Contribution of the solar energy in the sustainable tourism development of the Mediterranean islands

The purpose of this work is to examine specific features of thermal and photovoltaic solar systems and their contribution to the sustainable tourism development of Mediterranean islands. In doing so, the best practices are studied and the factors which influence the transfer of these practices in other geographic regions are examined. We take under consideration the sensitiveness of many islander Mediterranean regions in relation to the climate changes and the perspective of their economic development through thematic tourism forms and differentiated tourism products and services. At a further step, we present currently developed innovative applications which are specially adapted to the needs identified within this research and we propose marketing strategies for their further expansion. The marketing approach followed is based on an innovative concept, which suggests that solar energy systems could constitute a driver for the development of specific forms of tourism. These systems are mainly the ICS solar water heaters. the coloured flat plate-collectors, the CPC collectors and the hybrid PV/T collectors. Apart from these, the use of booster reflectors that achieve a higher energy output in all cases of the above mentioned collectors is also suggested. We conclude that turning solar energy systems into a driver for specific types of tourism development and consequently of a local economic development is possible, if we take into consideration specific social needs and aspirations. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.