Κέντρα πληροφόρησης επισκεπτών-τουριστών προστατευόμενων περιοχών Δυτικής Μακεδονίας. Μελέτη περίπτωσης: η προστατευόμενη περιοχή του Εθνικού Πάρκου Πρεσπών

Abstract

This diploma thesis was prepared in the framework of the curriculum of the School of Management Sciences of the Interdepartmental Postgraduate Program of the University of the Aegean "Strategic Management of Tourist Destinations and Hospitality Enterprises" with the field of study being the Information Centers in the Protected Areas of Western Macedonia and a case study the Information Centers of the Prespa National Park. The purpose of this thesis is to express views on the Information Centers in the Protected Areas of Western Macedonia through the recording of the current situation and the utilization of the experience of those involved. The various environmental characteristics for each Protected Area are a necessary condition for the management of tourist resources and the development of activities in the tourism industry, while any concept related to Protected Areas, such as: "areas of absolute protection", "NATURA Network", "sustainable development", "interpretation of the environment", etc. is a challenge. The approach to the issue was carried out with a literature review on the Protected Areas but also through primary qualitative research with the participation of individuals-informants, who are knowledgeable and have experience in the management of the Information Centers in Protected Areas of Western Macedonia. At the same time, additional research on the Information Centers and the Protected Area of the Prespa National Park was used in order to give a holistic approach to the issue. The proper management of information in Protected Areas should be studied around them as a whole in order to develop small-scale infrastructure projects within the Protected Area so that they do not lose their authenticity. The existence of many buildings, non-functional or seasonally functional, does not bring development of the Protected Area while it tarnishes in some cases the image of the management of the site. The organization of Information Centers in Protected Areas is both feasible and necessary. Interviewees in both surveys concluded that the Protected Area of the Prespa National Park lacks infrastructure, but has development prospects, especially if viewed as part of Western Macedonia and as part of the Lake Megali Prespa catchment area shared between Greece, Albania and the Republic of North Macedonia, with integrated planning and targeted actions, since it has an unparalleled natural and cultural heritage.