he proposed work addresses several issues related to the tourism sector: from an analysis of tourism agency categories to tourism trends in Greece, research on cultural initiatives of travel agencies, a description of a specific tourism service company, a methodological proposal for the use of StoryMaps, and finally a recommendation on the use of this tool in the tourism sector.
Initially, tourism agencies are classified into five categories based on their activities, from inbound and outbound operations to ground transportation. Special attention is paid to tourism trends in Greece, with an increase in tourist arrivals over the years due to several factors, including perceptions of safety and improved infrastructure.
The research focuses on travel agencies, analyzing their websites to identify projects that promote cultural values and collaborations with local artists. The role of tourist offices in preserving and enhancing local cultural heritage is also examined.
Next, the description of the company "FERRY & YACHTING SERVICES," founded in 2008 in Patras, is presented. The company provides comprehensive travel services, using digital platforms to update the services offered.
The business proposes the use of StoryMaps as a tool for creating interactive narratives in the tourism sector. It is explained how this tool can be used for different purposes, such as business reporting, tourism marketing, and destination presentation. The methodology of developing a Story Map is outlined in detail, emphasizing the importance of defining a theme, gathering material, choosing a mapping tool, managing the structure and adding content.
Finally, it concludes with a recommendation on the use of Story Maps in the tourism industry, highlighting their potential in optimizing business development and improving the visitor experience, especially through the engaging presentation of tourism destinations.