The European economic crisis has had variable impact relative to geographic space and industry. Rural areas have been particularly affected, but studies indicate that certain sectors, including tourism, have offered stabilizing economic opportunities. This project examined innovative efforts to develop the rural economy, with a focus on tourism in Halkidiki, Greece. We conducted a case study analysis of two such innovative efforts: the Rotsios family's farm house Airbnb listing and the Agios Antonios Women's Cooperative. Our analyses revealed that internal resistance and failing infrastructure have to be overcome, but funding support is available (although difficult to acquire) to develop tourism initiatives and outsiders have seen the value and economic potential in rural spaces.

• This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

Creator

• Thompson, Taylor Ruth
• Marabello, Jack Ryan
• Auerbach, Laura
• Heinle, Erin Elizabeth

Subject

• Infrastructure
• Industry
• Community
• Sustainability

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Identifier

• E-project-050418-103333

Keyword

• Rural development
• Tourism

Advisor

• Hersh, Robert
• Bulled, Nicola

Year

• 2018

Center

• Thessaloniki, Greece Project Center - IQP

Sponsor

• Konstantinos Rotsios

Date created

• 2018-05-04

Location

• Thessaloniki

Resource type

• Interactive Qualifying Project

Rights statement

• In Copyright