This book explores how multi-criteria analysis (MCA) methodologies can enhance sustainable tourism management in protected areas, with Samaria National Park in Crete as a primary case study. Topics include the global impact of tourism, the role of national parks in conservation, and how nature-based tourism (NBT) supports local economies. Through the Multi-Criteria Satisfaction Analysis (MUSA) method, it examines visitor satisfaction over time, including shifts due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and provides actionable strategies for balancing visitor needs with environmental conservation.

Ideal for tourism professionals, environmental policymakers, and researchers in sustainable development, this book bridges theory and practical applications for lasting success in tourism and conservation.

Autorentext

Constantin Zopounidis is a Professor at the Technical University of Crete, Greece. He is an Academician of the Royal European Academy of Doctors and the Royal Academy of Economics and Financial Sciences of Spain and has the esteemed position of Honorary Professor within the Department of Economics at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece. His research pursuits encompass multiple criteria decision aiding (MCDA) and preference disaggregation, as well as sorting approaches and classification difficulties. In recognition of his notable contributions to the discipline, he was honored with the prestigious Edgeworth-Pareto Award bestowed by the MCDM International Society. He has authored more than 500 scholarly articles in esteemed international publications, as well as contributed to edited volumes and conference proceedings. In addition to his scholarly contributions, he has authored several books and curated edited volumes pertaining to the fields of MCDM, financial engineering and operations research.

George Fakotakis is an economist, a graduate of the Department of Economics of the University of Crete, Greece and holds an MSc in Business Economics and Management from CIHEAM-MAICh and a PhD from the School of Production Engineering and Management of the Technical University of Crete. He is a member of the Financial Engineering Laboratory of the Technical University of Crete, Greece and a researcher at the Department of Economics and Management of CIHEAM-MAICh. He has participated in several European research projects since 2015, he has published in international journals and books and has translated scientific books into Greek.