Paper: arXiv 2504.16492

Authors: Laura Rouch, Emmanuelle George

Abstract

In the context of adapting to global changes, the diversification of the tourist offer seems to be a solution for the mid-mountain areas, which are structured around and dependent on ski tourism. However, it remains unclear how tourism diversification occurs, what forms it can take and what it produces at a territorial scale. In this study, we apply a theory of regional diversification to the case of tourism in order to examine tourism diversification paths. We base our analysis on qualitative data collected on two French study areas: the intercommunities of the massif du Sancy and of the Haut-Chablais. Our results show a pattern in tourism diversification paths, following three steps that can lead to the abandonment of the perimeter of the ski resort. However, among the different types of tourism diversification trajectories, only a saltation form of tourism diversification can lead to the establishment of a larger and more diversified tourism system. Our findings also show that several types of tourism diversification paths can coexist at a territorial scale.

Complexity vs Empirical Score

  • Math Complexity: 0.5/10
  • Empirical Rigor: 3.5/10
  • Quadrant: Philosophers — conceptual discussion, limited math and data

Why this score: This paper is a qualitative socio-economic study applying Evolutionary Economic Geography to tourism diversification in mid-mountain regions. It contains no mathematical or quantitative financial modeling, relying instead on qualitative field data and case studies. While offering interesting theoretical insights for regional economics, it lacks quantitative backtesting or statistical empirical rigor relevant to quantitative finance.

Research Flowchart

  flowchart TD
    A[Research Goal: Examine tourism diversification paths<br/>& territorial outcomes in mid-mountain ski areas] --> B[Data Collection: Qualitative data from 2 French case studies<br/>Massif du Sancy & Haut-Chablais]
    B --> C[Methodology: Apply Regional Diversification Theory<br/>to Economic Geography of Tourism]
    C --> D[Analysis: Map trajectories & identify<br/>3-step diversification process]
    D --> E[Key Finding 1: 3-step path can lead to<br/>abandonment of ski resort perimeters]
    D --> F[Key Finding 2: Only 'Saltation' trajectory creates<br/>a larger, fully diversified tourism system]
    D --> G[Key Finding 3: Multiple diversification paths<br/>coexist at the territorial scale]