The abstract focuses on the impact of recession on tourists’ decisions and destination marketing in small islands, with special reference to Zante. It uses a Structural Equation Model (SEM) in order to investigate the formulation of visitation tourist decisions on the island of Zante. The study provides constructive knowledge for the stakeholders involved on the formulation of tourist decision-making as well as for the relevant scientific research, whilst highlighting the importance of marketing activities in tourism destination development.