Tourism, competitiveness and economic growth in the EU and Greece
Τουρισμός, ανταγωνιστικότητα και οικονομική ανάπτυξη στην Ευρωπαϊκή Ένωση και στην Ελλάδα

Doctoral Thesis
Author
Fotis, Dimitrios
Φώτης, Δημήτριος
Date
2025View/ Open
Keywords
EU ; Greece ; Greek tourism industry ; Economic crisis ; Economic growth ; European Union ; Οικονομική ανάπτυξη ; Ανταγωνιστικότητα ; Τουρισμός ; Ευρωπαϊκή Ένωση ; ΕΕ ; ΕλλάδαAbstract
Tourism is a fundamental pillar of economic growth, employment, and cultural exchange,
making destination competitiveness a crucial subject of study. This dissertation examines
tourism competitiveness through a combination of theoretical insights, empirical research, and
practical applications, aiming to provide a structured understanding of the factors influencing a
destination's ability to attract visitors and sustain long-term economic benefits.
The thesis begins by establishing the foundational concepts of tourism competitiveness and
defining the key research questions and methodologies used. It then presents an extensive
literature review, synthesizing existing theoretical models, empirical findings, and gaps in the
field. Moving forward, the research explores conceptual models and determinants of
competitiveness, analyzing their applicability across various tourism destinations and their
limitations.
Building on this foundation, the thesis provides a detailed analysis of tourism sizes and their
formation, examining their impact on economic development and proposing future research
directions. A key focus is placed on regional tourism competitiveness, introducing relevant
measurement indexes and assessing tourism performance across different regions, including
challenges faced by developing countries.
Finally, the dissertation offers an in-depth case study on Greece, a country with a high economic
dependency on tourism. This chapter synthesizes insights from previous sections to develop
actionable strategies and policy recommendations for enhancing Greece’s sustainable tourism
competitiveness in an increasingly dynamic global market.
By systematically bridging theoretical frameworks with empirical data and policy analysis, this
study contributes to both academic literature and real-world decision-making. The findings
provide valuable insights for policymakers, tourism stakeholders, and researchers, offering
guidance on how to develop effective tourism strategies that enhance competitiveness, drive
economic growth, and ensure long-term sustainability.