Mountain Route Tourism and Sustainability: A Systematic Literature Review

Abstract

Mountain tourism is mostly linked to adventure and sports travel, and because of its rapid growth, it contributes to the tourism industry's economic output. This study aims to assess mountain route tourism and sustainability. The research is based on a review of empirical studies, reports, and policy documents. The Google Scholar search engine was used to locate research publications on mountain route tourism and sustainability. The Google Scholar open database was applied to find the publications using the keywords "mountain tourism" and "sustainability". All papers were checked from January 2018 to February 2024 for the study and finally selected 21 research papers after using inclusion and exclusion criteria. Mountain tourism encompasses a broad range of outdoor recreational and sporting activities. Because of the socio-cultural setting and attributes associated with mountains, potential travelers find mountain tourism more alluring. The unique natural environments of mountains, pure air, and landscapes encourage tourists to "get closer to nature" and seek destinations that put health first. Mountain tourism has developed into an important source of income and economic development in underdeveloped countries; yet, environmental concerns have become a critical issue in the context of mountain tourism. Protecting the environment, preserving cultural traditions, and enforcing environmental laws are all necessary for sustainable mountain tourism. A key factor in the success of sustainable tourism is the active participation of local communities and stakeholders. The evolution of mountain tourism can be attributed to several things, including changing demands and behaviors from tourists, changing perspectives of the natural world and its resources, and a transition from mass tourism to more responsible travel. As mountain tourist destinations expand and enhance their offerings, they should consider how they could adjust to the ever-changing market, social, and environmental conditions. In order to protect a significant amount of the natural environment and provide economic benefits to neighboring communities, mountain tourism planning, and development should be ecological. A sustainable mountain tourist policy may be adopted by the government and policymakers in order to optimize the application of economic, environmental, and social values.