Benefits Sought and Realized by Active Mountain Sport Tourists in Epirus, Greece: Pre- and Post-Trip Analysis

Abstract

As more peripheral destinations use tourism as an economic development tool, it is becoming increasingly important to develop a deeper understanding of tourists' perceptions and experiences of these places as one component of strategies to ensure the long-term sustainability of these locations. This study used a pre- and post-trip design to explore the benefits sought and satisfied and the destination images of mountain sport tourists visiting a peripheral Greek location, Epirus-Hellas. Active mountain sport tourists (N = 119) were surveyed twice using two self-administered questionnaires containing similar scales (wording change slightly to reflect pre- and post-trip meanings). Frequencies, factor analysis, and paired t-tests were employed. Five benefits sought/realized dimensions (socializing, sport experience, excitement, enrichment and relaxation) and three image dimensions (attractions, environment, and outdoor activity suitability) were identified. The pre- and post-trip analyses largely revealed congruity between pre-trip expectations and post-trip satisfactions. For a destination such as Epirus, this means the needs and expectations of active mountain sport tourists are generally met. The management and policy implications of these findings are discussed within a sustainability framework.