Protocol on the implementation of the Alpine Convention of 1991 in the field of tourism
Date: 1998-10-16
Institutions: Austria, European Community, France, Germany, Italy, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Slovenia, Switzerland
Subjects: Alpine Region, action programme, environmental protection, international convention, the EU's international role, tourism

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on the implementation of the Alpine Convention of 1991 in the field of tourism

PROTOCOL

Tourism Protocol

Preamble

THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY,

THE REPUBLIC OF AUSTRIA,

THE FRENCH REPUBLIC,

THE ITALIAN REPUBLIC,

THE PRINCIPALITY OF LIECHTENSTEIN,

THE PRINCIPALITY OF MONACO,

THE REPUBLIC OF SLOVENIA,

THE SWISS CONFEDERATION,

and

THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITY,

IN ACCORDANCE with their task, arising from the Convention on the Protection of the Alps (Alpine Convention) of 7
November 1991, of pursuing a comprehensive policy for the protection and the sustainable development of the Alpine
region;

IN COMPLIANCE with their obligations under Article 2(2) and (3) of the Alpine Convention;

DESIRING to harmonise economic interests and ecological requirements, and establish sustainable development;

AWARE that the Alps are the living and economic environment for the local population;

CONVINCED that the local population must be able to develop their own social, cultural and economic development
plan, and take part in its implementation in the existing institutional framework;

CONSIDERING that in our urban civilisation, there is an ever-growing need for varied tourism and leisure activities that
are appropriate to today’s way of life;

CONSIDERING that the Alps remain one of the most important areas for tourism and leisure in Europe due to the
extensive range of leisure activities on offer, the rich variety of landscapes and the diversity of its ecosystems, and that
protection of the Alpine region should go beyond national frameworks;

CONSIDERING that for certain Contracting Parties, a significant proportion of their population live in the Alps, and that
tourism in the Alpine region is of public interest given that it helps to maintain a permanent population;

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CONSIDERING that mountain tourism is facing competition in an increasingly globalised context and contributes
significantly to the economic performance of the Alpine region;

CONSIDERING that recent trends seem to be moving towards greater harmony between tourism and the environment;
for customers, an increasing interest in attractive natural surroundings that are protected summer and winter alike, and
for local decision makers, concern for making tourist destinations more environmentally-friendly;

CONSIDERING that in the Alpine region, individual attention must be given to limitations to the ability of each location’s
ecosystem to adapt, and each ecosystem must be appreciated for its specific features;

CONSIDERING that natural and cultural heritage as well as the countryside constitute an essential part of tourism in the
Alps;

AWARE that the Alpine States are characterised by natural, cultural, economic and institutional differences which have
caused them to develop independently, giving rise to very varied tourist facilities which, far from becoming more
standardised at international level should be a source of diverse but complementary tourist activities;

AWARE of the need for sustainable development in the tourist industry to be based on developing natural heritage and
providing high-quality services, given that the majority of Alpine regions are dependent on tourism which also provides a
livelihood for the local population;

AWARE that it is appropriate to encourage holidaymakers to respect nature, to give them a greater understanding of the
people living and working in tourist destinations and to create the best conditions possible for them to truly discover the
diversity of nature in the Alpine region;

AWARE that it is the responsibility of professional tourist organisations and regional and local authorities to put into
place, within a defined framework for the Alpine region, means of improving production structures and their efficiency;

DESIRING to contribute to sustainable development in the Alps by encouraging environmentally-friendly tourism, which
is also an essential basis for the standard of living and economy of the local people;

CONVINCED that certain problems can only be resolved in a cross-border framework and require joint measures on the
part of the Alpine States,

HAVE AGREED AS FOLLOWS:

CHAPTER I

GENERAL PROVISIONS

Article 1

Objective

The objective of this Protocol
is to contribute to sustainable
development in the Alpine region within the existing institu-
tional
framework, by encouraging environmentally-friendly
and recommendations
tourism through specific measures
which take the interests of both the local population and
tourists into account.

Article 2

International cooperation

1.
The Contracting Parties undertake to eliminate barriers to
international cooperation between regional and local authorities

the
in the Alpine region, and to promote collaboration at
appropriate territorial level in order to solve common problems.

2.
The Contracting Parties shall encourage stronger interna-
tional cooperation between the relevant competent bodies. They
shall ensure, in particular, the development of cross-border areas
by coordinating environmentally-friendly tourist and leisure
activities.

3. When local and regional authorities are unable
to
implement measures because they are a matter of national or
international competence, they must be given the opportunity
to effectively represent the interests of the population.

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Article 3

Taking account of the objectives in other policies

the
The Contracting Parties undertake to take account of
in
objectives of this Protocol
transport, agri-
particular in the fields of regional planning,
culture,
the environment and nature,
and water and energy supplies, with a view to reducing any
negative or contradictory effects.

in their other policies as well,

forestry, protection of

Article 4

Participation of regional and local authorities

the best

Each Contracting Party shall define, within its institutional
level of coordination and cooperation
authorities directly
in
to exploit and develop synergies when applying

1.
framework,
between the
concerned so as to encourage solidarity of responsibility,
particular
tourism policies and implementing measures under them.

and regional

institutions

2.
The regional and local authorities directly concerned shall
be parties to the various stages of preparing and implementing
these policies and measures, within the framework of
their
competence, within the existing institutional framework.

CHAPTER II

SPECIFIC MEASURES

Article 5

Managing tourism

1.
The Contracting Parties undertake to combine sustainable
development with environmentally-friendly tourism. To this
end, they shall support the preparation and implementation
of guidelines, development programmes and sectoral plans
which take the objectives of this Protocol
into account and
which are initiated by the competent bodies at the most appro-
priate level.

These measures will allow the advantages and disad-
evaluated and

2.
vantages of planned developments
compared, in particular in terms of:

to be

(a)

the socioeconomic consequences for the local population;

(b) the consequences for soil, water, the air, natural balances
and the countryside, taking into account specific ecological
data, natural resources and limitations to the ability of
ecosystems to adapt;

(c)

the consequences for public finances.

Article 6

Guidelines for developing tourism

1.
The Contracting Parties shall, when developing tourism,
take account of issues such as the conservation of nature and
the countryside. They undertake to promote, as far as possible,
projects which enhance the countryside and are environmentally
acceptable.

2.
They shall adopt a sustainable policy to make environ-
mentally-friendly tourism in the Alps more competitive, and
by doing so shall make an important contribution to the socio-
economic development of the Alpine region. Priority shall be
given to measures promoting innovation and diversity in
tourism.

3.
The Contracting Parties shall ensure that in areas attracting
high numbers of tourists, a balance is struck between intensive
and extensive forms of tourism.

4. When
requirements should be met:

incentives

are

established,

the

following

(a)

for intensive tourism,
the adaptation of existing tourist
facilities and equipment to meet ecological requirements,
and the development of new facilities conforming to the
objectives of this Protocol;

(b) for extensive tourism, the continuation or development of
environmentally-friendly tourism, and the promotion of the
natural and cultural heritage of tourist areas.

Article 7

Research on quality

1.
The Contracting Parties shall adopt a policy of permanent
and systematic research on the quality of tourism across the
whole of the Alpine region, taking ecological requirements into
account.

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They shall encourage the exchange of experiences and the
joint action plans, pursuing qualitative

2.
implementation of
improvements particularly in:

existing buildings, and modernising and improving the quality
of existing accommodation.

(a)

the development of amenities in the countryside and natural
areas;

Article 12

Ski lifts

(b) urban development and architecture (new buildings and

village restoration);

The Contracting Parties undertake, within the framework
1.
of national authorisation procedures for ski lifts, to implement a
policy that goes beyond economic and safety needs, responding
to ecological requirements and the countryside.

(c) accommodation and range of tourist services;

(d) diversity in tourism for

the Alpine region, promoting

cultural activities in the various areas concerned.

Article 8

Controlling tourists flows

The Contracting Parties shall encourage the control of tourist
flows, particularly in protected areas, organising a way to evenly
disperse and accommodate tourists in order to guarantee the
sustainability of these areas.

Article 9

Natural limitations to development

The Contracting Parties shall ensure that tourism development
is adapted to the specific environment and available resources of
the area or region concerned. It is appropriate to establish prior
assessment for projects likely to have a marked impact on the
environment, within the existing institutional framework, which
will be taken into account when decisions are made.

Article 10

Quiet areas

Both new authorisations

2.
and
concessions will be subject to disused ski lifts being dismantled
and removed, and areas no longer in use being returned to
nature, giving priority to plant species native to the area.

to operate

lifts

ski

Article 13

Tourist traffic and transport

The Contracting Parties

shall encourage measures
1.
reduce dependence on motorised vehicles in tourist resorts.

to

2.
Furthermore, they shall promote both private and public
initiatives to improve access by public transport to resorts and
tourist areas, and shall encourage tourists to use these services.

Article 14

Specific development techniques

1. Ski slopes

1.
The Contracting Parties shall ensure that the development,
maintenance and use of ski slopes blend into the natural
surroundings as much as possible, taking account of natural
balances and biotope sensitivity.

The Contracting Parties undertake, in accordance with their laws
and ecological criteria, to establish designated quiet areas where
no tourist facilities will be developed.

2.
Developments affecting the landscape shall be avoided as
much as possible and, when natural conditions allow, developed
areas should be replanted, giving priority to plant species native
to the area.

Article 11

Accommodation policy

The Contracting Parties shall develop accommodation policies,
taking account of how little space is available and giving
priority to commercial accommodation, restoring and using

2. Artificial snow machines

National
legislation may authorise the use of artificial snow
during cold seasons specific to each location, particularly to
make exposed areas safer and if the location’s hydrological,
climatic and ecological conditions allow.

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Article 15

Sporting activities

1.
The Contracting Parties undertake to define a policy for
controlling outdoor sporting activities, especially in protected
in order to avoid causing damage to the environment.
areas,
This control may mean prohibiting a particular activity,
if
necessary.

2.
The Contracting Parties undertake to limit as much as
possible, and if necessary prohibit, sporting activities using
motorised vehicles outside areas designated by competent
bodies.

Article 16

Landing by air

The Contracting Parties undertake to limit as much as possible,
and if necessary prohibit, landing by air outside of airfields for
the purpose of sporting activities.

Article 17

Developing economically weak regions and local and
regional authorities

recommended that

the Contracting Parties examine
It
is
solutions
to
promote the balanced development of economically weak
regions and local and regional authorities.

adapted to the

appropriate

territorial

level

Article 18

Staggering holidays

The Contracting Parties shall endeavour to spread out the
in terms of time

1.
demand for tourist resorts more effectively,
and location.

To this end,

2.
is appropriate to support cooperation
between States on staggering holidays and experimenting with
extending holiday seasons.

it

Article 19

Encouraging innovation

is

recommended that

It
the Contracting Parties develop
incentives to encourage the implementation of the objectives

of this Protocol. To this end they will examine, in particular,
the implementation of an Alpine competition with a view to
rewarding innovative tourist
initiatives and products which
respect the objectives of this Protocol.

Article 20

Cooperation between tourism, agriculture,

forestry and

handicrafts

The Contracting Parties shall support cooperation between
tourism, agriculture, forestry and handicrafts. They shall parti-
cularly encourage combinations of activities which generate
employment in the context of sustainable development.

Article 21

Further measures

The Contracting Parties may take further measures to promote
sustainable tourism than the measures provided for in this
Protocol.

CHAPTER III

RESEARCH, TRAINING AND INFORMATION

Article 22

Research and observation

The Contracting Parties shall encourage and harmonise, in
1.
close cooperation, research and systematic observation relevant
to improving understanding of the relationship between tourism
and the environment in the Alps, and analysing future devel-
opments.

The Contracting Parties shall ensure that

the national
2.
results of the research and systematic observation are included
in a common permanent observation and information system
and that
they are made accessible to the public under the
existing institutional framework.

their own experiences relevant

The Contracting Parties undertake to share information
3.
to implementing the
about
measures and recommendations
in this Protocol and to
gathering valuable information in terms of qualitative tourism
development.

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Article 23

Training and information

information from the Contracting Parties concerned or have
recourse to other information sources.

1.
The Contracting Parties shall encourage basic and further
training and the provision of information to the public about
the objectives, measures and implementation of this Protocol.

It is recommended that the Contracting Parties include
2.
knowledge of nature and the environment
in vocational
training for jobs directly involving or linked to tourism. New
training bringing tourism and the environment
types of
together could then be introduced. For example:

— ‘nature activity leaders’,

— ‘resort quality assurance officers’,

— ‘tourism assistants for the disabled’.

CHAPTER IV

IMPLEMENTATION, MONITORING AND EVALUATION

Article 24

Implementation

The Contracting Parties undertake to ensure the implementation
of this Protocol by taking any appropriate measures within the
existing institutional framework.

Article 25

Monitoring compliance with obligations

shall

The Contracting Parties

1.
to the
Standing Committee on measures taken under this Protocol.
The reports shall also cover the effectiveness of the measures
taken. The Alpine Conference shall determine the intervals at
which the reports must be submitted.

regularly report

The Standing Committee shall draw up a report on the
the Contracting Parties with the obligations
the Alpine
for the attention of

3.
compliance of
arising from the Protocol,
Conference.

4.
The Alpine Conference shall take note of this report. If it
finds that obligations have not been met, it may adopt recom-
mendations.

Article 26

Evaluation of the effectiveness of the provisions

The Contracting Parties

1.
regularly examine and
evaluate the effectiveness of the provisions of this Protocol.
They shall consider the adoption of appropriate amendments
to this Protocol where necessary in order to achieve objectives.

shall

2.
The regional and local authorities shall be associated with
this evaluation within the existing institutional framework. Non-
governmental organisations
field may be
consulted.

in this

active

CHAPTER V

FINAL PROVISIONS

Article 27

Links between the Alpine Convention and the Protocol

This Protocol

1.
to the Alpine
Convention within the meaning of Article 2 thereof and any
other relevant articles of the Convention.

constitutes a Protocol

Only Contracting Parties to the Alpine Convention may
2.
become a party to this Protocol. Any denunciation of
the
Alpine Convention also implies denunciation of this Protocol.

2.
The Standing Committee shall examine these reports in
order to ensure that the Contracting Parties have fulfilled their
obligations under this Protocol. It may also ask for additional

3. Where the Alpine Conference discusses matters relating to
this Protocol, only the Contracting Parties to this Protocol may
take part in the vote.

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Article 28

(a) any signature;

Signature and ratification

1.
This Protocol shall be open for signature by the signatory
States of the Alpine Convention and the European Community
on 16 October 1998 and in the Republic of Austria, as the
depositary, from 16 November 1998.

This Protocol shall enter into force for the Contracting
2.
Parties which have expressed their agreement to be bound by
the said Protocol three months after the date on which three
States have deposited their instrument of ratification, acceptance
or approval.

3.
For Parties which express their agreement to be bound by
the Protocol at a later date, the Protocol shall enter into force
three months after the date of deposit of the instrument of
ratification, acceptance or approval. After the entry into force
of an amendment to the Protocol, any new Contracting Party to
the said Protocol shall become a Contracting Party to the
Protocol, as amended.

Article 29

Notification

The depositary shall,
State
Community of:

referred to in the

in respect of this Protocol, notify each
European

Preamble

and

the

(b) the deposit of any instrument of ratification, acceptance or

approval;

(c) any date of entry into force;

(d) any declaration made by a Contracting Party or signatory;

(e) any denunciation notified by a Contracting Party, including

the date on which it becomes effective.

In witness whereof,
thereto, has signed this Protocol.

the undersigned, being duly authorised

Done at Bled, on 16 October 1998 in German, French, Italian
and Slovene, the four texts being equally authentic, the original
text being deposited in the Austrian State archives. The
depositary shall send a certified copy to each of the signatory
States.