It's getting tight in the Alps - challenges and implications of the e-mountain bike boom for sustainable tourism management. (24th February 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Moesch, Christian; Christen, Samuel; Ströbel, Tim
• Is Part Of: International journal of sport management and marketing. Volume 22:Number 1/2(2022)
• Page Start: 73
• Page End: 95
• Publication Date: 2022-02-24
• Subjects: e-bike -- e-mountain biking -- e-MTB -- mountain biking -- MTB -- technological development -- tourism trends -- sustainable tourism management -- responsibility -- people planet profit -- destination management -- destination management organisation -- DMO -- destination marketing -- Alpine destination; Sports administration -- Periodicals; Sports -- Marketing -- Periodicals; 796.069
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1475-8962

Abstract

This study analyses the challenges and implications of technological development in mountain-bike sports for Alpine tourism destinations. We investigate the motivations of e-mountain bikers in tourism destinations and derive implications for tourism managers to handle dynamic technological developments in a sustainable manner. A mixed-method design including qualitative in-depth interviews with relevant actors and a quantitative survey with 175 e-mountain bikers was applied. The e-bike boom offers potential and challenges for sustainable tourism management in Alpine destinations. Tourism managers must develop diverse, participatory, and nature-friendly concepts as well as collaborations with nearby destinations and recreational areas to control the flow of tourists within ecologically sensitive areas.