The increase of International Audiovisual Productions in Greece - Impact on Tourism and the Greek Economy

Abstract

In this paper is being examined the growth of international audiovisual productions being partially or entirely developed in Greece and the central role of the Greek public authorities in assisting this tourism-generating industry grow even more. This study tries to pinpoint the most common impediments that the audiovisual media industry confronts when deciding to select Greece as the location for an audiovisual project. Sustainable practices that are proposed aim to further attract and develop analogous initiatives in the Greek territory. Some of the most important benefits of the realization of such projects for the local communities are pointed out such as the increase in income, the creation of new jobs and the general boost of the local economy. The impact of audiovisual productions on tourism is also related to the "film effect" and the contributory role of audiovisual productions to promote a location’s attractions. This paper focuses on the international audiovisual productions industry’s expansion with an emphasis on the positive effects that the cultural-economic audiovisual productions have in strengthening both local economies and the Greek audiovisual sector.