On May 29, the 2024 "International Mountain Tourism Day" theme event was successfully held in Nice, Alpes-Maritimes, France. Representatives of the Chinese Embassy and Consulates in France, representatives of the French cultural and tourism department, local governments, international organizations, representatives of members of the International Mountain Tourism Alliance, tourism organizations, tourism-related enterprises, industry experts, and news media gathered together to discuss and interact with each other around the theme of the conference on "Mountain Tourism for Mutual Learning among Civilizations" and the theme of the forum on "Climate Change and Mountain Tourism Countermeasures", so as to disseminate the development concept of mutual learning among civilizations and promote the innovation of the "Mountain Tourism +" model.
Harry Hwang, Director of the Asia and Pacific Department of the United Nations Tourism Organization (UNWTO), made a high-level statement.
The following is the full text of the speech:
I am honored to be here today to participate in the 2024 International Mountain Tourism Day with the theme of "Mountain Tourism for Mutual Learning among Civilizations", and to explore the far-reaching impact of mountain tourism on the basis of mutual learning among civilizations.
Before I begin, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Vice-Chairperson for Asia and Africa for inviting the United Nations Tourism Organization to participate in this important event.
When it comes to mountain tourism, the first question to answer is what it is. The most comprehensive definition describes mountain tourism as "a type of tourism activity that takes place within a specific and limited geographical space, such as a hill or mountain with a particular landscape, topography, climate, biodiversity, and unique characteristics and attributes inherent to local communities, including a wide range of outdoor recreation and physical activities".
Map of the world's mountain ranges
Source: International Mountain Tourism Alliance
Now, let me explain why mountain tourism is so important and has received a lot of attention in recent years.
Mountain tourism accounts for 9% to 16% of the world's international tourist arrivals, with between 195 million and 375 million visitors in 2019 alone. This means that mountain tourism has great potential to stimulate local economic growth and social change due to its complementarity with other economic activities, its contribution to GDP and job creation, and its ability to promote demand dispersion in a timely manner to combat seasonality.
In addition, the mountains are home to about 1.1 billion people, some of whom are among the poorest and most isolated groups in the world. At the same time, mountains often attract tourists interested in nature and open-air destinations, as well as outdoor activities such as walking, mountaineering, and winter sports. The mountains also attract tourists due to their rich biodiversity and colorful local culture.
Ngarop tribe of Bhutan
Source: International Mountain Tourism Alliance
So, what is the contribution of UNWTO to the promotion of mountain tourism?
For many years, the United Nations Tourism Organization (UNWTO), as the only specialized tourism agency of the United Nations, has attached great importance to the development of mountain tourism. Every two years, together with the Government of Andorra, we organise the World Congress on Snow, Mountain and Wellness Tourism. We have also organized several sessions of the Eurasian Mountain Tourism Conference and actively participated in the events organized by the International Mountain Tourism Alliance.
The sculpture "Seven Poets" represents the seven dioceses of Andorra
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A report entitled Understanding and Quantifying Mountain Tourism was recently drafted jointly by us at the United Nations Tourism Organization, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and the Mountain Partnership Secretariat. The report shows that in 2019, the top 10 countries with the most mountains (by average elevation) received only 8% of the world's international tourists.
Mountain tourism has shown its resilience during the pandemic, thanks to travellers' search for open-air and nature experiences. We are now emerging from the unprecedented impact of the pandemic. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to rethink mountain tourism.
The mountain trail in Encamp
Photo: Encamp Tourist Board, Andorra
This is one of the reasons why I am here today to appeal to you to contribute to the development of mountain tourism. Because mountain tourism has an important socio-economic role in creating jobs and stimulating the local economy, as I mentioned above.
In addition to this, mountains have long held a special place in the human imagination, with towering symbols of power, beauty and mystery. From the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas to the lush valleys of the Andes, from the rugged terrain of the Rocky Mountains to the rolling hills of the Alps, these magnificent landscapes transcend cultures, ethnicities, and religions, enabling the exchange and mutual learning of civilizations throughout history. They have always attracted visitors from all over the world.
Nanga Bhava Peak in the Himalayas
Source: International Mountain Tourism Alliance
However, in addition to its physical charm, the mountain is also an interactive hub for cultural integration, interaction and development. When travelers walk through the mountains, they are not only spectators, but also active participants in the colorful life experiences. Therefore, every step taken and every encounter with each other becomes an opportunity for cultural exchange and mutual understanding.
This also explains why mountain tourism has great potential as a tool for promoting intercultural dialogue and understanding. Whether it's through homestay immersion in a local community, a guided tour led by a knowledgeable indigenous guide, or participation in traditional festivals and ceremonies, travelers have the opportunity to gain insight into the customs, traditions, and lifestyles of hill dwelling cultures.
In addition, mountain tourism can play an important role in promoting the sustainable development of remote and marginalized communities. By creating economic opportunities through tourism, we can empower local communities to protect their cultural heritage, protect fragile ecosystems, and improve their quality of life. In addition, through initiatives such as community tourism, eco-trekking, and sustainable accommodation practices, we can ensure that the benefits of tourism are equitably shared among all stakeholders.
The Gufa Paper Cooperative in Shiqiao Village, Guizhou Province, China, is a demonstration project with the participation of mountain cultural tourism communities
Source: International Mountain Tourism Alliance
Still, we have to confront the challenges and complexities inherent in mountain tourism. For example, climate change, environmental degradation and socio-economic disparities threaten fragile ecosystems and livelihoods that rely on mountain tourism. Therefore, we must take a holistic approach that prioritizes sustainability, resilience and inclusivity in our tourism strategy.
Dear friends, in closing, allow me to conclude that mountain tourism tells a fascinating story about cross-cultural exchange, environmental stewardship and sustainable development. By harnessing the transformative power of mountains to connect people, cultures, and landscapes, we can build bridges of understanding and cooperation across borders and generations.
It is my fervent hope that our discussion today will lead to the development of appropriate policies to promote sustainable development and thus ensure that the benefits of mountain tourism reach local communities.
I wish this event every success and thank you very much for listening.
Source: International Mountain Tourism Federation
First trial: Zhang Wenwen
Second trial: Wu Dan
Third trial: Zhang Yijing