Global Mountain Tourism

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Global Mountain TourismCurrent and future conditionsTable of contents INTRODUCTION SUMMER MOUNTAIN TOURISM STATISTICS WINTER MOUNTAIN TOURISM STATISTICS FUTURE GOALS FOR MOUNTAIN TOURISM CONCLUSIONS GLOBAL WARMING IntroductionTourism is thefastest growingindustry in the world, increasing from 25 million international arrivals in 1950 to 842 million in 2006, a more than 30-fold increase, with international arrivals expected to double to 1.5 billion by 2020Mountains are important assets for the tourism industry. They take up an estimated share of 15-20% of the globaltourism market, generating between 100 and 140 billion US$ per year.Mountains have been a source of wonder and inspiration for human societies and cultures since time immemorial. The elements that attract people to mountains clean air, diverse landscapes, rich biodiversity, unique cultures and variety of recreational activities are under threat, partly because of poorly managed and non-sustainable tourism.

It is one of the worlds largest industries, employing approximately 235 million people globally and generating over 9.2% of worlds gross domestic product. Summer Mountain Tourism StatisticsMountain tourism share of global tourism market is: 15-20%Different summer activities: hiking, biking, kayakingThe market for Mountain tourism aventure is nowhere near saturation point. There is a growing demand for summer activities.It is estimated that more than 50 million people visit mountains each year. (Mountain Partnership 2008)

Winter Mountain Tourism Statistics2100 Ski Resorts around the world with 400 millions skier days each yearEurope: 200 millions skier daysNorth america: 90 millions skier daysDevelopment 2011/2012 Change in %North America 51 millions15.8 %Austria50 millions 2.3%Switzerland24.8 millions 4.6%France55.3 millions 4%

Winter Mountain Tourism StatisticFast growing countries: Eastern Europe; Bulgaria, Poland and Russia, Winter Olympics 2014 in Sochi Visited by whom ?Andorra 95% foreign visitorsAustria 60% foreign visitorsSwitzerland 50% foreign visitorsUSA 6% foreign visitors

Global WarmingGreenhouse gases:+ means of transport- plants= + CO2

Albedo:1 = white0 = blackEffect on articFuture Goals for Mountain TourismKeep the authenticity of the mountains

Environmental protection

Decrease the seasonal effect

Diversification of the offer

Conclusions The demand for mountain tourism activities: trekking, hiking, camping, mountaineering, rock climbing, mountain biking, wildlife viewing, and other forms is ever increasing leading to the rapid expansion of the mountain tourism adventure and recreation market.

The investment, operational and managerial decisions of tour operators, other tourism professionals and the wider industry are helping to determine the level of both negative and positive impacts of tourism in mountain environments.

It is vital to work with this sector to develop and promote sustainable tourism practices. In fact, Agenda 21 of the UN Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) stated that the fate of mountains may affect more than half of the worlds population and acknowledged mountain tourism as a critical component in sustainable mountain development and conservation (UNDESA 1992).