Private

FS 3.197

Mountain heritage and sustainable tourism

Session status: Accepted

Content last updated: 2025-09-25 21:38:43

Online available since: 2025-01-13 22:22:32

Details

Full Title
FS 3.197: Integrative approaches to cultural heritage and sustainable development: interactions between tourism development and mountain heritage
Scheduled
Talks:
2025-09-16, 16:00 - 17:30 (LT), SOWI – UR 3
Talks:
2025-09-16, 16:00 - 17:30 (LT), SOWI – UR 3
Convener
Bryce, Rosalind
Co-Convener(s)
Bryce, Rosalind; Jamir, Chubbamenla; and Dogar, Adnan
Assigned to Synthesis Workshop
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Thematic Focus
#IMC25, Culture, Resources, Sustainable Development, Tourism
Keywords
Tourism, Cultural heritage, Sustainability, Food systems

Description

Tourism is a key driver of change in mountain areas worldwide. Unique cultural heritage of the mountains is an important resource to increase tourism attractiveness and sustain local communities. At the same time, unsustainable tourism development can have drastic impacts on mountain landscapes and communities, threatening cultural identities and traditional values. Better accessibility to mountains due to improved infrastructure and emphasis on the economic benefits of tourism is rapidly reshaping food production systems, livelihoods and natural resource management. Loss of traditional ecological knowledge may have substantial implications for ecosystem health, and hence sustainable tourism development. This session is an opportunity to exchange insights on how tourism can be managed in ways that value the rich cultural heritage of mountains. The session will be co-led by researchers from institutions in the Himalayas and Scottish Highlands, to promote discussion of global synergies, common challenges and creative solutions in distinctive cultural contexts. We address a knowledge gap on the integration of cultural heritage and sustainable development. We welcome interdisciplinary contributions from researchers and practitioners working in mountain areas that consider the inter-relationships between tourism, cultural heritage, natural resources and sustainability. We will focus on the following themes: Influence of tourism on mountain heritage associated with food systems, forestry and water management Values for tangible and intangible cultural heritage in mountains and interactions with tourism Mountain heritage to stimulate circular and regenerative tourism

Registered Abstracts

Date/time indicate the presentation; if available: the bracketed duration is added for end-of-presentation Q&A.

ID: 3.12308

|Jamir, Chubbamenla

SOWI – UR 3

2025-09-16 16:00 - 16:12 (+3min)

Jamir, Chubbamenla

Analyzing the Complexities of the Food System in a Tourism-Driven Mountain Region: A Study on the Interrelationship Between Tourism and Agriculture in Leh

Jamir, C.

Bali, B.

Abstract/Description

This research paper examines the intricate relationship between tourism and agriculture within the unique context of Leh, a high-altitude region in the Union Territory of Ladakh. Leh’s harsh cold desert climate, limited vegetation, and short agricultural season present considerable challenges to sustaining its food systems. Despite these adversities, agriculture remains a crucial component of Leh’s economy, with key crops including wheat, barley, apples, apricots, and sea buckthorn. The region’s emergence as a prominent tourist destination has led to significant infrastructural transformations that have had profound implications for local agriculture and food systems. This study seeks to analyze the complexities of these transformations and the interdependencies between tourism and agriculture in Leh. The research employs both secondary data from government reports and primary data collected through household surveys, interviews, and focus group discussions conducted in May–June 2022 and September 2022. A preliminary stakeholder mapping exercise identified various key actors in the tourism and agriculture sectors, including tour operators, restaurant owners, hotel managers, homestay operators, and local farmers. The study’s findings reveal that tourism exerts both positive and negative influences on the region’s agricultural and food systems. While the tourism industry has generated alternative income sources and expanded market opportunities for local produce, it has also intensified pressure on land and water resources, necessitating a careful balance to ensure sustainable development. This paper contributes to the broader discourse on sustainable tourism and agricultural practices in mountainous regions, underscoring the need for integrated policy frameworks that harmonize tourism growth with sustainable agricultural development.

ID: 3.12620

|Fiorentino, Alessia

SOWI – UR 3

2025-09-16 16:15 - 16:27 (+3min)

Fiorentino, Alessia

REGENERATE project: pathways to go beyond sustainability. Experimenting with regenerative tourism approaches in four pilot mountain destinations.

Fiorentino, A.

Romanin, V.; Loreggian, F.; and Gallo, D.

Abstract/Description

Tourism represents a key driver of change in mountain areas, offering opportunities for economic development and cultural enhancement while posing significant challenges to environmental and social sustainability. The REGENERATE project aims to promote a regenerative approach to tourism, placing nature, local communities, and cultural heritage at the center, learning from nature itself to create conditions for ecosystems and communities to self-regenerate and thrive. This approach represents a radical paradigm shift that moves beyond the logic of “doing less harm” to embrace holistic impact and regeneration.
The pilot areas involved – Alta Badia, Tarvisiano, Dolomiti Bellunesi in Italy and Nassfeld-Pressegger See, Lesachtal und Weissensee in Austria – are embarking on a path that, starting from the analysis of the environmental, socio-economic, and cultural impact of existing tourism policies, attempts to experiment with new tourism models. The achievement of GSTC certification by many of these destinations demonstrates a commitment to continuous improvement, but the REGENERATE project pushes further effort, encouraging a tourism system viewed not as an industry, but as a complex and dynamic ecosystem.
The involvement of local communities, particularly young people, represents a key phase of the project. Through capacity building and co-creation processes, REGENERATE fosters innovative, place-based ideas that respond to the specific needs of each territory. Through the adoption of a social innovation approach, the project aims at reinforcing local communities’ sense of ownership of their natural and cultural heritage. In doing so, heritage evolves as a living part of the destination ecosystem. Projects such as the mining heritage trail in Arabba & Colle Santa Lucia, cultural initiatives in green areas in Alta Badia, spaces for young people and tourists to meet in Tarvisio, and creative solutions regarding waste management in Austria embody the vision of tourism supporting the territory, generating lasting economic, social, and cultural value.
At the September conference, REGENERATE will present: the initial results of this journey, emerging ideas from local communities and lessons learned, contributing to the global discussion on how tourism can become a driver of regeneration and well-being for mountain areas, inspiring the transition toward new development paths in regions characterised by diverse exploitation lately.

ID: 3.13218

|Bryce, Rosalind

SOWI – UR 3

2025-09-16 16:30 - 16:42 (+3min)

Bryce, Rosalind

Cultivating community-led heritage futures for healthy landscapes in the Highlands of Scotland

Bryce, R.

Abstract/Description

The Highlands of Scotland are characterised by sustainability challenges common to other rural areas of Europe. These include depopulation, loss of public services, shortage of affordable housing and environmental degradation. The Highlands have also experienced a huge increase in tourism over the last 20 years. While providing economic benefit and development opportunities, the distribution of positive and negative impacts of tourism on communities are unequal with many communities experiencing overcrowding and reduced access to housing.

This study considered how sustainable development in the north-west Highlands of Scotland has been influenced by changing tourism patterns, and how this relationship is mediated by the unique and complex cultural heritage of the region. Place-based interviews and workshops with local communities revealed the multiplicity of their relationships to their landscapes through diverse and plural cultural narratives. The research highlighted cultural heritage as a dynamic and evolving part of contemporary lives and identities, as well as representing traditions and practices of the past with narratives being particularly influenced by a sense of loss characterised by declining cultural practices. A cycle of decline and revival of small-scale food production or ‘crofting’ exemplifies the role of heritage practices in addressing contemporary challenges related to food production and societal connections to land.

As the region grapples with the challenges of an economy now dominated by tourism, this research highlights the need for managers and decision makers to support and regenerate cultural heritage practices that can form part of a more sustainable relationship with tourism, as well as enhancing land use and community development. The research was carried out in the UNESCO Wester Ross Biosphere which has a community led governance structure and a focus on integrating natural and cultural heritage. Effective community engagement and co-creation are emphasised as important processes to better connect cultural heritage with sustainable landscape management.

ID: 3.13272

|Lokho, Kaini

SOWI – UR 3

2025-09-16 16:45 - 16:57 (+3min)

Lokho, Kaini

Sustaining Indigenous Mountain Cultures in a Changing Economy: A case-study of the Mao-Nagas

Lokho, K.

Neli, D.

Abstract/Description

SUSTAINING INDIGENOUS MOUNTAIN CULTURES IN A CHANGING ECONOMY
A CASE STUDY OF THE MAO-NAGAS

* Kaini Lokho,
Assistant Professor, Department of Political Science
Asufii Christian Institute, Mao, Manipur
Mob: 7005128402, Email: kainilokho@gmail.com
* Dr. Daili Neli,
Assistant Professor, Department of Sociology
Asufii Christian Institute, Mao, Manipur
Mob: 9891126618, Email: neli.daili@gmail.com
Abstract

As one of the indigenous groups that inhabits the hills of Manipur in the North-East Region of India, the Mao-Naga Community have close relationship with nature and the environment. The customs and traditions that guide the socialization and governance of the community are directly influenced by the natural cycle and the mountains that surrounds the villages since the time of antiquity. Until a decade ago, agriculture was the community’s primary occupation. However, there has been a noticeable shift towards seasonal farming and alternative economic activities, such as tourism, small-scale trade and wage labour. This transition raises concerns not only about the community’s self-sustaining way of life but also about potential erosion of its cultural heritage and traditional knowledge systems. The change in the climatic conditions is due to deforestation and pollution of the rivers and other infrastructural implementations by the state in pursuit of greater economic engagement with South East countries. As a result, the loss of indigenous knowledge systems that perpetuate sustainable human-nature relationship, that have guided the community agricultural pursuits for centuries are under threat and the rich biodiversity that was protected is now open to destruction in the guise of development without adequate policies that checks and balances. This paper will examine the narratives and life of the community under study and reconcile the development perspective with the preservation of indigenous mountain culture that could promote sustainability.

ID: 3.8366

|Kościelniak, Cezary

SOWI – UR 3

2025-09-16 17:00 - 17:12 (+3min)

Kościelniak, Cezary

Culture matter! The change of the sustainable development systems in the mountain regions, the threats and challenges. A case study of the Polish Tatra and Zakopane region

Kościelniak, C.

Abstract/Description

Mountain regions face the need to reformulate sustainable development systems. In the last decade, exploitation pressure in mountain regions has increased, mainly the inclusion of unique nature into the mass tourism system on the one hand, while on the other hand, ecological awareness, nature protection and the need to preserve heritage have also increased. There is a need to build new cultural resilience in mountain areas, as a factor of a new sustainable development system in the mountains. Cultural resilience in the mountains is understood as a holistic integration of the cultural and natural heritage into the development system. Development threats to mountain areas are as follows: urban deculturalization of the mountain cities, by the large hotel investments, overtourism disturbing the ecosystem, trivialization of cultural localism. The challenges are to build cultural resilience of mountain areas, which would also become part of sustainable tourism in the mountains. Using the case of the Tatra Mountains and Zakopane as an example, the possibilities of building a cultural resillience in the context of tourism are presented. The case study presents: the potentials for “slow-tourism” routes, integrations the routes with the existing architectural and industrial monuments, as well as, the inclusion of the literary and philosophical heritage of the Tatra Mountains. These aspects are indicating the inclusion of culture in the processes of the changing the system of sustainable development in the mountains.

Submitted Abstracts

ID: 3.8366

Culture matter! The change of the sustainable development systems in the mountain regions, the threats and challenges. A case study of the Polish Tatra and Zakopane region

Cezary Kościelniak

Abstract/Description

ID: 3.10679

Tourism in the High-Altitude Himalayas: The Case of Leh, Ladakh Union Territory, India

Bhawna Bali
Jamir, Chubbamenla

Abstract/Description

Leh (Ladakh), a high-altitude town nestled in the western section of the Indian Himalayan Region (IHR) owing to its natural beauty and spiritual significance as a centre of Tibetan Buddhism, has witnessed a mass influx of tourists during the past two decades. As a highly seasonal economic activity which shares the timeframe with the short-lived agricultural season of Ladakh, the tourism sector is now an established remunerative industry that serves employment opportunities to the local populace and contributes significantly to the economy of the region. This paper examines the growth of tourism as a major livelihood activity, and the attendant changes in infrastructure and local agro-economy in Leh town. The analysis of secondary data related to tourism sourced from government publications and statistics, and primary data generated through a survey among the businesses and Focus Group Discussions with tour operators and other stakeholders, reveals that while tourism emerged organically in response to the growing demand for tourism in a remote region long considered economically under-developed, it has however, become the mainstay of the urban economy of Leh town with better non-farm employment opportunities and assured incomes for the Ladakhis. Tourism-related infrastructure has burgeoned in the region, largely as an unregulated and unplanned activity with Leh town as the nodal centre. On the other hand, it has created large market opportunities for extra-regional migrant workers from other parts of India, who work in Ladakhi-owned establishments during the tourist season. While tourism-dependent livelihoods continue to grow, serious environmental implications such as increased waste generation, congestion and vehicular pollution are widely noted along with subsistence agriculture being practiced over a stressed land and water resource base. The future of tourism-based livelihoods vest on an eco-friendly sustainable tourism model in a fragile ecosystem.

ID: 3.10971

An Assessment Of Millets Awareness, Cultivation, And Consumption Pattern In Jammu, Jammu And Kashmir, India

Shweta Sharma
Mina, Usha; Jamir, Chubbamenla

Abstract/Description

The mountainous region of Jammu and Kashmir, located in the Northwestern Himalayas is characterized by fragile soils, remote locations, poor socio-economic conditions, and lesser livelihood opportunities; making this region vulnerable to the grave challenge of food and nutritional security. Millets have tremendous potential to deal with these multipronged challenges. Recent worldwide initiatives have attempted to bring these ancestral but forgotten crops back into peoples’ farms and plates. To understand the status of millet awareness (as well as about the International Year of Millets (IYOM-2023)), cultivation, consumption, and knowledge associated with them, a survey was carried out with 65 households in two districts namely Kishtwar, and Jammu of Jammu division, Jammu and Kashmir UT, India using a structured questionnaire. Data analysis revealed that all the respondents could identify at least one millet out of the ten commonly found millets in India from the visual aid. Low awareness (7.69%) about IYOM-2023 has been reported despite the country-wide efforts to reintroduce and rebrand millets. The type of millet identified, cultivated, and consumed varied across the surveyed sites as different millets are grown depending on the regional agro-climatic conditions. 83.08% of the respondents reported the present-time cultivation of millets as Kharif crops mainly through traditional methods. This study also elucidates the various agricultural elements associated with millet cultivation and the decline in millet cultivation in the region in the past 20-30 years. The major reasons for the decline were climate change-induced changes, the availability of fine cereals through PDS, and the diversion of lands to other cash crops. 98.46% of the respondents reported consumption of at least one millet with the frequency of consumption varying across the surveyed sites. The major reason reported for millet consumption is due to their being part of culture/tradition while the reasons for not consuming more millets is reportedly due to less preference by children and availability of rice through PDS. The various types of millets and their form of consumption have also been recorded. This study revealed that millets are the traditional crops of the region and peoples’ perspective about health and foods is still mainly shaped by ancestral knowledge.

ID: 3.11562

Impact of Tourism on Changing Dynamics of Local Food Systems of Murree, Pakistan

Adnan Dogar

Abstract/Description

Mountain agriculture is essential for sustaining local food systems, preserving biodiversity, and supporting rural livelihoods. However, the rapid expansion of tourism in Murree has significantly impacted agricultural practices and indigenous food systems, that is important part of intangible cultural heritage. Changes in food production, processing, storage, distribution, consumption, and recycling have disrupted rural livelihoods, altered supply chains, diminished traditional knowledge, and influenced consumption patterns. This study investigates these impacts, focusing on two key aspects of food systems: indigenous practices of crop and fruit production, and foraging and wild harvesting. Research will be conducted in the adjacent villages of Numbal and Ausia, located near Murree’s main tourist attractions. Data will be gathered through farm-level surveys, focus group discussions, and interviews with key stakeholders. Using thematic analysis, the study will assess shifts in agricultural productivity, market dynamics, and food consumption trends. It will examine how tourism-driven demand influences crop selection, land use, and food pricing, as well as its broader implications for food security and sustainability. The findings will inform policy recommendations aimed at balancing tourism growth with the preservation of mountain agriculture and food heritage, ultimately promoting sustainable development and resilience in Murree’s mountain communities.

ID: 3.11800

Traditional Apiculture in the Mountains: Livelihood Diversification and Evolving Food Systems in Mountain Communities of Galiyat, Pakistan

Abdullah Ijaz
Ijaz, Humna

Abstract/Description

Apiculture plays a crucial role in sustaining the livelihoods of mountainous communities in Galiyat, where favourable climatic conditions, diverse flora, and extensive forest cover provide an optimal environment for wild honeybees. Traditionally, beekeeping in the region has centred on the rearing of wild bees, with honey primarily used for household consumption. However, livelihood diversification, driven by various socio-economic and environmental push-and-pull factors, has significantly influenced traditional apiculture. This study, conducted in the villages of Namil Maira and Bagan, examines the impact of livelihood diversification alongside climatic and non-climatic factors on apiculture at the household level. The research explores key questions concerning changes in traditional food systems, the economic contributions of beekeeping, and its role in enhancing community resilience. A qualitative approach is employed, utilizing household surveys, focus group discussions, and expert interviews, with data analysed through thematic analysis. The findings identify key challenges in traditional apiculture, the implications of climate change, and the effects of livelihood diversification. The study provides insights to enhance beekeeping practices by improving techniques, strengthening market linkages, and building local capacity. Ultimately, this research underscores the significance of apiculture in sustaining livelihoods

ID: 3.11968

Gaba Embroidery of Murree: Preserving Cultural Heritage, Enhancing Circular Economy, and Empowering Women in Pakistan’s Mountain Communities

Rabeea Yousafzai
Waqas Amjad, Syed

Abstract/Description

Traditional embroidery serves as a vital medium for cultural expression, economic empowerment, and the preservation of community identity. These crafts encapsulate historical narratives, traditional knowledge, and artistic heritage, playing a crucial role in sustaining local culture and promoting heritage tourism. In many rural areas, the handicraft industry significantly contributes to local economies, particularly by providing an accessible livelihood for women who face cultural constraints in conventional employment. One such traditional embroidery, Gaba, originated in the Kashmir Valley and later expanded to the Murree Hills of Pakistan. Despite Murree’s status as a popular tourist destination, this indigenous craft has not been effectively promoted as an authentic local heritage. Instead, local handicraft markets are dominated by souvenirs imported from China and other regions. This study aims to explore the significance of Gaba embroidery in preserving local heritage and its impact on the economic and social empowerment of women. Data will be collected from artisans, government officials, retailers, and local experts through purposive and snowball sampling. A mixed-method approach will be employed, integrating both qualitative and quantitative tools, with thematic analysis used to interpret qualitative data. The findings will provide insights into the role of Gaba embroidery in cultural heritage preservation while assessing its contribution to the socio-economic well-being of women in the region.

ID: 3.12098

Heritage Tourism in Murree: Colonial Architecture, Security, and Growth of Tourism

Syeda Tahira Azhar
Dogar, Adnan Ahmad

Abstract/Description

Murree, one of the most visited hill resorts in Pakistan, is renowned for its colonial architecture that include churches, educational and administrative buildings and commercial areas built during British rule of Indian Sub-continent. Most of these buildings especially churches (Trinity Church, sacred heart church and St. Denis church) and schools (St. Denis school, Convent of Jesus and Marry, Convent Presentation) are controlled by Christian community and all buildings are well preserved. Use of all these buildings for tourism purposes shall not only improve the heritage tourism at the destination site but can serve as an important source of income for the specific community who are generally considered as marginalized community.

Terrorist attacks on the Christian properties and churches in other parts of the country and sudden fire at Chapal of Saint Denis school Murree raised serious concerns regarding security of colonial heritage especially related to Christian educational complexes and religious buildings resulting in fear among the local Christian population and closing of these properties for tourists. The ongoing threats have also discouraged investment in heritage conservation, reducing the role of these historic institutions in promoting tourism, especially religious tourism, and raising concerns about their long-term survival.

This research examines the potential of this colonial architecture as heritage tourism products, impact of security concerns in promotion of heritage tourism and future of heritage tourism in Murree. By analyzing threats to missionary schools and churches, the study emphasizes the importance of stronger security measures, community resilience initiatives, and efforts to ensure heritage protection, religious harmony, and the sustainable development of tourism in the region.

ID: 3.12308

Analyzing the Complexities of the Food System in a Tourism-Driven Mountain Region: A Study on the Interrelationship Between Tourism and Agriculture in Leh

Chubbamenla Jamir
Bali, Bhawna

Abstract/Description

ID: 3.12457

Potential of Culinary Tourism in Revival of Indigenous Food Production in Murree, Pakistan.

Sumaira Maqsood

Abstract/Description

Agriculture has witnessed rapid decline in Murree due to shift from agriculture to tourism sector that is considered to offer better incomes. This negative impact of tourism on agriculture is more pronounced in areas where technological adoption is inadequate and generational succession issues exacerbate vulnerability to tourism pressures. Culinary tourism is a relatively new phenomenon in Murree where lots of new restaurants attract tourists for a variety of cuisine. Culinary tourism often promotes industrial agricultural products, which can dilute the authenticity of local cuisines. This new demand of culinary tourism also impacts the local agriculture. Agri-food tourism is on the rise in Murree in pockets with cultivation of non-traditional crops e.g. broccoli, avocado, cherry etc. Although it can improve the farm earnings and promote the green circular economy by supplying local products to culinary market, it has potential to affect the traditional cuisine by discouraging production of indigenous food crops. Agri-food tourism can also serve to revalue traditional foods. The study analyzes the recent trends of agri-food tourism in Murree and evaluates the potential of indigenous food and culinary in booming culinary tourism. This study employs a mixed-methods approach to explore the relationship between agri-food tourism, culinary tourism, and local agriculture. Purposive sampling will be used to select farmers engaged in both traditional and non-traditional crop cultivation, restaurant owners participating in culinary tourism, and key stakeholders (local government officials, agricultural experts, and tourism authorities). Data from surveys, interviews, and field observations will be cross-verified to ensure reliability and accuracy. This approach will help identify overlaps and discrepancies between stakeholders’ perspectives. Finding shall enable policy makers to devise appropriate strategies for the promotion of culinary tourism by introducing indigenous cuisine and strengthening local food productions through agri-tourism for the sustainable development of tourism in the area.

ID: 3.12620

REGENERATE project: pathways to go beyond sustainability. Experimenting with regenerative tourism approaches in four pilot mountain destinations.

Alessia Fiorentino
Romanin, Valentina; Loreggian, Francesco; Gallo, Diego

Abstract/Description

ID: 3.13218

Cultivating community-led heritage futures for healthy landscapes in the Highlands of Scotland

Rosalind Bryce

Abstract/Description

ID: 3.13272

Sustaining Indigenous Mountain Cultures in a Changing Economy: A case-study of the Mao-Nagas

Kaini Lokho
Neli, Daili

Abstract/Description

SUSTAINING INDIGENOUS MOUNTAIN CULTURES IN A CHANGING ECONOMY
A CASE STUDY OF THE MAO-NAGAS

ID: 3.13411

Mountain Stories: Local Communities in the Himalayas Regions of Pakistan – Narratives of Resilience and Sustainability

Zunaira Mumtaz

Abstract/Description

This study seeks to discuss the process and efforts of rapid modernization in Himalayas rural communitiesa in order to determine it’s cause and effect relationship.
Folk-Tales of Pakistan’s mountainous regions including Gilgit-Baltistan,Khyber Pakhtunkhwa,Azad Kashmir.
I will start off with a hypothesis that will not be tested (supposedly a ‘rhetorical hypothesis’, if you will). By virtue of the sheer acceleration and speed of the modernization and development practices in the Himalayan region , it is evident that city planners and architects have had trouble keeping up: A trip through perhaps any suburban town, village or the likes, will reveal a cityscape seeming terrifyingly boring: concrete mountains dart up in grey shades towards the sky in seemingly endless rows and columns of uncomfortably monotone and brutalist-style architecture. Another discussion to be aware of is the verdict of homogeneousness: The uniqueness and indigenous mountain cultures are diminishing rapidly. This Ethnographic study and sharing tales explores the complex nature of relationships between local communities facing challenges like environmental crisis, local heritage identity and over crowding of tourists in peak seasons, where as on contrary the negative impact of trend of immigrants moving towards expat cities for better quality life is a threat to the ecological balance and overall structure of world order. Core findings highlight the need of knowing, recognising and supporting indigenous knowledge systems, community based programs, and sustainable development practices in Himalaya region. The study adds to the expanding body of research on sustainable mountain development, and reveals the innovative strategies employed by locals to be more nature friendly, more organic lifestyle and preservation of local artifacts and traditions. Moreover, this paper assess the issues faced by these communities, eg poor infrastructure that lacks sustainable planning, and inadequate policy support.

ID: 3.14629

Distilling at Altitude: Whisky Tourism in the Mountains

Heather Storgaard

Abstract/Description

I will explore how mountainous regions have developed whisky and related tourism to diversify their offerings, bring employment to remote areas and convey local history and heritage to visitors. Drinks production offers a tangible product made from the area’s natural resources, including water. The quality of mountain water has long been associated with the drinks industry and utilised in marketing, selling the idea of a product from untouched nature. In the modern-era, since the 1980s, organised tourism developments associated with distilleries have transformed their economic meaning to local communities. Today, a mountain distillery offers tourists an all-weather activity in otherwise extreme environments. I would like to consider how various diverse mountain communities have developed drinks tourism in distinct ways, from Scotland’s Cairngorms, where whisky is an integral part of the tourist trail, to the Lyng Alps in Norway, where Viking heritage is drawn upon, and the Japanese Akaishi Southern Alps, where traditional craftmanship is utilised in a new form to create whisky and present the region nationally and internationally. I would also like to challenge the idea that heritage in whisky can only be authentic in the Celtic homelands of the spirit by demonstrating innovative ways that local culture has been drawn upon by distilleries to create their products, distilleries themselves and tourism offerings. Finally, a brief examination of migration issues would also be included. Distilleries often have highly specialised, non-local staff, which can cause issues regarding tensions with locals requiring work as well as issues surrounding integration and language learning in remote environments.

FS 3.196: Mountain diversities for shared innovative solutions: The role of SMEs for sustainable and resilient development in mountain rural areas

FS 3.198: Working Conditions of Seasonal Workers on Alpine and Mountain Farms

FS 3.197

Mountain heritage and sustainable tourism

Details

Full Title

Scheduled

Convener

Co-Convener(s)

Assigned to Synthesis Workshop

Thematic Focus

Keywords

Description

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Submitted Abstracts

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