IDENTIFICATION DEFINITION, DETERMINATION AND PROMOTION OF LARGE MOUNTAIN TOURIST REGIONS IN THE WORLD

Abstract

Mountains are a natural attractive motif spread on all continents. The mountains have many opportunities for recreation, sports, education, entertainment and other activities for tourism. Tourism that is practiced in mountainous environment is identified as mountain tourism, which consists of special alternative forms - hiking, mountaineering, walking, skiing and more.  

Mountain tourism is one of the most selective types of tourism. Mountaineering, walking and organized skiing date back to the mid-19th century. Today, mountain tourism is widespread on all continents and it is more or less practiced in about 80 countries around the world.

To complete this paper we use literature and extensive internet research of relevant data.

The purpose of this paper is to identify and define the criteria through which we determine and make the first promotion of large mountain tourist regions in the world. Through this text, on geographical regionalization we identify 17 large mountain tourist regions and over 3100 mountain resorts and ski centers, which practice various forms of mountain tourism.

In addition to the text, several tables, graphs and thematic maps have been moved. In the end, in the conclusion are presented several directions and recommendations for future more thorough research of each mountain tourist region separately, but also studio research on the mountains where one or more alternative forms of mountain tourism are practiced.