Before the mid-19th century the economy of the Alps was mostly agricultural and pastoral based. After World War II, many tourists began flowing into the Alps. The Alps provided a beautiful and spectacular setting to shake off the horrors of war and indulge in the beauty of nature.
Over the years tourism has become the central activity in the Alps. The pristine, snow-covered slopes attract skiers by the thousands. Forest trails for hikers, swift flowing rivers for river rafting, craggy peaks for rock climbing, lakes for boating and swimming all lead to a heavy influx of tourists to the Alps. So much so, that the Alps have become a summer and winter playground for millions of Europeans and tourists from around the world.
Around 120 million tourists visit the Alps every year and this is resulting in many changes in the Alps. Forests and slopes have been cleared of trees, resorts are being built, roads are being cut through the mountains and adventure sports enthusiasts like hikers, bikers, skiers, paragliding and boating enthusiasts and mountaineers are leaving behind a huge carbon footprint. The increasing urban sprawl has led to pollution of the soil, water and air, loss of habitat and a direct threat to biodiversity in the Alps.
Picture Credit : Google
