The process of Hinduization or Nepalization which spread through the lower Himalayan foothills from west to east within the last few centuries must be studied as a comprehensive process in which immigration, environmental degradation, and socio-political conflicts eventuated. The other remarkable historical immigration flow seen in the Himalayas was that of Tibetans or Tibet-Burmese from north to south or from east to west until the 17th century. By combining both comprehensive processes, we might attain areal image of history of the Himalayan area. However, we need to appreciate the great contributions made in this field by western cultural anthropologists and geo-ecologists. Recently, the areas where mountain tourism has been developed to a high degree are Landeck and southern Imst in the southwest of Tyrol.
Tourists come to commune with nature.
The tranquillity and beauty of the area are what draw them there. It is their hope that the natural environment is not destroyed by the excessive development of tourism. A survey of four farmers in the village of Fiss showed that, in 1997, the EU and the Austrian state paid an average of 83 thousand shillings in the form of direct compensation. With the preservation of the natural environment, both mountain farming and tourism can prosper.