MCP, University of Cincinnati, 2006, Design, Architecture, Art and Planning : Community Planning

Due to their locations around the world, small islands are especially vulnerable to natural disasters. Most of the islands are in hurricane and cyclone paths, and many are of volcanic origin, thus increasing the threat of an earthquake. However, the natural beauty of these locals and the uniqueness of their geographical features often make these islands magnets for tourism. As a result, the limited area for development is often dense, located near the most aesthetically striking features which also are the most vulnerable locations. The goal of the study was to prove that the present models for small island disaster planning are inadequate, and furthermore, a more complete model could be developed. By not just comparing the two models and case studies, but by understanding the methodologies of each, as well as citing additional cases, these goals were achieved.

Committee: Michael Romanos (Advisor) Subjects:

MCP, University of Cincinnati, 2005, Design, Architecture, Art and Planning : Community Planning

Inspired by the island of Santorini in Greece, the purpose of this thesis is to identify the range of positive and negative impacts that tourism has on a host place. This thesis will use the range of impacts to create a framework through which a systematic assessment can be made. This is important, as tourism is the fastest growing industry in the world, and provides employment and foreign currency to the host place as well as contributing to its country's gross domestic product, or GDP. However, tourism often has negative impacts as well, but these are often overlooked in favor of the economic benefits. This study identifies major factors of tourism impacts on host places, based on a review of the literature, illustrates them based on a study of the island of Santorini in Greece, and creates a framework to assess these impacts. The study extracts factors from three main areas: economic, socio-cultural and environmental. It then organizes these factors into a framework to assess systematically the impact of tourism in order to understand the magnitude impact of tourism on the island. The study, in a “snapshot”, draws attention to the magnitude of tourism impact in a comprehensive way. It will, hopefully, also help planners and administrators elsewhere to determine what can be done to capitalize on the positive impacts of tourism and mitigate its negative impacts.

Committee: Carla Chifos (Advisor) Subjects: Urban and Regional Planning

MCP, University of Cincinnati, 2005, Design, Architecture, Art and Planning : Community Planning

The inspiration for this thesis arose out of a summer spent in 2004 on the island of Santorini as part of the University of Cincinnati's Sustainable Development Program.While on this enchanting island, this author couldn't help but notice the oddly beautiful vineyards that were growing in soil that looked no different from the surface of the moon, nor indulge in a few glasses of wine produced from grapes grown under the incessant pounding heat of a hundred-degree sun. Much to my surprise, the wine had a most fascinating taste unlike anything I had ever experienced before. Yet, as the days passed on the island, and I took in more sights of its interesting vineyards on terraces or on hills, and I experienced more of its wine. I became quite shocked with what I witnessed and tasted. Acres and acres of vineyards lay untended with Hotels and Rental rooms built amongst them, and a vast majority of the terraces were crumbling. I also soon unfortunately discovered most of the wine produced on Island was no better than swill. What was wrong? Why were these vineyards not producing the amazing and delicious Vin Santo? And finally, the most important question, what can be done to save the vineyards? This thesis is in direct response to these questions. The hypothesis is that wine, which historically has been a major product and source of income for the island, can once again become an important economic sector. To explore how this change can occur, two successful models were selected for inspiration and comparison to the present-day Santorini wine industry to suggest new wine scenarios. And the rich history, wines and viticulture of the island was reviewed and analyzed to develop a new wine-marketing strategy based on the uniqueness of Santorini.

Committee: Michael Romanos (Advisor) Subjects: Urban and Regional Planning