This paper focuses on the total number of individuals running small ecotourism enterprises in areas of specific interest
in Greece, and our objective was to explore the ways of measuring their awareness and characteristics in order to
identify the requirements of specific environmental education programmes. A statistical analysis utilizing factor and
reliability analysis revealed the environmental profile of the target group. The main factors extracted were: cooperation
with environmental organization (governmental or non-governmental); intention for union cooperation; the
degree of environmental activism; an assessment of environmental needs; acceptance of financial responsibility;
willingness to accept environmental education; environmental education influence; and hierarchy in environmental
protection. The development of a specific environmental education programme to be offered to such people is of
extreme importance due to their indirect role as environmental practitioners; often providing information about the
local environment to visiting tourists. An appropriateenvironmental programme tailored to their assessed needs and
characteristics is of extreme importance.