THE CONTRIBUTION OF REGIONAL AIRPORTS ON TOURISM ENTERPRISES. THE PERSPECTIVE OF TRIPOLI AIRPORT, IN GREECE

Abstract

Air transport and tourism development are considered to be two closely related concepts. According to international literature, one of the most important modes of passenger transport around the world is air transport, thus affecting the economic development of many areas, especially those isolated geographically and touristically, as well as local tourism businesses. Understanding the scale of these impacts is important not only for the development of tourism businesses and the local economy, but also for policy makers who make strategic decisions. Most studies focus on the impact of large airports on the national and regional economy, while much less attention has been given to the impact of airports on regional destinations. This study, exploring the potential of the Tripoli military airport in Greece as a civilian airport, seeks to analyse the functional relationship between small regional airports and local tourism businesses, the results of which can contribute to the financial planning and organization of a destination.