Authors: Evangelia Kasimati, Panagiota Dionysopoulou, Georgia Palazi

Title: Metatourism And Sustainable Development

Abstract

Without a doubt, the pandemic has radically changed the way we live, work, interact and travel. It has also highlighted the need to address the particularly important issue of climate change. In this context, a great deal of attention is being given to the issue of metatourism, given the proposals it may entail in terms of sustainable development.

Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the attitudes of employees in the tourism sector towards post-tourism and to explore their perception of its impact on sustainable development.

Methodology: This study was quantitative and was conducted by administering self-report questionnaires via the internet to a sample of 50 participants. The measures administered to the participants were: 1) measures of social demographic characteristics, 2) a 6-question questionnaire on attitudes towards metatourism and 3) a 6-question questionnaire on its perceived impact on sustainable development.

Results: This study found highly positive attitudes on the part of the participants towards metatourism and its perceived impact on sustainable development. It was also found that students had statistically significantly more positive attitudes compared to others (p=0.015). Furthermore, Filmmakers, Photographers or Scenographers had higher values compared to those involved in extreme sports (p=0.019). Finally, a positive and statistically significant correlation was found between attitudes towards metatourism and its impact on sustainable development (r=0.494, p=0.000).

Conclusions: In conclusion, through this study, the potential of metatourism to contribute to sustainable development is demonstrated. Therefore, those who make relevant policies in our country should promote metatourism in the context of the wider tourism product of Greece, with the aim of emphasizing and promoting the sustainability of its tourism industry.