Sustainable tourism in mountainous regions

Abstract

Trends of tourism in mountainous regions with their manifold economic, social and ecological impacts are dealt with in this paper using the Austrian Alps as an example, and evaluating ways to manage tourist activities and adapt to man-made and natural challenges in accordance with the concept of sustainable development. The first section of this paper deals with the differences in research on tourism trends in Europe and North America concerning approaches and methods used. Trends in Alpine tourism are discussed, such as developments of spatial concentration, socio-demographic changes and new developments in winter tourism. Then possible responses to these trends that will help contribute to a sustainable development of tourist activities in the Alps are illustrated, including regulations relating to spatial planning or nature conservation as well as the management of tourist destinations. Ways of enhancing tourist activities in economically weak areas are touched upon.