Creative Commons

This dissertation was written as part of the requirements of the Master of Arts (MA) in Art, Law and Economy at the International Hellenic University. The aim of my research is to investigate the importance of cultural management and examine alternative forms of tourism focusing on how they may act as promoters of the local community. More specifically, combining my academic background in History, Archaeology (BA) and Tourism (Vellum International Diploma in Travel and Tourism) with my research studies in the MA of Art, Law and Economy, my research will focus on the impact of cultural management to the development of alternative forms of tourism for the preservation, promotion and communication of tangible and intangible culture and the role of the community, examining the example of the island of Samos, in Greece. The touristic interest for Samos has been mainly archaeological so far. But, for the last years, new initiatives and ideas are expressed and followed in order to change this. People are trying to change the scenery by adjusting to the new needs that are arisen daily by the changes concerning tourism. Cultural preservation and alternative forms of cultural tourism may offer a new and innovative way of perceiving things. The combination that may arise when constantly new forms of highlighting what a region has to offer to visitors through the efforts of both public institutions and local community is invaluable. Keywords: cultural tourism, cultural management, alternative forms of tourism, cultural identity, Samos.