Human Geography Page 3 of 4 Trends in Tourism Since 1945, there have been major changes in tourist demands in the Alps. The system of refuges for mountaineers no longer provides the level of comfort that tourists expect. The exclusive hotels set up before World War Two no longer attract the well-to-do visitors. The means of transport have also changed from rail to the motor car. This has extended the influence of tourists to districts that previously were hardly visited at all. Increasing urbanisation, higher incomes for more people and shorter working hours have all led to a big increase in the number of tourists. A growing number of people tend to spend their holidays abroad (e.g. 43% of West Germans travel to foreign countries for their holidays), annual holidays now tend to be split into two, with both summer and winter vacations popular, the number of people taking short holidays involving a long weekend are increasing especially where recreation areas within easy travel time of large million-cities'. There has been a trend to acquire second-homes in many tourist resorts. As a result, tourism has become very important in three ways:- it provides recreation for the urban and industrial population national government encourages tourism as it provides a valuable source of income economic development and employment will result, though these may only be seasonal causing local problems. Environmental Factors Favouring Tourism In summer, water and forests are important, while in winter snow and sunshine are decisive. Winter sports are of greater relative importance though summer visitors are increasing. Factors limiting the growth of ski tourism unreliable snow cover, a number of resorts cannot ensure snow, especially when affected by warm winds (the Fohn effect). temperature inversions, cause low areas to be very frosty, regions above 900m tend to be much more popular. forests interfere with skiing and trees must be felled for runs, this adds expense, the ideal location is therefore above the tree line. existing settlements, during the early development of tourist resorts, it was essential to have a connection to a rail terminal, to have an attractive layout and a good supply of services. personal factors, for example local initiative of is an important factor, local families in the hotel business organised the provision of facilities. Large urban corporations can also be important in developing rural settlements (e.g. St. Moritz). Buildings and Tourist Developments Large hotels were typical of the earliest tourist phase. They were originally alien to their surroundings. Their design and interior decoration were palatial. Parks, golf links and tennis courts were often incorporated. Large villas were the earliest second-homes. During the inter-war period, there were few new buildings due to the economic recession. Small inns and boarding houses were established. After 1945, a new phase of building started, with hotels of varying design and character. Up to 1966, large hotels were rare. Rooms began to be let in private houses. Now, multi-storey developments are occurring, the small studio and apartments accommodation are the most common recent changes. New ski resort development | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Page 3 of 4