assessment of risk, the conversion of production elements into products as well as the rational allocation of production elements consist important parts of entrepreneurship as a fields of study. An important place of entrepreneurship process also include the systematic and resolute pursuit of change and opportunity, action that usually called innovation. Today, innovation consists an important factor for the sustainability of the Greek companies. Moreover, the business plan of a company represent a useful tool for the entrepreneurship

and

innovation.

The

business

plan

is

a

written

description of the company's future and it analyzes what and how the company plans to succeed its goals. Furthermore, the business plan includes all the profit and non-profit driven activities of a company and it can be used to monitor the progress of a company as well as it is generally describes what a company do and where it wants to be in a future point. Finally, it can be used as forecast model for all the difficulties and obstacles that may be encountered a business unit and it contributes to the effective search of opportunities in the business environment.

Keywords: entrepreneurship, innovation, business plan, sustainability, business environment

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Subject: “Marketing strategy of tourism destinations abroad�

Mrs Maria Athanasopoulou, Owner of Respond on Demand LTD ABSTRACT This paper presents an analysis of a marketing strategy of developing a tourism destination. The aim is to indicate the potential for development and to contribute both to the scientific and practical thinking on this topic and to share meaningful knowledge from the travel trade and experts.

A key element for the tourist development of a region is viewed abroad. For more effective tourism promotion requires cooperation with travel organizers (Tour Operators, Travel agents, others) and Destinations Organizations.

In a globalized environment, intense competition, proving the effective tourist destination that can fully satisfy the needs of discerning tourist public.

The data generated by the modern environment are increasing, as reflected by the opportunities and threats at the political, economic, social, technological, legal and environmental leading to the implementation of actions is needed on many levels. Caring for the image of the destination, targeting special interest groups, targeting based on specific strategies, the use of modern possibilities of technology, the combination of such instruments at the appropriate time and care for crisis management, are considered the basis for exploiting opportunities and threats.

A comprehensive strategy for promoting actions in the tourism product of a destination consists of the following steps: First step is identifying the precise identity of the destination as a tourist product. This means, pinpointing the exact elements that make a destination unique, like the landscape, local cuisine or sports facilities. In order to set the identity, we need to explore thoroughly the possibilities of each destination separately and to those destinations which are the strongest competitors. Therefore it is required for the expert person to get in touch with the locals, mingle in and get to know the area at the best of its abilities and in the end to provide a competitive advantage position towards competing destinations.

The second step consisted of setting the goals. Once the identity is set, the expert agent may set his goals. The promotion of the destination includes the technique of the tourism market segmentation.

This means that countries - targets must be clearly identified. Each targeted country must be categorized under the following two parameters: 1. Countries where the tourist products created by the designated destinations will be popular, 2. Countries from where reaching the destination is easily achieved.

Once all countries have been designated, we proceed reaching out to the tourist market of each country separately, taking seriously under consideration the culture of the country we wish to approach as a client.

The third step consisted of locating tourist agents of experience that can attract visitors to the area, increase interest by advertising, provide access to travel reporters and bloggers that may expand the attraction further etc. People travel less prepared and increasingly search for last minute, local information. Destination marketing also includes the use of web, publicity campaigns at social media, finding and getting in contact with expert partners through targeted specific workshops.

The goal: A successful promotional campaign of any tourist product takes time. We work systematically to reach the ultimate goal.

Last but not least, a requirement of any successful campaign is to improve our services further, in order to reach up to the level of each market we wish to conquer.

Certain preconditions are considered self-explanatory in the quality of tourism services. The quality is reflected in the following five basic dimensions: the material elements (facilities, equipment, cleanliness, quality of food and beverages), reliability (ability of the staff to perform the services promised accurately and consistently), responsiveness (willingness to help the consumer - tourist), security feeling and an upgraded sense of hospitality.

Key words: marketing strategy, tourism destination, travel organizers, identity of destination, market segmentation, e- publicity, quality of tourism services, tourism experiences, return visitors.

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Subject: Sailing as a sport Thanasis Baxevanis, Founder of Sailing School Thanasis Baxevanis – Blue Aegean Sailing School Thessaloniki

ABSTRACT The aim of this paper is to present the sailing, as a sport and a recreational activity and to examine the potentialities for further growth of Greek yachting tourism.

The administrative structure of the sailing sport was founded in Paris in 1907. The International Sailing Federation (ISAF) was created in 1996. ISAF is responsible for promotion of the sport internationally, developing the International Racing Rules and Regulations for all sailing competitions etc.

Sailing can be recreational or competitive. Sailing as a sport is suitable for all ages, takes place throughout the year and is affordable for the wealthy and the poor. Sailing as a sport participates in the Olympics. In regattas and competitions there are always many participants. Greek sailors have won many medals and distinctions.

Sailing is dependent on the environment and by following a few simple rules of conduct when sailing, we can ensure our sport has no negative impact on the environment.

The growth of sailing generates needs and requirements. Growth in yachting has been substantial in the last twenty years, for both charter cruises and bare –boating. Greece has enormous potential for further development of sailing by the sea and the climate. Sailing is an important part of the marine tourism because it is a very popular activity among Greek and foreign visitors to our country, which has a naval tradition millennia. We have to admit that Greece is an advantage compared to other countries because of the Mediterranean climate, the diversity of seas, 1,200 islands, 16,000 kilometers of coastline and the high sunshine levels.

Neighboring countries began developing Sailing Yachting much later than us, and today have surpassed us. We had to be «world power» in the global yachting market. Greece can host annually thousands of foreign owners of vessels and provide storage, repair, maintenance.

So we have to decide what kind of tourism we want and then we can create specific zones and sailing areas for customers with high, medium or low economic level. Also, modern marinas standards should be created in a sustainable direction and parallel to develop yacht shelters which lie outside urban areas, in order to develop new nautical tourism destinations aimed at increasing the standard of living of coastal residents.

With the cooperation of both public and private sectors could be created sailing competitions and events for racing and leisure boats, combined with tours in the hinterland of each destination, presenting our cultural heritage and adding impressions, excitement, satisfaction and values to the participants.

Also, the state must organize schools for coaches, technical advisers, skippers, that offer diploma with a national quality assurance standard.

Finally, there should be a National Strategy for the development of the sport of sailing and tourism, so Greece become the best sailing destination from where anyone can enjoy sailing in the Ionian or Aegean sea, with highly economical results.

Key words: sailing as sport, recreation activity, modern marines and yacht shelters, collaboration public – private sector, National Strategy for yachting in Greece.

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Subject: Regattas and nautical events and their relationship with the infrastructure in modern yachting.

Kostas Kalogeropoulos, President of Sailing Club of Patras, Member of the offshore Committee of the Hellenic Sailing Federation, Board Member of Patras Port Authority.

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this paper is to present nautical events and regattas and finding the relationship with the infrastructure in yachting tourism.

Several events such as Sailing World Championships or World Cup and regattas have promoted the sport all over the world. The ISAF members, sailing clubs, regatta organizers, sailors and fans are encouraged to organize activities and as a result many places became famous and attractive to the tourists because of these regattas or events.

The best promotion and cooperation between different partners involved in yachting is by organizing various activities. Some times there is even the combination between organizations from different states, such as the Adriatic races (Barcolana or at Middle Sea Race), while races serve directly needs as in the ARC (Atlantic Rally for Cruisers) which is based upon the idea to transfer the boats from from Europe to America.

Another great example of cooperation of different public and private organizations and many recipients, is ÂŤBarcolanaÂť in Trieste, of approximately 2.000 sailboats, 5.000 crew and more than 50.000 visitors, where there harmoniously municipality, region and yacht clubs worked together.

Even places that are not intended to be approaching destinations by boat (for many reasons), such as the Arab states of the Gulf, have hosted in recent years highly publicized events, like competitions Match Race, the American Cup, the Luis Vuiton Cup etc. and also other much smaller. Turkey also organizes many Regattas in order to pick up the Russian vessels and as well the European vessels in the Aegean sea.

In Brest, in St.Tropez, and in other coastal towns of France and Spain organized Regattas between traditional boats or simply radunni or naval Fest.

Now the Regattas, nautical salons, the radunni, have become a tradition for local economies and of course they are compatible with the infrastructure and the tourism products and potential local economic leaders supporting infrastructure, qualified staff and social groups.

Key words: Reggatas, Nautical events, collaboration between National, Regional, Local public and private organizations, infrastructure, economic benefits, professional staff.

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Subject: MARINE TOURISM INFRASTRUCTURE IN IONIAN SEA Mr. Dimitris Koutsodontis, President of the Sailing club Marina Gouvia.

ABSTRACT The purpose of the paper is to define the role of marine tourism infrastructure as a development factor of nautical tourism and how their organization and capacity affect the level of marine resources activation.

The term marine tourism infrastructure refers to facilities that are manufactured and intended for the mooring and / or deposition and storage on land yachts. These facilities can be classified into the following categories: -Organized marinas operating throughout the year and offer a multitude of benefits and a variety of services to the customers.

- Boat storage spaces on land, with the necessary equipping for lifting and supporting the boat on land and minimum basic services.

- Tourist shelters that provide a small number of berths with electricity and water connections, sanitary connections and basic services for the boats.

- Regional ports, which provide berth usually without additional benefits.

According to the reference on the existing situation in the Ionian Sea, the marina development is considered as progressive but needs to be more dynamic.

The image of the existing facilities shows that these are not sufficient given that substantial part of them are occupied by professional tourist and fishing boats.

We must take under consideration that: -The marina is an expensive investment with long construction time, at least 2-3 years, and longer payback time, perhaps 4-5 years are required to become profitable.

- The selected position must provide, except in the right environment to proximity to an urban area, a good transport network to ensure easy access.

- Planning and designing the construction of a marina area, must includes the orientation to socio-cultural aspect of development and the institutional norms determining the rules and possibilities of long-term development.

In the system of planning and managing such infrastructures, given the present economic situation and lack of financial resources from the state, we must consider the following: - The regional and local authorities must have the role to accentuate the regional aspects of development and to coordinate various interests of numerous subjects and owners.

- Fully exploit of the possibilities of regional ports and tourist shelters with the proper economy - technical management.

Increase of sites for deposition boat on land with a modern, environmentally friendly equipment, perhaps at underdeveloped areas.

- Improvement of service quality and certification of existing organized marinas.

- Development by creating new facilities with priority in the islands of the Southern Sea (Kephalonia, Ithaca and Zakynthos).

- To attract private capitals there must be a facilitation of private investment by simplifying procedures and the establishment of a welcoming business environment.

Key words: marine tourism infrastructure, Tourist shelters, expensive investment, socio-cultural aspects of development, facilitation of private investment.

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Subject: Tourism Destination Management & Marketing Mrs Xeni Gerna, MSc Professor of Tourism Management & Marketing Vocational Training Institution in Tourism of Thessaloniki Greek Ministry of Economy Development & Tourism Hotel “XENIA – HELIOS” Paralia Peraias 57019 THESSALONIKI Email: xgerna@hotmail.com ABSTRACT The purpose of this paper is to analyze the tourism system in case of a tourist destination and finding the factors considered as important and leading a destination to determine his identity.

Destination Management means how to brand, manage and market a destination.

A Tourism destination has physical and administrative boundaries defining its management, images and perceptions, defining its market competitiveness. Defining a tourism destination comprises image and character, accesibility, public and private amenities, attractions, price, human resources, its market competitiveness, the tourism service suppliers and the public – private interest coordinator.

Tourism is an extremely competitive industry requires a coordinated management approach based on collective vision and strong partnership. Competition concerns to national, regional and local destinations inside and outside the EU. Tourism industry works Influences on demand Tourism (Domestic and international tourists) and on supply (Tourist destinations and facilities). There are positive and negative impacts of Tourism in Economical, Environmental and Socio-Cultural sectors.

Managing a tourism destination means situation analysis, analysis of the opportunities and needs, selecting the target market, setting objectives, marketing plans, image, branding, positioning, distribution channels, promotion, evaluation.

Tourists searching intangible values, stories, legends, special activities, celebrations, festivals. Tourists associated with feelings generated by experiences gained in the tourist destination. The five stages of travel today are: dreaming, planning, booking, experiencing, sharing. The consumers today are connected through web.

The elements of the destination are supported by marketing. Marketing includes image - brand and branding.

Brand is what people think of the destination. Branding is the process of managing brand. Quality in tourism is brand recognition. Greece is one of the world's most famous destinations and one of the greatest brands that never been branded.

Destinations are some of the most difficult entities to manage and market, due to the complexity of the relationships of local stakeholders. The existence of Destination Management Organization is important to control the activities, develop and manage the partners and become a strategic leader in the destination development and sustainability.

Sustainable tourism development with proper management and planning ensures that the destination maintains its environmental integrity and the resources and character, that made it attractive in the first place are protected. Effective management can also help to avoid social and cultural conflicts and prevent tourism from affecting local lifestyles, traditions and values adversely.

The sustainable tourism development requires collaboration and participation of communities and tourism operators. Without the local residents' support, policy makers are less willing to support the development of any project

Keywords Tourism destination, tourism destination management and marketing, DMOs, brand name, sustainability, local community, collaboration, social responsibility.

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