Valberg Winter Resort has adopted the MEET approach to ecotourism development, building on the work of Interreg-Med DestiMED and ENI CBC MEET projects. The MEET Secretariat and DestiMED PLUS project partners, IUCN Med and CPMR, spoke with Valberg´s Tourism and Sustainability Departments to learn more about their experience.
Valberg is first and foremost a French ski resort with its main season running from December to April each year. However, when it's not covered in snow this resort in the Alpes-Maritimes also has a strong summer season, with activities such as mountain biking, golf and hiking.
Like most winter resorts in Europe, Valberg is vulnerable to the climate crisis. Global warming has led to shorter ski-seasons and reduced snowfall that continues to retreat further and further up the mountain. In response to these challenges, the resort has made efforts to become a more sustainable destination. Thanks to a new scheme that reduces light pollution and energy consumption, and the integration of more sustainable transport options, such as electric cars, Valberg is currently the only ski resort in the Southern Alps with a Flocon Vert (Green Label).
Keen to strengthen their sustainability commitments, Valberg attended a mainstreaming PANORAMED event, organised by Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur (PACA) region in 2019. It was here where they first learnt about MEET´s methodology and tools, as well as the adaptable nature of the MEET approach for ecotourism development in protected areas. Following the event Valberg decided to implement the MEET approach and launch a new ecotourism initiative as part of their regional tourism strategy.
Valberg had also been aware of a general shift in tourism preferences and an increasing demand for alternatives to the traditional ski holidays and for experiential travel. MEET´s tried and tested approach which prioritises public-private collaboration, local communities and nature offered an opportunity to achieve their sustainability goals. Likewise, Valberg has potential for a MEET destination, neighbouring two protected areas, the Mercantour National Parc and the Natural Reserve of the Daluis Gorges. Also, being just 80 km from the French Riviera, nature in and around Valberg has a unique Mediterranean character.
Last year MEET Secretariat and Interreg Med project DestiMED PLUS project partners, IUCN Med and CPMR, met with the Office de Tourisme of Valberg who had been leading on the implementation of the MEET approach. Read below the interview with Audrey Roatta, Head of Tourism, and David Martini, Head of Sustainability to learn about their experience.
Why did you choose the MEET approach to develop Ecotourism in Valberg?
This approach gave us the structure we needed to move forward and bring our ecotourism strategy to the next level. Even though we do have a sustainability strategy, the MEET approach also offered an opportunity to bring together different stakeholders, public and private, from the community who do not usually work together. We work very hard to be an example of how a ski resort can be sustainable and part of the change in current society through better use of our planet´s limited resources.
What have you done so far?
Following the MEET approach, we have succeeded in creating a Local Ecotourism Cluster (LEC) to bring the main actors in our area around the same table. Bringing their own experiences and perspectives, this established LEC has discussed the needs, issues and next steps for Valberg. After this, we decided to do a “test” and create a product “Rando Géol” which allows our clients to have a wonderful local experience. They will eat local food, discover our territory and go for a trek where they will learn about geology.
In your experience what are the main advantages the MEET approach offers?
It has helped to provide a framework and tools on how to approach and develop a successful ecotourism strategy for Valberg. MEET´s good reputation also made it easier to get people on board with the initiative.
What challenges did you face in implementing the process, and how have you or will you overcome these challenges?
The LEC has been a challenge to form due to the varying agendas of the different stakeholders involved. It is also hard to keep the LEC going due to time restrictions. As a mountain resort we are mainly active in the winter and summer seasons, and during these times there are a lot of other activities happening and outside of these seasons we are mostly closed for business.
Finally, we found using the DestiMED Ecological Footprint Calculator quite complex and it requires time and knowledge to use properly.
Do you believe the MEET approach is adaptable to different destinations? Would you recommend it?
Yes, it is, you just need to have the will to do it, it has been extremely helpful for us so far and this is just the beginning so yes, we definitely recommend it!
Valberg´s ecotourism product was meant to be launched in Autumn 2020 but has been delayed due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. All further progress will be updated through MEET social media so stay tuned via our Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Linkedin.