A study of the core principles underlying the mountain tourism phenomenon

Due to hectic city lives and the growing health concerns in light of the global pandemic, mountain tourism has become increasingly popular worldwide, which has increased the related research. Based on traditional bibliometric laws, such as those authored by Price, Bradford, Lotka, and Zipf, this study acquired 1413 mountain tourism journal articles via bibliometric analysis and identified the most influential journal articles, researchers, and countries in mountain tourism research as indexed in the Web of Science (WoS) database during 2010–2020. The keyword analysis revealed mountain tourism’s emerging research topics, including climate change, sustainable development, sustainability, sustainable tourism, protected areas, rural tourism, and conservation. The most influential journal was Sustainability in the mountain tourism. The research results showed that China, the U.S., and Romania produced the most significant mountain tourism articles indexed in the WoS. Most developed countries in Europe had the highest average and average normalized citations, which indicated that they may have more influence in this field as compared to other countries. Some developing countries, such as India, Nepal, and China, had higher citations, average citations, and/or average normalized citations than other countries. The main research trend was the sustainable development aspect of mountain-based tourism during the COVID-19 pandemic. We identified the research gap in WoS; although there is some research shedding light on tourism via bibliometrics, mountain tourism bibliometric analysis and science mapping via VOSViewer is scarce. The paper summarizes the critical aspects of the current discussion of sustainable mountain tourism, such as transport and coopetition (i.e., combing with cooperation and competition) in mountain tourism areas. The results indicated that government agencies and destination managers need to strike a balance between sustainable mountain tourism development and environment and natural landscape conservation after COVID-19.

Based on the ecological security perspective, because of the natural resource endowment, the industrial layout of mountain towns was combined mode of specialty agriculture and mountain tourism. According to elaborating the concept and connotation of ecological safety of the mountain town, combing the mountain town development as well as the characteristics of the mountain complex ecosystem, taking examples to analyze the characteristics of natural resources of mountainous towns and urban development in Western Hubei, this paper has researched interactive development strategy between mountain towns ecological security and tourism industry from the theory of urban science, ecology and other disciplines ,and it aims to promote development of settlements environment construction ,which is more healthy and orderly.

Bibliometric analysis of literature on mountain tourism in Scopus

The modern history of tourism in Nepal began with mountain tourism embodying the diversity of nature and culture, diversity, marginality, access difficulty, fragility, niche and aesthetics. Despite huge scope, Nepal has been unable to take full benefits of mountains, due to inadequate policies and fragile implementation. Pedestaled on secondary data, the key objective of this paper is to make a retrospective assessment of tourism policy and sustainable mountain tourism development efforts in Nepal. The sustainable development of mountain tourism relies on the government’s plans and policies and the efficient coordination between stakeholders. But the tourism policies have not been able to adequately address mountain tourism, and this has led to unbalanced growth of tourism sector. Despite the implementation of new Tourism Policy in 2008, adequate focus on mountain tourism is still missing. There is a lacuna of adequate driving force in tourism policy and it has failed to address vital areas of mountain tourism. Hence, there is an instant need of specific and separate mountain tourism policy encompassing integrated approach (abiding federal structure and local participation in planning and management) hence making mountain tourism sustainable, responsible and sensitive--ecologically and culturally.

Mountain tourism has grown in popularity worldwide as a result of busy city lives and growing health concerns in light of the global pandemic, which has raised the amount of study in this area. This study gathered 1413 journal articles on mountain tourism through bibliometric analysis and determined the most significant journal articles, researchers, and nations in mountain tourism research as indexed in the Web of Science (WoS) database between 2010 and 2020. It was based on traditional bibliometric laws, such as those written by Price, Bradford, Lotka, and Zipf. Emerging study issues related to mountain tourism were identified by the keyword analysis. These topics included protected areas, conservation, sustainable development, and climate change. The magazine Sustainability in Mountain Tourism had the most impact. The study's findings indicated that the most important mountain tourist articles indexed in the WoS were written in China, Romania, and the United States.

Mountain tourism, a vital component of global tourism, faces significant challenges due to the ongoing impacts of climate change. This chapter explores these impacts, emphasizing the need for adaptation strategies that align with sustainable development goals. Through a review of existing literature, case studies, and policy analysis, this chapter provides insights into how mountain tourism can be resilient in the face of climate change. The chapter concludes by aligning the discussed strategies with the United Nations Sustainable. By aligning tourism practices with global sustainability objectives, mountain regions can enhance their resilience, ensuring that tourism remains a viable economic activity while preserving the environment and supporting local communities for future generations. This chapter thus provides a comprehensive framework for understanding and addressing the challenges posed by climate change to mountain tourism, offering actionable insights for policymakers, industry stakeholders, and researchers.

Estimating the recreational value of mountain tourism to shape sustainable development in Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan

This study determined the degree and socio-demographic predictors of residents’ willingness to participate in the mountain tourism development of Ado-Awaye Suspended Lake (ASL), Nigeria. A multistage sampling technique was employed to select and administer semi-structured questionnaires to three hundred and sixty-six (366) households. Descriptive statistics and binomial logistic regression algorithm were used to analyze the data. The results revealed that majority of the households were willing to learn about the natural heritage, preserve the culture, provide environmental education for tourists, and participate in mountain tourism-related employment. Among the four indicators of residents’ willingness to participate in mountain tourism development, households were willing to participate in mountain tourism planning. The linear regression analysis shows that predictors varied with the four critical indicators - willingness to conserve the natural resources, to preserve the cultural tradition, to sustainable community development, and to participate in the mountain tourism planning and management. This implied that the socio-demography of the residents is pertinent and should be put into consideration for the successful integration of the host community into the decision making framework as well as sustainable planning and development of the ASL for mountain tourism.

Through this paper we intend to highlight the necessity of the development of the tertiary sector in Romania, and within it the tourism services specific to the mountain areas. The mountain was and represents for the modern man a special attraction throughout the year. Mountain tourism enjoys international recognition because it has been found that there is a great interest of the world’s population in visiting mountain regions, plus the world dimensions of mountain areas; 24% of the Earth’s surface is occupied by mountainous regions, where a population of 12% of the world’s population lives, and an additional 14% of the world’s population is at the contact of mountainous regions with neighboring regions [4]. In this context, we have proposed to develop the strategy for the development of mountain tourism services in Romania, starting from the concept of sustainable development that implies the balance between economic growth and preservation of the natural environment. The purpose of developing the development strategy is to capitalize on natural heritage, to identify solutions for the problems faced by our country in the field of tourism services and, at the same time, to develop mountain tourism in Romania. The objective of the strategy is to identify ways to develop mountain tourism services in Romania.

Tourism affects mountain towns' economics, customs, and landscapes. The business impacts local inhabitants and environments through spiritual pilgrimages, adventure, and wellness tourism. This chapter discusses how local communities might benefit and influence mountain tourism expansion while addressing its issues. It discusses mountain tourism's history, current trends, and community involvement in sustainable tourism. For local community empowerment, the chapter promotes inclusive planning policies, training and support, and stakeholder collaborations. The Swiss Alps, Ladakh, and Bhutan show community-led initiatives' accomplishments and challenges, including socioeconomic disparity, environmental degradation, and cultural commodification. To promote mountain tourism, the chapter emphasizes equitable benefit-sharing, responsible tourism, and ongoing involvement between local communities, governments, and tourism operators. The conclusion recommends continued dialogue and community-driven efforts to preserve mountain regions' cultural and environmental qualities.

Mountain landscapes and communities are highly sensitive and vulnerable to climate change. Tourism in mountain regions is highly dependent on natural resources and attractions which are very sensitive to climatic changes. This systematic review analyzing 276 papers, provides a comprehensive analysis of scientific literature dealing with climate change impacts on mountain tourism. While the impacts on the snow season are predominantly negative, impacts to summer season activities range from positive to negative. Contradictory results and lack of research in some regions and tourism activities means the overall impact is far from clear. We identified seven key knowledge gaps: underrepresentation of studies for South America and Africa, lack of appropriate data and indicators, an all-season perspective and investigation of opportunities, economic and socio-political consequences for mountain communities, the need for better science communication, and a lack of studies addressing liability and regulatory risks. Increasing our multidisciplinary understanding of potential climate impacts on mountain tourism and engaging stakeholders to prepare for the projected changes will help local populations in mountain communities create applicable and effective climate adaptation strategies.

Abstract. Abdullah M, Hakim L, Siswanto D, Setyowati DL. 2024. Mountain tourism impact on bird diversity along hiking trails of Mount Prau, Central Java, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 25: 4690-4698. Hiking represents a significant dimension of mountain tourism and has gained considerable popularity among travelers. Unfortunately, the perception of hiking activities as a form of mass tourism raises significant concerns regarding potential environmental degradation and the threats posed to biodiversity in mountainous regions. Birds are organisms that are sensitive to human activities. Therefore, a critical component for assessing the impact of mountain tourism on biodiversity is to analyze the diversity of bird species on several hiking trails. This study aims to examine the differences in bird species diversity on several hiking trails with different visitor frequencies on Mount Prau, Indonesia. Surveys for bird observations were conducted systematically using the Variable Circular Plot (VCP) method along the hiking trail. Bird species diversity data were analyzed to obtain Margalef's species richness index, Shannon diversity index, and Pielou's evenness index. In addition, correspondence analysis was also used to see the differences in the composition of bird community species on different hiking trails. Trails with high visitor preferences showed lower species richness, diversity, and evenness indices than rarely visited trails. Ordination analysis showed a clear grouping of bird communities based on species composition between highly visited and less visited routes. Less frequented Mount Prau trails host diverse endemics and high conservation status birds, while heavily frequented trails show reduced diversity. This finding confirms the negative impact of mountain tourism on bird biodiversity in the mountain area. This also signifies the need for a conservation strategy to balance mountain tourism with biodiversity conservation in Mount Prau. It should be able to limit the number of visitors, control access in sensitive areas, and involve methods of ecotourism that would favor wildlife.

The evaluation of tourism competitiveness is an important tool for analyzing the potential of tourism in a specific context. Enshi Autonomous Prefecture (EAP) in China is selected as a case through which to explore the potential of mountain tourism and its competitiveness in the tourism industry. This study develops EAP’s mountain tourism competitiveness model focusing on three criteria: core competitiveness of mountain tourism, the economic environment’s competitiveness, and infrastructure competitiveness. Context-specific customized evaluation index has been applied to data collected from EAP Statistical Yearbook for 2005–2014. The study reveals that the value of EAP’s mountain tourism core competitiveness, economic and environmental competitiveness, and infrastructure competitiveness are 84.292, 13.4, and 2.308%, respectively. When tourism core competitiveness is increased by one unit, EAP’s mountain tourism competitiveness will increase by 0.84292 units. Similarly, when economic environment competitiveness is increased by one unit, EAP’s mountain tourism competitiveness will increase by 0.134 units. EAP’s mountain tourism competitiveness increases by 0.02308 units when infrastructure competitiveness increases by one unit. The major reasons for low levels of competitiveness were lack of awareness of the county authority, a low level of cooperation, and weak infrastructure. The recommendations from the study’s findings are as follows. Firstly, the county authority should appropriately improve the relationship between competition and cooperation, maintaining cooperation in competition, and competition in cooperation. Secondly, the county authority should strengthen communication by establishing an effective coordinated mechanism. Thirdly, the county authority should improve the sense of cooperation and jointly develop the mountain tourism market. Fourthly, the county authority should improve the construction of tourism infrastructure and break down the barriers to tourism cooperation. The study’s findings help develop a “win-win” cooperation mechanism within the competition and support the sustainable development of the mountain tourism industry while reducing poverty and promoting the revitalization of the mountains of China.

Introduction. The article analyzes the tourism potential and development prospects of mountainous regions of Uzbekistan, including the Tien Shan and Gissar-Alai ranges that span the Tashkent, Namangan, Andijan, Fergana and Surkhandarya regions. These areas are rich in natural and cultural resources and offer significant opportunities for ecological, ethnographic and active tourism. Despite this, the tourism sector faces challenges such as limited infrastructure, poor transport accessibility in high-altitude areas, and insufficient digital integration and global visibility. The article explores strategies to address these limitations and ensure sustainable tourism development in the region. Methods. The study is based on a comprehensive analysis of the tourism potential of selected mountainous regions of Uzbekistan. A mixed-method approach was used, including analysis of official statistical data, descriptions of natural and cultural attractions, expert assessments, and results of field research (photo documentation, GPS tracking, interviews with local tourism stakeholders). Comparative and systemic methods were applied to evaluate the influence of environmental, infrastructural and economic factors. Results. The research has shown that the Chimgan-Beldersay region in Tashkent oblast is actively developing as a year-round tourist destination, supported by ski infrastructure and improved accommodation. The Fergana Valley stands out in terms of health and ethnographic tourism, particularly around Chartak mineral springs and local crafts. Surkhandarya, with its unique cultural heritage and UNESCO recognized traditions, has high potential for ethnographic and ecological tourism, but suffers from poor infrastructure and low accessibility. The introduction of digital technologies, infrastructure investments, and regional branding initiatives are identified as crucial for unlocking the full tourism potential of these regions. Conclusions. The article highlights the need for a comprehensive and coordinated approach to developing tourism in Uzbekistan’s mountainous regions. It is proposed that priority be given to infrastructure expansion, digitalization, community-based tourism development and targeted marketing. Only through the integration of natural, cultural and technological assets can these regions emerge as competitive tourist destinations capable of supporting sustainable economic growth.

To consider the resource potential of bitter-salty sulfide lakes for the development of ecological and balneological tourism in the territory of the North Kazakhstan region of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Field studies, a sociological survey were conducted, methods of statistical and mathematical processing were used. The cartographic method made it possible to visualize the studied material. Bitter-salty lakes contain sulfide mud, which is a unique natural resource. Mud can be used in combination with salt water to create the foundations of ecological and health tourism in the North Kazakhstan region. Research has revealed the most promising lakes of the region. The analysis of the obtained field research data and cartographic material made it possible to assess the resource potential of the lakes. These data were confirmed by the results of a sociological survey, which confirms the possibility of developing the tourism industry on the basis of unique local bitter-salty lakes. The cartographic material created in the course of the study visually demonstrates the prospects and possible problems of the development of the health tourism industry in the territory of the studied region. The resources of bitter-salty sulfide lakes have sufficient potential for the development of tourism in the North Kazakhstan region. The bitter-salty lakes of the North Kazakhstan region selected on the basis of a comprehensive score have criteria confirming their resource potential. This assessment shows the possibility of developing health and ecological tourism in the region. The border position of the region makes it possible to develop not only internal, but also external tourism.