Tourism transitions: the case of Pralognan-la-Vanoise

At the heart of the Parc National de la Vanoise, Pralognan-la-Vanoise is a resort village (1400 m-2355 m) whose economy is mainly structured around mountain sports and activities. In view of the economic, social and environmental challenges posed by climate change, Pralognan’s characteristics make it one of the tourist areas under pressure. If this is the case, what role can an exogenous view of the area by students, and their very presence, play?

The field workshop will take place in two stages. First (December 2023), the students will compare the theoretical and documentary knowledge acquired at university with the territorial reality observed during three days of immersion. During this first stay, they will gather factual data and representations from different categories of players, decision-makers or not (elected representatives, socio-professionals, institutions, citizens), in the context of official meetings on their agendas, which the students have been invited to attend, but also more informally. At the end of this first stage, the students will problematize the situation and draw up semi-directive interview guides to explore it in greater detail during a second three-day stay in the area, at the end of January 2024.

For the students, the primary objective of these six days in the field is to gain a concrete understanding of the interplay of players in a given area. The ambition, in terms of professional skills, is for them to establish a relevant diagnosis of the representations co-present in Pralognan-la-Vanoise, which can be reappropriated by the area; while managing the expectations that this deliverable could raise among local players.

This project, led by Rozenn Martinoia, is being carried out in collaboration with Camille Rey Gorrez (Mountain Riders) and Bernard Jean (Montagne Conseil).