Slippery slope? Alpine tourism

Why are the Alps an important travel destination for tourists?

• The Alps attract around 120 million visitors annually due to their scenic landscapes and diverse outdoor activities such as skiing, snowboarding, hiking and cycling.

What are the environmental impacts of tourism in the Alpine region?

• Tourism causes environmental degradation, high greenhouse gas emissions, resource consumption and strain on local infrastructure, threatening long-term sustainability.

Why is climate change a threat to winter tourism in the Alps?

• Global warming leads to less reliable snowfall. Ski resorts below 1,500 meters are particularly affected and may become economically unviable in the future.

How are ski resorts adapting to climate change?

• Investing in snowmaking technologies

• Promoting summer tourism

• Moving operations to higher elevations

  → But these adaptations often result in deforestation, soil erosion and habitat destruction.

What are the negative effects of mass tourism in the Alps?

• Environmental destruction from construction and overuse

• Overcrowding and pollution

• Strain on the water and energy resources

• High emissions from transport and accommodations

What dilemma do Alpine communities face regarding tourism?

• Locals depend economically on tourism, but tourism intensifies the climate crisis, which in turn threatens the tourism industry itself - vicious cycle.

What sustainable solutions are mentioned in the text?

• Using renewable energy

• Building eco-friendly infrastructure

• Promoting sustainable tourism to attract responsible visitors

  → The goal is to balance economic interests with environmental preservation.

What is the overall message of the text?

• The future of Alpine tourism is uncertain. To survive, the industry must adapt through sustainable development. It requires joint action from the tourism sector, government and tourists.