ABSTRACT
Introduction The Alps are a major tourism resource and destination on the world scene. This case introduces the development dilemma of tourism in the Alps. On completion of this case you will:
1 Be aware of the attraction of the Alps for tourism development. 2 Understand the potential social impacts of tourism as the Alps move away from an
economy based upon agriculture. 3 Recognize the potentially damaging impacts of tourism development upon the
Alpine environment. 4 Be aware of the development dilemma faced by the Alpine communities as they
attempt to reconcile the economic benefits of tourism with its more negative impacts. 5 Recognize that the decentralized political system of Austria and Switzerland firmly
places these development issues within the decision-making powers of local communities.
