Geographical Specificity of Mountainous Areas and Peculiarities of Turist-Recreational Use

Abstract

Mountains are presented on all continents. They are different in location, area, height, orography, natural conditions, elevation, barrier properties, geopolitical development levels, and many other indicators.

Most mountainous areas in the world have severe climatic conditions and scarce soil resources, poorly developed infrastructure, low incomes and poor developmental prospects. However, at some places in the world (Europe, North America), where the mountain dwellers feel comfortable, as they have quite attractive social-economic environment in the mountains.

The mountains still maintain sound ecology, bulk of fresh water resources, biological and landscape diversity, endemic species of cultural and natural vegetation and unique and interesting forms of agriculture, architecture and ethnic culture. Despite such attractiveness in the mountains, the mountain dwellers mostly live in extreme poverty and almost in total isolation. The migration processes have reached large scales and as a consequence, more than one mountain regions face a threat of depopulation. In such a situation, the need for sustainable development of mountainous regions has become an urgent issue of the modern world. Sustainable development will help create favorable social, economic and ecological environment for the future generation.

Mountains are characterized by the potential of tourism development around the world. There people are attracted to the unique nature, ethnic and cultural diversity, fresh mineral and drinking waters, efficient landscapes and natural food products.

The article discusses the geographical specificity of mountainous areas and the peculiarities of tourist-recreational use, the assessment of tourist and recreational resources of mountainous areas, the peculiarities of mountain tourism and gives the example of Switzerland in the tourist-recreational development of mountainous areas.