Pavlopetri “City Beneath the Waves”: Attitudes and Perceptions of Residents and Local Authorities Towards the Creation of a Thematic Diving Park

Diving tourism is an alternative form of tourism with low environmental impact and many socioeconomic benefits for the local communities. The unexplored seabed is a mystery for the lovers of diving tourism. Pavlopetri or otherwise “City beneath the waves” is located at Viglafia of Laconia Region, Greece and is an archaeological treasure for diving enthusiasts. The creation of a thematic diving park can become a major tourist attraction. The purpose of this study is to investigate the perceptions and attitudes of residents and stakeholders of Viglafia and Neapolis Region regarding the creation of a scuba diving thematic park in Pavlopetri Laconia, as well as the perceived role of the local authorities in the management of both existing and future diving tourism activities. This is a mixed method study. A survey was administered on a convenience sample of 274 permanent residents of Viglafia and Neapolis region of the Prefecture of Laconia. Also, personal interviews were initiated with 21 local stakeholders. Results show that the local community and local stakeholders maintain a positive attitude towards the creation of a thematic diving park in Pavlopetri and consequently the increase of tourists in the region. Residents believe that negative effects of increased tourism could be traffic congestion, unsustainable waste production, reduction of fauna, more traffic accidents, overcrowding by tourists in the coastal zone, and an increase in municipal fees. Implications for the significancy of the development of a thematic diving park in a small urban area such as the Prefecture of Laconia are discussed.