RPD3TM – Heritage and tourism diversification in the mountains

The aim of the RPD3TM project – Heritage resources in the dynamics of tourism diversification, a vector of transition for mountain territories – is to analyze how heritage resources are activated (or not) by territorial players to meet the challenges of tourism diversification. Two types of resources are studied: cultural heritage, with a focus on archaeological sites (Vallée des Merveilles in the Mercantour, rock engravings in Valcamonica, Italy, etc.), and natural heritage, with a focus on wildlife.

Depending on the region, two main diversification strategies can be pursued. The first is to develop new urban-style recreational activities (aqua-ludic and recreational centers, personal well-being, etc.) or sports-related activities (trail running, via ferrata, mountain biking, etc.). Preferred by local players, this strategy does not, however, make it possible to consider the spread of tourism over time (four seasons) and space (outside ski resorts).

Alternatively, diversification can play the card of territorial differentiation and singularization through specific resources. In this way, territories can showcase elements that are “here and nowhere else”. This strategy presupposes going beyond the product-driven logic of resort tourism, and embracing a territorial approach.

Around these societal and scientific issues, the project formulates these questions:

• In a tourism context marked by climatic uncertainties, and faced with changes in tourism practices and mobility, how do stakeholders perceive the challenges of tourism diversification?
• What role can cultural and natural heritage play in the diversification of mountain areas?
• How can we explain the obstacles to their construction as a resource?

Researchers associated with the RPD3TM project :

Laine Chanteloup (IGD/Cirm), Yoann Collange (Edytem), Louis Defraiteur (Edytem), Hugues François (Lessem), Christophe Gauchon (Edytem), Marc Langenbach (Sens/Cirm), Clémence Perrin-Malterre (Edytem), Anne-Sophie Rouanet (Edytem)