Outdoor sport tourism is one of the most relevant tourism sectors in the Alps and gained even more importance during the COVID-19 crisis – in the Alpine area and worldwide. Sustainability is needed, but also fitting framework conditions are necessary. For success in the long term, an economical, ecological and social sustainability in all aspects of tourism is necessary, as was the consensus during the virtual conference “Outdoor tourism with a vision”. Over 300 participants joined the conference, which took place on 16 and 17 November and was organised by Alliance in the Alps and CIPRA International on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety. Megatrends, drivers and risks were presented and discussed. Stakeholders from science, destinations, Alpine clubs, NGOs, tour guides and travel operators, the equipment industry and digital information platforms presented and discussed on sustainability in their respective fields. Visitor management, digitalisation, mobility solutions, cooperation, social aspects and the need to base tourism on a functioning community, were only some of the key aspects.
Secretary General of the Alpine Convention, Alenka Smerkolj underlined: “The topic of outdoor tourism is extremely relevant. It was relevant before and became even more important during the COVID-19 crisis. At the same time the tourism sector has been severely hit and everybody is now searching for solutions. I am proud of the fact that the Alpine Convention is once again offering a platform for discussion among various actors. Only together we can find appropriate solutions. Listening to each other and cooperating will provide solutions and increase the resilience against crisis.”