Impact of refugee and migration crisis on greek tourism destinations

The refugee and migrants movement is a historical phenomenon, driven by global forces and having effects on politics, economy and community of the hosting countries. Especially, the refugee and migrant stream of recent years – 2015 and 2016, has a decisive impact on the demand of touristic services on the Greek islands in northern Aegean Sea. The aim of the study is to examine and to compare the expected and the real impact of the current migrant and refugee crisis on the tourism, social and economic sphere on the islands according to the interviewed hoteliers on islands Lesvos and Chios. Crucial to maintaining the good image of these tourism destinations, is the good coordination between the local communities, local authorities and those at national, regional and international level on marketing, economic and regional policy.