Offering more diverse experiences and investing in talented people will play a key role in helping mountain areas grow tourism in a sustainable and responsible manner, says UN Tourism as the 12th World Congress on Snow, Mountain and Wellness Tourism wrapped up in Andorra.

Addressing the diverse prospects of mountain tourism, the 12th World Congress on Snow, Mountain, and Wellness Tourism that was recently held from March 20 to 22, came to a successful conclusion in Andorra.

According to a press statement by UN Tourism, the summit gathered elite delegates from all around the world to examine the positive role of tourism in preserving the region’s rich history, strengthening mountain communities’ capacity to withstand adversity while protecting the delicate alpine ecosystem.

UN Tourism says that on the agenda was ensuring the importance of measuring the flow of visitors to mountains and medical and wellness tourism, sustainability, the promotion of premium segments in mountain areas, emerging tourism products and the attraction and retention of human talent.

The statement adds that over 300 participants from 14 countries gathered in Andorra, with many also joining via livestreaming.

“Tourism in Andorra has recovered pre-pandemic numbers, with more than 9 million tourists and 12 million overnight stays in 2023. However, it is important to seek a balance that ensures environmental continuity and the well-being of people, moving towards a model based on sustainability to find the balance between quantity and quality. Tourism should not be perceived as a problem, but as part of the solutions to the great challenges that the future brings, because a tourism that is respectful of nature, culture and society guarantees resources for the future,’’ said Prime Minister Xavier Espot Zamora.

“Tourism is a lifeline for many communities in mountain regions. At the same time, it can play a leading role in protecting these important ecosystems. It can provide new opportunities for conservation and drive the development of local communities. I trust that this Congress will help us move towards a better, more innovative, inclusive and sustainable growth for people and planet,” said Natalia Bayona, Executive Director at UN Tourism.

High-level panel looks into policies for mountain tourism development

UN Tourism says that a high-level panel on policies that promote diversification, innovation and sustainability for mountain destinations gathered Jordi Torres Falcó, Minister of Tourism and Commerce of Andorra, Rosana Morillo Rodriguez, Secretary of State for Tourism of Spain, and Alessandra Priante, President of the Italian National Tourism Board (ENIT).

The statement adds that the 2024 Congress included a new focus on health, including medical and wellness tourism, a segment where mountains can offer important added value and have a competitive advantage. This represents a shift to diversify mountain tourism products, create demand all year around and address the demands of today’s tourists.

“This year we have introduced a new segment, wellness, demonstrating that in the tourism sector we evolve and adapt to new tourism trends. We also face the need to continue working to advance the Congress, allowing us to respond to the needs of the sector, providing knowledge and tools to improve the mountain tourism offer and, at the same time, become a laboratory where we can delve deeper into topics as varied as the integration of tourism in local communities, or education and training,” said Torres Falcó.