Sustainable tourism

Destinations for skiing, climbing, hiking, taking in beautiful landscapes, discovering new cultures and exploring the past, mountains attract tourists for a multitude of reasons. Tourism is one of the fastest-growing industries in mountain regions, accounting for an estimated 9 to 16 percent of total international tourist arrivals, with an even greater number of local tourists further contributing to this sector. Revenue generated from mountain tourism provides opportunities for local communities to diversify their livelihoods, expand new markets and enhance cultural exchange.

Mountain tourism is an economic pillar in some mountain areas, bringing jobs and business opportunities. The tourism industry in mountain regions also leads to infrastructure development, which further creates economic opportunities.

Yet, mountain tourism also has the potential to destroy the natural and cultural resources on which it is built.

Concerted efforts by policymakers, development agencies, civil society and the private sector working with mountain communities to steer tourism on a more sustainable path can create a force to fight poverty in mountain areas.