Climate Change Adaptation of Small Mountain Tourism Destinations in the European Alps: An Analysis of Adaptation Measures

This article explores how small mountain tourism destinations (MTDs) in the European Alps are beginning to translate climate change adaptation strategies into concrete, context-specific measures. Drawing on the strategies of 5 Pilot Working Areas (PWAs)—Ala di Stura and Balme (Italy), Werfenweng (Austria), Bohinj (Slovenia), Sattel-Hochstuckli (Switzerland), and Balderschwang (Germany)—of the Interreg Alpine Space project “BeyondSnow,” the study includes one of the first structural analyses of adaptation measures of MTDs. By applying the framework method for applied policy research, a matrix for the structural assessment of these measures was developed, including 3 analytic dimensions: overarching objectives, structural categories, and the distinction between implementation instruments (means) and the destination elements addressed (targets). Regarding overarching objectives, Year-round tourism emerged as the primary objective, followed by Destination cooperation and Sustainable development. Regarding structural categories, Product/concept development predominated as the implementation means, followed by Communication & marketing and Intradestination cooperation, with targets concentrated on Activity infrastructure and Activities & entertainment and complemented by Accommodation & gastronomy, Mobility & accessibility, and Destination community. Reading across the PWAs, means, and targets revealed 3 recurring implementation pathways: offer-led diversification, cooperation-led system alignment and portfolio extension, and distributed activation centered on specific audiences, placing low-barrier actions ahead of selective capital-intensive steps. The article concludes that, due to tourism's multidimensional, cross-sectoral nature, effective adaptation in small MTDs requires systemic approaches spanning products, community participation, and enabling infrastructure. Sequencing feasible, scalable measures, aligned with challenges identified, local governance, and sustainability visions, lays the groundwork for the broader systemic changes that are necessary for the creation of robust adaptation pathways, aimed at safeguarding both the competitiveness and viability of MTDs.