Asia Pacific Mountain Tourism Development Report
This English-Chinese report presents a robust situational analysis, identifies emerging risks and growth patterns, and provides forward-looking recommendations to ensure mountain tourism remains a pillar of sustainable development in the region. Mountain tourism is not only culturally and environmentally significant, but economically vital.
This English-Chinese report presents a robust situational analysis, identifies emerging risks and growth patterns, and provides forward-looking recommendations to ensure mountain tourism remains a pillar of sustainable development in the region. Mountain tourism is not only culturally and environmentally significant, but economically vital.
This English-Chinese report presents a robust situational analysis, identifies emerging risks and growth patterns, and provides forward-looking recommendations to ensure mountain tourism remains a pillar of sustainable development in the region. Mountain tourism is not only culturally and environmentally significant, but economically vital.
The mountains of the Asia Pacific region stand as some of the most iconic and diverse landscapes on Earth. They serve as guardians of culture, biodiversity, and livelihoods, yet some fragile highlands face complex pressures. In a time of climate volatility, accelerating tourism demand, and technological transformation, the sustainable future of Asia-Pacific mountain tourism urgently depends on thoughtful stewardship, informed strategy, and inclusive governance.
The Asia Pacific Mountain Tourism Development Report was implemented over a six-month period, from November 2024 to May 2025, by a team of experts from the IMTA and PATA. The annual statistical report and forecasts produced regularly by PATA and UN Tourism were referenced for global and regional tourism statistics. Meanwhile available published and grey literature was reviewed, and expert consultations were organised with global expert through a webinar activity providing strategic insight. The project was carried out in two distinct phases, each designed to gather insights and formulate strategic recommendations for the sustainable development of mountain tourism in the region.
The initial phase focused on desktop research to review global mountain tourism trends and best practices. This was complemented by an expert webinar held on January 22, 2025, where a panel of specialists discussed opportunities and constraints in mountain tourism development across Asia and the Pacific. The findings from this phase were synthesised into a Situational Analysis addressing the critical questions: “Where are we now?” and “Where do we want to go?”
Phase 2 focused on formulating actionable recommendations to guide the future development of sustainable mountain tourism. The Action Plan addresses the key question “How do we get there?” and recommendations for tourism organisations to collaborate in fostering sustainable and resilient mountain tourism in the Asia Pacific.
