This timely and interdisciplinary book is the first to examine mountain tourism and local communities with a pro-poor lens. By drawing on human geography, political and social science, ethics and moral philosophy and empirical research, the volume explores how mountain tourism can be used to fight poverty and inequality in mountain regions. Mountain tourism represents a growing mass tourism phenomenon. The local population, recognizing the possibilities for increased income, started to develop in situ services. However, sensitive to outside influences, the environment of high-altitude mountain areas resident communities have been abruptly exposed to impacts from mountain tourism-related activities, although until recently, they have been cut off from civilization. The natural environment and people living in mountain regions have been affected by an increasing number of visitors in the last few decades. Hence, this book provides an expert-led and comprehensive summary of mountain tourism development and illustrates how tourism can increase benefits for the poor within local communities. Furthermore, it presents updated management and governance policies. This volume will be of pivotal interest to scholars and practitioners from the fields of geography and tourism studies, ethics, and development economics, as well as policymakers, aid agencies, and general readers interested in sustainable development in mountain regions.

This timely and interdisciplinary book is the first to examine mountain tourism and local communities with a pro-poor lens. By drawing on human geography, political and social science, ethics and moral philosophy and empirical research, the volume explores how mountain tourism can be used to fight poverty and inequality in mountain regions. Mountain tourism represents a growing mass tourism phenomenon. The local population, recognizing the possibilities for increased income, started to develop in situ services. However, sensitive to outside influences, the environment of high-altitude mountain areas resident communities have been abruptly exposed to impacts from mountain tourism-related activities, although until recently, they have been cut off from civilization. The natural environment and people living in mountain regions have been affected by an increasing number of visitors in the last few decades. Hence, this book provides an expert-led and comprehensive summary of mountain tourism development and illustrates how tourism can increase benefits for the poor within local communities. Furthermore, it presents updated management and governance policies. This volume will be of pivotal interest to scholars and practitioners from the fields of geography and tourism studies, ethics, and development economics, as well as policymakers, aid agencies, and general readers interested in sustainable development in mountain regions.

Mountainous and rural areas throughout the world have continually been attributed with several hinderances including poverty, faulty governance, and susceptibility to natural disasters. However, with the recent development of tourism, these provinces have seen a strong rise in visitation. Despite this increase in economic sustainability, planners are still presented with many challenges as they try to balance developmental and ecological considerations. Global Opportunities and Challenges for Rural and Mountain Tourism provides emerging research exploring the integration of mountain tourism development and innovative practices for managing contemporary issues and challenges of tourism in these regions including socio-economic impacts, role of stakeholders, and promotional strategies for sustainable tourism development. Featuring coverage on a broad range of topics such as cultural heritage, marketing strategies, and value chain systems, this book is ideally designed for travel agents, tour directors, tour developers, hotel managers, hospitality and tourism professionals, industry practitioners, researchers, geographical scientists, planners, academicians, and students.

Mountains have long held an appeal for people around the world. This book focusses on the diversity of perspectives, interaction and role of tourism within these areas. Providing a vital update to the current literature, it considers the interdisciplinary context of communities, the creation of mountain tourism experiences and the impacts tourism has on these environments. Including authors from Europe, Asia-Pacific and North America, the development, planning and governance issues are also covered.

With their soaring peaks, remote locations, and majestic beauty, mountains have long been a powerful attraction for visitors from all walks of life, who are drawn by the often colorful traditions of local communities, the opportunities for sporting activities, and the spiritual solace to be found in highland landscapes. This study highlights the important role that tourism can play in valuing the natural and spiritual heritage of mountains, and the cultural diversity and traditional practices of mountain peoples. Particularly when linked to nature and rural tourism, mountain tourism can make a valuable contribution to promoting sustainable food systems and adding value to local products. Developing sustainable tourism in mountains requires reducing its negative environmental and social impacts and addressing the challenges posed by climate change. The COVID-19 pandemic has already brought about major changes in the mountain tourism sector and substantial losses for communities and businesses. However, consumer appetites for destinations that are outdoors and less crowded have increased in the wake of the pandemic, and these changes usher in new opportunities for mountain destinations to rebuild a greener and more sustainable form of tourism and rethink their products and services. For this to happen, the following measures will be critical: innovation and development of year-round tourism experiences; investments in infrastructure, particularly for the digitalization of mountain tourism services; strengthening multi-level-governance, partnerships and active community participation; and ensuring regular assessments of the impact of tourism on mountains, the effective management of waste and resources, and clearer practices for defining and managing the carrying capacity of highland destinations.

This book discusses the importance of mountain regions, and the precariousness of mountain tourism in the context of ecosystem and cultural conservation. It includes case studies of mountain tourism existing alongside environmental sustainability and community well being. The text presents an integrated approach to mountain-based tourism, balancing the needs of local communities, tourists and environmental conservation.

Pro-poor tourism is currently receiving enormous attention from the World Tourism Organization, government, industry, and NGOs. Through a series of cases and reviews this book provides one of the first assessments of the effectiveness of pro-poor tourism as a development strategy and tackles the issue of who benefits from tourisms potential role in poverty reduction.

The Himalayas, with their grandeur and cultural richness, magnetize global travelers searching for an escape from the ordinary. However, behind this allure lies an ecological responsibility and sustainability imperative. Many involved with the tourism industry in mountainous regions have been confronting the stark realities of tourism's impact on these delicate ecosystems. There is an urgency to address the challenges posed by climate change, all while safeguarding the indigenous traditions that define the Himalayas. Mountain Tourism and Ecological Impacts: Himalayan Region and Beyond unravels the intricate connections between tourism development and its far-reaching implications. This comprehensive exploration delves deep into the heart of the Himalayan region and beyond, shedding light on the diverse dimensions of mountain tourism and its profound impact on local environments, communities, and cultural heritage. This book reveals the tapestry of tourism experiences found in the peaks and vistas of the Himalayas. It delves into eco-tourist's delicate dance with fragile ecosystems, the coexistence of travelers and wildlife, the exhilaration of adventure tourism, and the spiritual pilgrimages that draw seekers from across the globe. This book comprehensively explores the pivotal role of preserving local cultures and underscores this as a key element of conserving the pristine natural habitats. This book is ideal for academics and researchers, tourism professionals, environmentalists and conservationists, government and NGOs, and travel enthusiasts.