Tourism
Tourism and mountains: a practical guide to managing the social and environmental impacts of Mountain Tours
Improving the environmental and social performance of mountain-based tour operators
Authors:
T. Charters; E. Saxon
Publisher:
UNEP Division of Technology, Industry and Economics , 2007
Travel to mountain ecosystems is increasing at a rapid pace. A growing numbers of tourists are attracted to the clean air, unique landscapes and wildlife, scenic beauty, culture, history, and recreational opportunities that mountain destinations offer. Although this growth provides important benefits to local communities and national economies, the popularity of mountain areas also poses a potential threat to the health of their natural and cultural resources.
This document presents a guide for mountain-based tour operators and other mountain recreation professionals to help them improve their environmental and social performance. It provides an overview of mountain ecosystems and communities and discusses the nature and potential impacts of mountain tourism and tour activities. It also reviews good practices for a range of key issues related to mountain tourism, grouped into three main categories: good business practices; good environmental practices; and good practices for specific tour activities.
It provides rationale for each of these good practices, with recommendations of specific activities and practices, and examples of what other operators around the world are doing. It includes a self-assessment checklist so that tour operators can identify areas of business activity that need improvement and as a tool for choosing business partners and suppliers based on sustainability criteria.
The document suggests that mountain-based tour operators can have considerable influence in minimising negative impacts and promoting positive impacts by adopting good environmental and social practices in their tour operations. Responsible practices can help increase the quality of visitor experiences and maintain the viability of tourism businesses by protecting the biodiversity, preserving the habitats and landscapes and supporting the communities that visitors are coming to see.
Adopting good practices can help build a positive reputation and recognition from tourists who are increasingly showing a preference for sustainable products and suppliers who demonstrate good social and environmental practices. Good practices can also contribute to positive relationships with suppliers, staff and local communities, who are more likely to support operators that are conserving local environments, contributing to the well-being of local communities and ensuring that mountain ecosystems are conserved for future generations.
