Effects of Ongoing Migration Issues in Greece - Essay Example

EFFECTS OF ONGOING MIGRATION ISSUES IN GREECE SECTION A Literature review World War II had resulted into huge swaths ofEurope as well as Asia in ruins. Millions of people were displaced and expelled from their original homes. Many executions in addition to prison sentences ensued and massive scale of deaths were witnessed. However, post World War II period has also witnessed migrations across European countries over time. This includes countries like Italy, Greece, Former Yugoslavia and Poland. Most of the European countries suffered economic degradation; militarily, they were weakened and psychologically affected. Countries like France witnessed increasing sentiments of anti-colonial sentiments just like other European countries. Counties like Germany were utterly devastated. Lots of lives were lost and economy suffered a major setback and disunity was witnessed up until 1990s. Kesternich, Siflinger, Smith, & Winter, (2014) explains: In the post World War II period, Greece was in a hard situation where two factions were competing for its control. This in effect initiated the Greek civil war that between the prodemocracy and procommunist movements. The prodemocracy faction ended up achieving victory and turning Greece in to west learning country of sort. This made Greece resistant to soviet War. The post World War II period has witnessed a huge migration out and in of Greece. Firstly, the country has witnessed emigration to other European countries with expanding industrial economies. However with the stabilizing of the economy of Greece after the World War II period, the immigration in to Greece turned in to a huge unmanageable phenomenon. Albeit being one of the less developed countries of the European Union, in the 1990s, Greece received comparably the highest number of immigrants in relation to the size of her labour force. Kasimis, (2012)) observes that between 1990 and 2001, immigrants to Greece arrived in two broad phases. In the early 1990s immigrants from Albania dominated while in 1995 mostly people from Balkan states. Pakistan, India and Former Soviet Union were gaining entry in to Greece. Even more, people from Iraq, Afghanistan, Bangladesh and North Africa immigrated into Greece. The population increase that was witnessed in Greece between 1991 and 2001 was greatly impacted by the immigrants. According to the Census carried out in Greece in 2001, the reports suggested that foreign population which comprised both documented and the undocumented immigrants contributed to approximately 797, 091. Of course, other estimates of the population of Greece raise the immigrants to approximately 1.2 million people. Their portion to the Greece population is estimated to be 10% with an economic participation of about 15%. Among the European Union member states, Greece tops the list of the countries with the highest number of immigrants to national population ratio today. Of these immigrants, Albania State accounts for nearly 60% while Bulgaria coming second place with approximately 5% and at third place is Romania with an outdistanced 3%. The migratory phenomenon in Greece is rather engendered and ethnically distinct. This is because; the gender and nationality issues are differentiated by form and sector of employment. As a result most men from Bulgaria, Albania and Romania are in to the agriculture and construction sector. Africans on the other end are in to street vending while Egyptians are in fishing sector. The women from the Bulgarian and Soviet union are mostly in the domestic work. But why is Greece a huge recipient of immigrants in the European Union? Firstly is its geographical situation. Greece is located in the East of EU making it the Eastern gate in to EU countries. This implies that all immigrants from the east are likely to get in to the EU through Greece. Secondly, Greece has an extensive shoreline with easy to cross borders. This makes it easy for immigrants to make their way in to this country. Additionally, the rapid economic changes witnessed in Greece over time had narrowed the economic and social distance that she has with the northern EU countries. The period after 1981 saw improved education and living standards in Greece. This resulted in a number of Greece rejecting low income jobs that were then taken over by the immigrants. Further, the seasonal boom of tourism, industries, agriculture and construction in Greece attracted labour from other countries. In such circumstances the foreign labour was necessary to fill the gaps in Greece. This provided sufficient motive for immigrants to find their way to Greece. Over the past five years, Greece has since become the gateway to EU countries providing unauthorised entry from Africa and other neighbouring countries. Following the huge immigrant’s entry into EU through Greece, the EU member states developed and implemented the Dublin II regulation. This was geared towards stemming the rise of immigrants in to the EU states. The net effect was a mass transfer back of unauthorised immigrants to Greece which has further compounded the immigration problem of Greece. This implies more population of immigrants in to Greece. The immigrants issues has resulted in to overcrowded detention centres; violation of human rights of immigrants; appalling living conditions and hygiene causing the situation in Greece to deteriorate. SECTION B a) An internal and external assessment of tourism in Greece: The state of tourism, demand/market analysis for the last ten years. Tourism today in the world includes a number of economic and social benefits to the specific recipient nations. As such, tourism directly relates to the economic development of nations in the globe. The tourism sector should thus be understood not a specific sector in a nations economy but that which includes goods and services from diverse sectors. Tourism therefore affects many changes in the social and economic framework of the host countries. Greece tourism market over the past 10 years has been characterised by a number of changes in patterns of visits with both highs and lows. The period of June – September witnesses the highest tourists traffic in to Greece every year which defines the peak of visits to Greece. The period of November to March normally experience the lowest tourist traffic in Greece. A significant number of visits to Greece over the period of June - September are mostly Italians while those who visit in March are mostly from the USA. French visitors come to Greece in March earlier than most of other visitors like the USA. Those visiting from the USA are mostly more evenly distributed as compared to other nationals who come to Greece as a summer country. This implies that there is still much potential to grow the visits in to Greece. An analysis of the tourism market over the past ten years can be captured through evaluating travel and tourism competitiveness index of Greece. This captures three dimensions in to the tourism activities of Greece. First is the regulatory environment and institutions of Greece. Second is infrastructure and business environment, while third is the cultural and natural environment. The regulatory environment has witnessed tremendous changes with legislations enacted to improve the tourism sector in Greece. For instance in 2013, guidelines and requirements were introduced towards establishing integrated Tourism Development Areas, this regulated Hotels to improve capacity, outlined number of beds and percentage of ownership among other issues. This widened the scope of hotel industries in Greece introducing condo and youth hotels. Reforms in the tourism sector have witnessed fast track service to enable faster licensing procedure of investment in tourism. The infrastructure of tourism in Greece Manmade cultural and natural environment b) Greek Government’s Commitment to Tourism The government of Greece has demonstrated commitment towards growing this important sector of the Greek economy. With a vision to ensure realization of sustainable tourism, the Greek government has taken the following steps: recognising that tourism contributes up to 18% of Greece’s GDP, the government has engaged in various investments opportunities. As such the Greece’s government is providing investors in this sector with a spectrum of opportunities which among others include: an investor friendly environment as well as the most beautiful locations for tourism investment. The government of Greece is seeking to establish itself as an all year round tourist destination as opposed to seasonal. The government therefore targets to develop integrated resorts to tap in more tourists; golf course; real estate’s; conference centres and wellness centres. Others include religious tourism, culinary tourism and agro tourism. This seeks to widen the scope of the tourism sector in Greece. Further, the government is planning for growth drivers for the tourism sector in order to stimulate the growth of this industry. This has seen enactment of the incentives for investment law. This seeks to support private investments to spur economic growth, regional cohesion and entrepreneurship. A public private partnership scheme that has been recently implemented by Greece seeks to provide more opportunities for investors to spur growth of new infrastructure. The government is also engaging in building the human resource in Greece to meet the demands of the tourism sector through building their skills. As such education as well as training has been a key area that resources have been committed towards. c) spatial analysis of key attractions, tourism products and access Apostolakis, & Jaffry, (2005) observes that the northern Greece has a natural feature beautified and with a magnificent look. This is Mount Athos in the Peninsula of north Greece. This provides beautiful scenery that attracts tourists to Greece. Also of magnificent scenery is Mystras that attracts many tourists in to ancient Sparta in Greece. The highland of Rhodes is Lindos, a medieval village with a spectacular look. Also in the south west Crete is a 16Km canyon and the lengthy Myrtos beach in the Northwest of Kefalonia. This is one amazing natural feature that leaves the visitors in ewe. Delphi theatre the home for oracle of Apollo is an outdoor theatre that was once the spectacle in ancient Athens. The most famous attraction site is the Parthenon situated on top of the Acropolis with visually impressive temple that is historically important for Greece. Another is Santorinini, the volcanic island which is famous for a dramatic view. These feature among other several physical and natural features combined with the rich culture in Greece offers a magnificent attraction for tourists in to this country. d) An analysis of the regulatory, legal and business environments of Greece and how conducive they are for developing tourism. The legal and business environment in Greece is favourable for the growth of tourism in the region. A lot of changes have occurred in the recent past that includes changes in legislation to spur economic growth and open up the country for tourism activities. Among the legislative changes are the following: between the year 2007 and 2013, Greece established a national strategic reference framework to achieve a balanced development of the country. This seeks to advance projects relating to tourism as well as provide ample opportunity for investors to engage in development of Greece. This policy framework supports reduction of seasonality and prolonging tourists stay it hew country; increasing foreign investment; promoting Greece’s international appeal as a peaceful nation with attractive destinations; and also providing reinforcement for domestic tourism (Kapiki, (2012). Additionally, the recent legislation for an integrated tourists housing provides even more opportunities for integrated tourism. The legislation (4002/2011) serves to provide an environment that enables flow of significant and recurring capital from foreign direct investment. This seeks to make the tourism growth competent and robust. e) key competitors within the region of Greece Greece does not have the monopoly of tourism visits in the EU region. A number of countries that are member states of European Union have over time given Greece tough competition for visitors destined for this region. First Germany is a giant tourist destination in the Euro zone. So is with Portugal, Italy Spain and Netherlands. Spain for instance is endowed with summer resorts and beaches. Moreover, it is the highest tourism spender in the northern Europe. It is well developed sector with visits from Scandinavian countries, Europe and the UK. Germany on the other end has earned reputation being rated the safest tourist destination in the world. Up to 75% of visits targets German unique culture. With Greece facing financial challenges, more competrion faces it from these listed tourism giants. f) An overview of regional agreements and global political issues that have influenced/can further influence tourism development and flows of tourists into Greece Other global issues include war and terrorism attacks in the neighbouring Arab countries like Syria that has resulted in to a lot of instability and displacement of people in that region. This in effect has contributed to further increase in illegal immigrants entering this country. Additionally, Greece is in the verge of financial collapse and has high international debts. However, Greek has signed various agreements with other countries in an attempt to improve its tourism sector. First is an agreement with France: France is a top tourism destination in the world and entering this partnership with Greece means a lot for Greece. The Greece government intends to offer new products so as to attract more French in to Greece. Another agreement is signed is Greece – Saudi Arabia agreement. This seeks to reinforce bilateral relations in tourism sector as well as corporation in provision of training and education on matters tourism. As a result a joint hosting of tourism expo was agreed in Athens and Riyadh. Additionally, Greece signed a health tourism agreement with Germany. This seeks to provide health services for the elderly as well as those who need care while on travels. g) The overall strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats for your chosen country. The country of Greece has got great potential in tourism. Despite immigration challenges facing this nation and of course the recent economic downturn rising from the rise in its international debt, the nation has the following strengths for tourism: i. Flexibility The tourism sector of Greece is characterised by flexibility as well as the ability to provide tailor made products and services to the tourists. The small and medium scale enterprises in Greece have been able to identify the needs of the visitor consumers and provide the necessary products and services that meet their needs. The service delivery processes are exposed to fewer controls enabling flexibility of that sector to meeting the consumer needs. ii. Entrepreneurial activity A lot of entrepreneurial activities take place in Greece which enables the provision of goods and services that support the growth of tourism. The faster growth of small and medium scale enterprises due to the enabling business environment has spurred economic growth stimulating expansion of tourism. iii. Natural and cultural resources Greece is endowed with an avalanche of natural and cultural resources that promote tourism through attracting visitors. These include wide coastal line and beaches. The archaeological heritage and local character provide the unique characteristics that attract tourism activity to this country. iv. Personalised relationship The personalised relationship that the host communities inculcate with the visitors builds a good rapport that encourages more visits. v. Family support The Greek families have a tendency of practically involving the family of the proprietors in every aspect of the business. This enables them pool diverse talents, skills and resources towards the growth of this sector. vi. Infrastructure The growth of supporting infrastructure for tourism in Greece such as recent expansion f the hotel industries following the legislative changes that occurred in 2003 to regulate this sector have massively provided for growth. The roads, public amenities and other infrastructural growth provide strengths for growth. The following opportunities exist for the tourism sector in Greece: i. European Union support Greece is a member state of EU and as such benefits from the wider market of EU as well as other conventions for tourism and trade that EU has with other parts of the world. ii. European redistribution of labour The redistribution of labour across the European countries due to immigration has provided opportunity for Greece to fill the labour gaps for the tourism market with immigrants willing to take even the low paying jobs. iii. Information technology The advancement of technology in the world today provides more opportunities for countries to increase their visibility to the external world. This can be exploited by Greece to market its tourism sector iv. Olympic games The Olympic games that happen in Athens periodically provides Greece with an opportunity to showcase their tourism sector and promote its natural and cultural endowment. However, the following weaknesses exist: i. Lack of economies of scale Many of the market players in the tourism industry of Greece lack the economies of scale which makes their operation cost expensive resulting in to higher charges for the visitors. This if addressed will lower the cost boosting the sector ii. Seasonality The tourism sector of Greece faces seasonality in visits with the peak around June- September while the other months have a lower turnout. iii. Education and training The tourism sector of Greece still faces the challenges of training and education to build the capacity of the personnel engaged in the hospitality, tour guide, among other important sectors of the industry. iv. Marketing Marketing challenge affect the tourism industry of Greece. This implies that not very many people are aware of the available attractions in Greece. Finally, the following threats exist for the tourism sector of Greece. i. Environmental degradation This is due to human activities that pollute the environment, degrade the biodiversity among other issues of environmental degradation ii. Infrastructure The infrastructural investment in Greece is still falling short of the expected standards. More hotels need to be invested in as well as transport infrastructure. iii. Wars and terrorism The recent increase in terrorism activities especially in the neighbouring countries has posed a threat to not only the tourism sector in Greece but also other EU member states like France. iv. Concentration and globalization Globalization has opened up other areas increasing the competition between states thus posing a threat to the tourism industry on Greece. SECTION C Greece propensity to develop its current tourism product based on your findings in part A and B The Greek propensity to develop its current tourism product is influenced by a number of critical issues: firstly, development of the economic and labour markets. More investment needs to be put on the human resource of Greece as a host nation to tourists. 11 million inhabitants of Greece play host to approximately 17 million visitors every year. This requires heavy investments in the personnel to equip them with skills to handle the visitors. From engagement to other challenges that concerns catering and tour guiding, the Greek government need to invest a lot in training and educating its citizens. The immigrants coming in for the low paying jobs from other countries need to be trained effectively in order to provide effective services. Otherwise the sector is likely to be derailed by unskilled personnel. Secondly, environmental protection and rehabilitation efforts need to be stepped up. Greece just like other countries of the world is not spared by environemnttal degradation challenges. Immigration results in to increase in population which implies that more scramble for resources. This has a potential of resulting in forests encroachment, destruction of wetlands among other challenges. In order to have a robust and competent tourism sector, there is need for enforcement of laws that regulate the use of environment and promote environmental; safety and sustainability. Environmental pollution threatens biodiversity and encroachment of protected areas as well as historically important sites affects the tourism potential of Greece. Greece needs to promote sustainability of the unique ecosystems and the natural reserves it is endowed with. With an extensive global multilingual campaign that Greece has put up o promote tourism in the country; there is need for more representation in key tourism expos for Greece. In addition technology integration needs to be done to improve the campaigns and showcase Greece an s a safe tourist destination despite the influx of immigrants. Many a time’s immigrants are fond of causing crime due to the limited opportunities and struggle for survival. Further, the sustainability issue needs to be addressed extensively given the immigrants influx. Energy demands and use is on the rise, consumption of water as well as food is o the rise due to population increase. Therefore there is need for promotion of energy efficient technologies such as use of green energy to meet the demands of the growing population. Also important is the sustainability of housing provision. The bulging population requires housing facilities which puts pressure on the government’s budget for provision of public amenities. This implies that, there can be a slower rate of developing other tourism supporting infrastructure to provide for the locally burgeoning population. Terrorism threat is one critical issue that will influence the tourism sector of Greece. This is a critical issue because lately, there has been a rise in the terrorist attacks with countries like France witnessing their highest attacks in history this year. This means that with the increase of immigrants into Greece, the likelihood of the security of the people of Greece as well as their visitors to be compromised is increasing. If Greece does not move with speed to stem these issues and adopt technology to enable them secure not just their borders but also their key infrastructure from terrorists attack, the tourist sector will be threatened. However, there is great potential for growth of the tourist industry in Greece due to the committed effort that the government has put to harness the potential of the private sector and provide an enabling environment through supportive legislative frameworks. This will see Greece benefit immensely on tourism. Strategies Greek tourism authority could implement in the destination to remain competitive. First, environmental sustainability: this should be adopted to ensure that as the Greeks grow and develop to meet their daily demands, they protect the environment and mitigate any degradation and pollution. Secondly, the Greece’s government should secure its boarder to safeguard against terrorists attacks. In addition, they should establish a robust security system to protect the infrastructure of the country from likely terrorists’ attacks. Thirdly, to promote more infrastructure development through direct foreign investment Fourthly enact legal frameworks to allow for more public private partnerships for development. Finally, provide an enabling environment and incentives to enable growth of remote areas o spur development. Reference Kesternich, I., Siflinger, B., Smith, J. P., & Winter, J. K. (2014). The effects of World War II on economic and health outcomes across Europe. Review of Economics and Statistics, 96(1), 103-118. Kasimis, C. (2012). Greece: illegal immigration in the midst of crisis. Migration Information Source Online Journal. Apostolakis, A., & Jaffry, S. (2005). A choice modeling application for Greek heritage attractions. Journal of travel research, 43(3), 309-318. Kapiki, S. T. (2012). The impact of economic crisis on tourism and hospitality: results from a study in Greece. Central European Review of Economics and Finance, 2(1), 19-30. Read More