Editor's note

After three years of COVID-19 attacks, in 2023, the year of reshaping the global tourism industry, developing mountain tourism is becoming an important step for the cultural tourism industry to meet people's outdoor tourism consumption demand and their yearning for a better life after the pandemic.

On May 29, the fifth "International Mountain Tourism Day" is coming. The International Mountain Tourism Alliance(IMTA), together with the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism of Laos (MICT), the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) and the Global Tourism Economic Forum (GTEF) and other organizations, jointly held the "International Mountain Tourism Day" themed activities and marketing activities with the theme of "Enjoying the Wonder of Mountains, Sharing the Beauty of Life, Revitalize the Tourism Industry" in Laos. It aims to jointly create a more positive and healthy tourism life and market atmosphere, promote cultural exchanges between countries, enhance friendship and mutual integration, and discuss, build and share a better future of mountain tourism.

Guest: Tindu Campilane, Asia Regional Director of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)

Dindu Campilane, Asia regional director of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), said that the IUCN is a pioneer and practitioner in promoting sustainable tourism, and it defined the concept of ecotourism as early as 1996. Subsequently in 2005, it influenced the development of the concept of sustainable tourism, taking full account of the current and future impacts of tourism on the economy, society and environment, and addressing the needs of visitors, industry, the environment and host communities. Since then, IUCN has published global standards, guidelines and best practices to help planners, policy makers, site managers and other conservation professionals ensure appropriate, well-managed tourism and support conservation objectives.

Tindo Campilane believes that mountain tourism presents great potential in all its forms and, if done sustainably, can contribute directly to the goals of global agreements such as the Biodiversity Strategic Plan of the Convention on Biological Diversity, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the Muscat Declaration on Tourism and Culture. Exercise a shared responsibility to protect and cherish these majestic features by promoting sustainable mountain tourism and implementing a strong visitor management strategy in the reserve.

The following is the full text of the speech:

Today, on the fifth International Day of Mountain Tourism, let us celebrate the grandeur and importance of great mountains. These towering landscapes have been a source of inspiration, adventure and solace for millions of people around the world. As IUCN's Regional Director for Asia, I am proud to be part of this event and want to highlight the key role of sustainable mountain tourism and visitor management in protected areas to preserve these natural treasures for future generations.

As you know, the International Union for Conservation of Nature is a pioneer and practitioner in promoting sustainable tourism. As early as 1996, the International Union for Conservation of Nature defined the concept of ecotourism. Subsequently in 2005, it influenced the development of the concept of sustainable tourism, taking full account of the current and future impacts of tourism on the economy, society and environment, and addressing the needs of visitors, industry, the environment and host communities. Since then, IUCN has published global standards, guidelines and best practices to help planners, policy makers, site managers and other conservation professionals ensure appropriate, well-managed tourism and support conservation objectives. I urge you to take advantage of these existing IUCN knowledge products and tools, and to contact us when you need guidance and help.

Mountain tourism shows great potential in various forms. If done sustainably, tourism can contribute directly to the goals of global agreements such as the Convention on Biological Diversity's Strategic Plan for Biodiversity, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the Muscat Declaration on Tourism and Culture.

On this International Day of Mountain Tourism, let us recommit ourselves to protecting these natural wonders. By promoting sustainable mountain tourism and implementing strong visitor management strategies in protected areas, fulfil our collective responsibility to protect and cherish these majestic features and ensure that they continue to be a source of inspiration and nourishment for future generations.