Indicator Classification into Tier 1, Tier 2 and Tier 3: A Phased Approach to the Development of the Observatory
The development of a modern Coastal and Maritime Tourism Observatory depends not only on the selection of appropriate indicators but also on the availability of reliable, consistent, and regularly updated data required for their calculation. As part of the revision of the Methodological Framework, a new approach to indicator prioritisation has been adopted, replacing the previous classification of Core, Optional, and Future Indicators with a three-tier maturity system: Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3.
This revised classification emerged from the findings of the pilot implementations and the stakeholder consultation process, which demonstrated that the primary challenge is not the scientific relevance of an indicator, but its practical feasibility. Consequently, each indicator is now assessed according to three key criteria:
- the availability of the required data,
- the level of methodological maturity and documentation, and
- its operational readiness for implementation.
What does Tier 1 mean?
Tier 1 indicators constitute the Observatory's core operational indicator set. They are supported by well-established methodological definitions, while the required data are already available or can be collected on a regular and reliable basis. These indicators represent the minimum set recommended for the initial operation of the Observatory.
Indicative Tier 1 indicators
Examples of Tier 1 indicators include:
- Tourism Dependency
- Average Length of Stay
- Tourism Seasonality
- Tourism Employment
- Employment Seasonality
- Share of Full-Time Employment in Coastal Tourism
- Accommodation Occupancy Rate
These indicators are primarily based on official statistical and administrative data sources (e.g. ELSTAT, ERGANI, the Register of Tourism Enterprises) and can support the continuous monitoring of tourism destinations from the outset.
What does Tier 2 mean?
Tier 2 indicators are also supported by robust methodologies and clear conceptual definitions. However, their implementation requires additional work before they can be produced systematically. This may involve:
- collecting new datasets,
- integrating multiple data sources,
- developing new data-processing procedures, or
- establishing regular primary data collection surveys.
These indicators are expected to be incorporated during the Observatory's subsequent development phases, as data availability and institutional capacity improve.
Indicative Tier 2 indicators
Examples include:
- Ratio of Same-Day Visitors to Overnight Visitors
- Percentage of Repeat Visitors
- Incoming Vehicles via Ferry Services
- Incoming Private Aircraft
- Average Wage Level in Coastal Tourism Occupations
Most Tier 2 indicators require additional data collection mechanisms or further processing of existing datasets before they can be calculated on a regular basis.
What does Tier 3 mean?
Tier 3 indicators represent the Observatory's long-term development objectives. Although they are considered highly valuable for the comprehensive monitoring of sustainable tourism, they require further:
- methodological refinement,
- institutional preparation, and/or
- development of new data collection and reporting mechanisms.
Their implementation is therefore envisaged at a later stage, once the necessary technical infrastructure and organisational arrangements have been established.
Indicative Tier 3 indicators
Examples include:
- Share of Tourism-Related Businesses (as a proxy for Local Tourism Value Added)
as well as other indicators that require significant methodological development or the establishment of entirely new data collection procedures before they can be operationalised.
Why was the Tier approach adopted?
The tier-based classification enables the Observatory to evolve in a structured and realistic manner. Rather than assuming that all indicators are equally ready for implementation, the framework recognises different levels of operational maturity and facilitates the planning of the actions required to progressively expand the monitoring system.
Accordingly:
- Tier 1 indicators support the immediate operation of the Observatory;
- Tier 2 indicators represent the next phase of system development; and
- Tier 3 indicators define the Observatory's long-term roadmap for future expansion.
This approach also provides a transparent mechanism for monitoring improvements in data availability and progressively integrating new indicators into the monitoring framework. As the supporting data infrastructure and institutional capacities mature, additional indicators can be incorporated, ensuring that the Observatory evolves in parallel with advances in data collection, management, and statistical production.