UNWTO Congress to Debate Future of Snow and Mountain Tourism

Mountain resort professionals, from the Alps to the Rockies, as well as Asian destinations including the Republic of Korea, will debate how snow and mountain destinations can respond to current and future challenges, while remaining competitive and sustainable, at the 7th World Congress on Snow and Mountain Tourism (Grenoble, France, 28-29 April 2011).

Leading experts will gather at the congress to present current trends in the snow and mountain tourism market, following the strong rebound in international tourism witnessed in 2010. The congress will also outline the current and future challenges facing mountain professionals as they strive to successfully develop their tourism businesses.

Among the challenges to be discussed is that of maintaining local identities and natural resources while meeting visitor needs for comfort and services. Participants will also debate the role of creativity and innovation in addressing issues such as seasonality and the opportunities of new social media for mountain tourism.

The opportunities offered to mountain destinations by both domestic and international tourism markets are a further issue on the agenda. Many major destinations have found success in specializing in activities such as hiking or adventure sports, guaranteeing a loyal clientele. Smaller and medium-sized resorts, however, are diversifying their supply with new products based on local resources such as culture or gastronomy.

Regularly bringing together over 300 international participants, the World Congress on Snow and Mountain Tourism has emerged as a principal forum for addressing the major issues and challenges for mountain tourism in all its forms and seasons. Speakers at the 2011 edition include experts from academia, managing directors of leading snow and mountain tourism destinations from Argentina to China, and government representatives, including the Minister of Tourism of Andorra, Claudi Benet Mas, the Mayor of Grenoble, Michel Destot, and the State Secretary of Tourism of Serbia, Goran Petkovic.

Since 1998, the World Congress on Snow and Mountain Tourism, jointly organized by the Government of Andorra and UNWTO, has been held every two years in Andorra. From 2011 onwards, the Congress will become an annual event and will be held in Andorra every two years and outside of Andorra every other year.

The 2011 edition is being hosted by Grenoble, France, in collaboration with Alpexpo, Grenoble’s convention centre and the 2012 edition will meet in the Andorran parish of La Massana (11-12 April 2012).

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