PR No.: PR 12020

A record 400 participants from 32 countries gathered in Andorra to discuss the strategies available to snow and mountain destinations, with a special focus on the role of new technologies.

“New communication technologies, particularly the Internet, have been game-changers for the tourism sector,” said UNWTO Secretary-General, Taleb Rifai. “This Congress is being held to shed light on how these new technologies are transforming the tourism sector and providing a powerful tool in the development and promotion of destinations.”

Mountain destinations are proving themselves “highly innovative”, he continued, and are increasingly making use of new technologies to diversify products and markets and remain competitive.  

This was demonstrated at the Congress through a number of case studies from established and emerging snow and mountain destinations. The ski resorts neighbouring the Korean city of Ulsan are encouraging visitors to use their smart phones to share their experiences, explained the Deputy Mayor of Ulsan, Oh Dong-ho. In the popular ski resort of Flaine, France, the promotion of free activities via social networks has resulted in a significant increase in summer visitors, said the Director of the Flaine Tourism Office, Pierre Claessen. 

World Congress on Snow and Mountain Tourism

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UNWTO Communications Programme

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