Mireille Barthod-Prothade and Erick Leroux
This study aims to develop a managerial contribution with actors whose mission is the development of sustainable tourism in the mountains. Lastly, they present and discuss the…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to develop a managerial contribution with actors whose mission is the development of sustainable tourism in the mountains. Lastly, they present and discuss the findings.
Design/methodology/approach
A case study was conducted on the third stage of Mare in Mares, where at the end of this stage, the village stage gîte located 850 m above sea level accommodates hikers. The study began in 2016 and included tourism professionals (bed and breakfast managers, stage gite managers and guides), local elected officials, as well as representatives of the Local Mediation Group, the Regional Natural Park of Corsica, the Corsican Environment Office, SIVOM de la Bravone, the Development Office and breeders in the pig and beef sector.
Findings
The results show that the hiker numbers at Mare a Mare (800 hikers over a short period) are not an obstacle to sustainable mountain tourism. In contrast, wild fishing, pig and cattle wandering and the deficit of waste water treatment plants in some of the villages of Mare a Mare, contribute to endangering the strategy of sustainable development and sustainable tourism in mountains.
Research limitations/implications
The limitations of the study are its focus on just one stage of the Mare-to-Mare sentier de grande randonnée footpath and, secondly, the possibility that the paths may not be usable in future as climate change impacts occur.
Originality/value
The purpose of this study is to make a managerial contribution in relation to the action that needs to be taken, beginning with a trial in Corsica. Specifically, managerial support would involve a training course on the actions needed for – decision-makers, managers, politicians – whose responsibility it is to develop sustainable tourism in the mountains. Given this broad recommendation, the content of the training and action needed should be based on the concept of territorial resilience, as well as aspects of complex thinking and planning based on a systemic approach.
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The purpose of this study is to highlight the Grande Traversée des Alpes or – Move your Alps (GTA) which can be regarded as one of the first organizations to promote sustainable…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to highlight the Grande Traversée des Alpes or – Move your Alps (GTA) which can be regarded as one of the first organizations to promote sustainable tourism in the Alps.
Design/methodology/approach
The study is based on a case study of the GTA.
Findings
The GTA is a key case study for understanding stakeholders’ management and sustainable tourism in the Alps.
Originality/value
There has been insufficient attention given in the literature to the role of the GTA, especially given its importance in the promotion of sustainable tourism in the Alps.
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Profiles the WHATT theme issue: “Tourism sustainability in natural, residential and mountain locations: What are the current issues and questions?” with reference to the…
Abstract
Purpose
Profiles the WHATT theme issue: “Tourism sustainability in natural, residential and mountain locations: What are the current issues and questions?” with reference to the experiences of the theme editors and writing team.
Design/methodology/approach
The author has used structured questions to enable the theme editors to reflect on the rationale for the theme issue question, the starting-point, the selection of the writing team and material and the editorial process.
Findings
This paper identifies some of the key challenge for sustainable tourism in natural spaces and mountain areas with reference to the issues that impede sustainability and possible solutions.
Practical implications
The theme issue outcomes provide indicators and action points for tourism industry stakeholders and for teaching and research in sustainable tourism development.
Originality/value
This paper draws on discussion and applies research to identify and assess the scope and scale of action needed to address tourism sustainability in a diverse range of locations, with particular reference to Europe. Taken together, the theme issue collection of articles provides a rich picture of the changes that are needed and key actions for the future.
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Raphaël Dornier, Chiara Mauri and Richard Teare
The aim of this paper is to profile the World Hospitality and Tourism Themes (WHATT) theme issue “Tourism sustainability in the Alpine region: What are the major trends and…
Abstract
Purpose
The aim of this paper is to profile the World Hospitality and Tourism Themes (WHATT) theme issue “Tourism sustainability in the Alpine region: What are the major trends and challenges?” with reference to the experience of the theme editors and writing team.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper uses structured questions to enable the theme editors to reflect on the rationale for the theme issue question, the starting-point, the selection of the writing team and material and the editorial process.
Findings
It draws on a multidisciplinary approach to identify some key components of sustainable tourism for the French and Italian Alps. It reflects on research and stakeholder interaction that helped to shape the current and future thinking about how Alpine mountain resorts can enhance sustainability in relation to the destination offer, accommodation, transport and mobility and institutional, legal and socio-economic aspects.
Practical implications
The theme issue outcomes provide lines of enquiry for others to explore, and they reinforce the value of WHATT’s approach to collaborative working and writing.
Originality/value
The work reported in this theme issue provides research-based evidence of the need for rapid adaptation to sustainable tourism development for resorts in the French and Italian Alps. Traditionally designed to facilitate skiing and snow sports, the impact of climate change is forcing a rethink to safeguard Alpine tourism – a vital economic activity to these and most mountain tourism destinations.