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Can Destination Cards Help to Shape Areas’ Sustainability?

Author

Listed:
  • Glykeria Myrovali

    (Centre for Research and Technology Hella, Hellenic Institute of Transport, 57001 Thessaloniki, Greece)

  • Maria Morfoulaki

    (Centre for Research and Technology Hella, Hellenic Institute of Transport, 57001 Thessaloniki, Greece)

  • Thomai Mpaltzi

    (Centre for Research and Technology Hella, Hellenic Institute of Transport, 57001 Thessaloniki, Greece)

Abstract

This paper examines whether destination cards can simultaneously serve tourists’ needs and sustainability goals. It provides useful insights for tourism authorities and policymakers in designing a smart tourist card that meets the needs of tourists while preserving and supporting areas’ wellbeing. Taking Thessaloniki city as a case study, a tourist survey, designed based on the key features of European destination cards, was implemented to identify needs and motivations. Interesting insight was revealed: tourists want to self-explore the city, are coming with their families, are history-lovers and gastronomy-keen, and are strongly willing to be provided with a destination card offering unlimited access to public transport. The latter reveals an opportunity for the city; the tourists are willing to use sustainable mobility options, which means that a base of sustainable travelling exists. The proposed Thessaloniki smart card can bring together tourists’ needs with the city’s sustainability goals; the development of tourist packages, including sustainable mobility provisions, walking-talking tours, and bike rentals, should be the backbone of the card. The next challenge for the city is to build a cooperation network to support this smart destination card implementation and promotion.

Suggested Citation

  • Glykeria Myrovali & Maria Morfoulaki & Thomai Mpaltzi, 2023. "Can Destination Cards Help to Shape Areas’ Sustainability?," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(11), pages 1-18, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:15:y:2023:i:11:p:8909-:d:1161193
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    References listed on IDEAS

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