Mountain Ecotourism: Creating a

Sustainable Future

ENV-461
Mountain Tourism

According to UNWTO
“tourism activity which takes place in a defined and limited
geographical space such as hills or mountains with distinctive
characteristics and attributes that are inherent to a specific landscape,
topography, climate, biodiversity (flora and fauna) and local
community. It encompasses a broad range of activities related to
the need to be in open air spaces and connect to nature in leisure time”

Presentation By Juliana Silva

Benefits of Mountain Tourism

- Economic Growth: Boosts local

economy and GDP.
- Job Creation: Provides
employment opportunities.
- Seasonality Mitigation: Reduces
economic seasonality.
- Dispersal of Demand: Promotes
greater distribution of visitors.
- Social Change: Improves
infrastructure and services.
 The interdependence of the mountain
ecosystem and tourism development

Mountain tourism development relies on the unique

resources provided by mountain ecosystems,
including climate, topography, and scenery.
Only mountain areas with a sufficient number of
natural and man-made attractions, such as
panoramic peaks and skiing areas, can motivate
potential visitors to spend money.
 Mountain tourism structures
are the result of a long
specialization process
- Evolution of Mountain Tourism: Started with elite
visitors like philosophers, poets, and painters 200 years
ago.
- Pioneering Entrepreneurs: Early enthusiasts, motivated
by natural beauty, inspired upper-class youth to visit the
Alps. They created facilities, transportation, and outdoor
activities.
- Twentieth Century Challenges and Renaissance: The
"Belle Epoque" of mountain tourism faced setbacks
during two world wars and the Great Depression but
revived in the 1960s with skiing and modern ski resorts.
The main assets of the mountain tourism
market are its four seasons and its strong
home market
- Year-Round Attraction: Mountain tourism's appeal
lies in its four seasons, offering a contrast between
snowy winters and bright summers for all-year
visitation.
- Seasonal Activities: The mountain ecosystem shapes
activities like mountaineering, hiking, and winter
sports, attracting different market segments.
- Local Focus: Mountain tourism relies on a strong
local and domestic market, with international
demand concentrated in select resorts.
Mountain tourism has reached maturity and
changed from a mass to a multi-niche market in
traditional mountain tourism countries

- Niche Evolution: Traditional mountain tourism countries

shifted from mass tourism to a multi-niche market.
- Peak of Mass Tourism: Mountain tourism boomed from the
1960s to the 1980s, especially for family holidays and skiing.
- Globalization's Impact: Increased competition from beach
destinations reduced mountain tourism's appeal.
- Diverse Offerings: Mountain tourism now caters to various
preferences, enhancing facilities for both winter and summer
activities, appealing to health-conscious and emerging market
visitors.
Reinvent mountain destinations by positioning and
repositioning, branding and the strategic use of
Information and Communication Technologies (ICT)
- Reimagining Mountain Tourism: To boost mountain
tourism, redefine the industry and individual
destinations.
- Multi-Niche Focus: Highlight the shift from a mass
market to a multi-niche approach, offering diverse
products.
- Differentiation and Branding: Encourage destinations
to stand out by specializing and diversifying, building a
unique brand.
- ICT Integration: Utilize technology for visual
information, planning, and data collection on visitor
preferences and behaviors.
The key success factors for building and operating
mountain resorts

- Seasonal Specialization: Mountain resorts offer different

activities in summer and winter.
- Resort Types: Three types include traditional, mono-
functional ski resorts, and four-season hybrid resorts.
- Success Requirements: Necessary conditions for successful
resorts include ample snowfall, diverse slopes, attractive
design, and preservation of natural and cultural
surroundings.
Tourism is often the only way to create wealth in mountain
territories, yet its sustainability depends on the preservation of
its environmental resources
- Limited Wealth in Mountains: Economic opportunities are
sparse, and tourism is crucial but must safeguard the
environment.
- Environmental Impact: Mountain tourism faces pollution
challenges despite not being a major contributor. Global
warming benefits summer tourism but harms skiing.
- Tourism Responsibility: Focusing on energy efficiency in winter
resorts and addressing visual pollution is essential for preserving
landscapes.
Public administrations play a crucial role in stimulating
mountain tourism growth since independent
entrepreneurship and local initiative have become scarce in
poor mountain regions

- Shifting Investments: Entrepreneurs' interest in mountains

declined as tourism matured.
- Public Sector Importance: Public sector involvement depends on
a country's development level.
- Market-Driven Success: Market-driven development boosted
employment and income, while state-supported community-based
models provided niche activities.
- Government's Role: Governments should support mountain
tourism destinations for sustainable development, balancing
growth impacts with area capacities.
Mountain Tourism Activities

Winter and Sports Tourism: Activities like

skiing, snowboarding, and sledding in elevated
mountain areas during the snow season.

Walking Tourism: Visitors experience mountain

landscapes, flora, fauna, and local culture,
providing economic benefits, especially during
the summer in snow-dependent regions.
Mountain Tourism Activities
Adventure and Sports Activities: Offered during
and outside the snow season, including
mountain biking, zip-lining, horse-riding, rock
climbing, and water-based activities.

Rural Tourism: Engages visitors in agriculture,

rural lifestyle, culture, and nature-based
activities in low-density mountain areas with
traditional social structures.
Mountain Tourism Activities
Natural and Cultural Heritage: Promotion of
mountain film and literary festivals, exhibitions,
forest bathing, and events related to food,
agriculture, and guided tours.

Spiritual Tourism: Involves religious pilgrimages,

visits to sacred sites, and nature-based spiritual
activities often found in mountains.

Wellness Tourism: Focuses on holistic well-being,

including physical, mental, emotional, and
spiritual aspects. Mountains offer an ideal
backdrop for wellness programs.
Mountain
Tourism in
Pakistan

Presentation By Juliana Silva

Geographic Diversity

Pakistan's mountain tourism is celebrated for

its remarkable geographic diversity.
The convergence of the Himalayas,
Karakoram, and Hindu Kush ranges creates a
stunning landscape.
The Karakoram Range, including K2, is a focal
point, earning Pakistan the title of "Roof of the
World."
Trekking and Hiking

Trekking and hiking are popular activities

in Pakistan's mountain tourism.
Trekkers can explore numerous trails,
such as the Karakoram Highway and
Rakaposhi Base Camp.
These adventures lead to breathtaking
landscapes, crystal-clear lakes, and
interactions with local communities.
Adventure Tourism

Pakistan's rugged terrain offers a haven

for adventure tourism.
Mountaineering enthusiasts are drawn
to challenging peaks like Broad Peak
and Gasherbrum II.
Rock climbing, paragliding, and other
thrilling activities are part of the
adventure experience.
Breathtaking Peaks

Iconic peaks like K2 and Nanga Parbat are

synonymous with Pakistan's mountain
tourism.
These formidable mountains continue to
attract mountaineers from around the world.
Conquering these peaks is a coveted
achievement in the world of mountaineering.
Cultural Immersion

Mountain tourism in Pakistan allows

travelers to immerse in diverse
cultures.
The Kalash Valley and Hunza offer
unique cultural experiences.
Festivals, rituals, and local cuisine are
highlights of cultural immersion.