Abstract ID: 3.12633 | Accepted as Talk | Requested as: Talk | TBA | TBA

Purpose: The growing interest for outdoor activities in mountain areas is leading to increasing challenges for territories already impacted by climate change. In this context, mountain hut managers emerge as key stakeholders to witness the current state of tourism in mountain areas. Drawing on their valuable experience, this study aims to understand whether the new tourism demand is sustainable within the constraints of climate change. Or whether, on the contrary, the new demand is exceeding the carrying capacity of mountain territories.
Methodology: To answer this research question, a survey was conducted to collect opinions on tourism impacts in mountain areas. The analysis included mountain huts operating throughout Italy. Both private, public and Italian Alpine Club (CAI) owned huts were included in the analysis. Only managed refuges were included, thus excluding all those without staff. The survey contained general questions about mountain huts, perceived changes in tourism demand and supply, the possible impacts of climate change on tourist demand and resources needed to manage mountain huts. Finally, the survey contained questions about managers’ opinions on tourism’s impact on the mountain environment and experienced overtourism situations.
Findings: A total of 250 mountain hut managers participated in the analysis, accounting for about 30% of the mountain refuges operating in Italy. Most respondents highlighted that overtourism is already a reality in several areas and that the impacts can already be seen. Hut features, such as accessibility and services offered, emerge as significant in explaining differences in perceived tourism impacts. Mountain hut managers pointed out that mountain tourism could be sustainable if managed efficiently and if tourists were properly educated.
Implications/Originality/Value: The impact of excessive tourism in mountainous areas emerged as an overlooked issue in the literature. Specifically, the point of view of mountain hut managers has not been analysed yet. This research will help to understand where and why the greatest tourism impacts are emerging and the best management strategies to overcome them.