Ulrike Probstl, Veronika Wirth, Birgit Elands, and Simon Bell 1. 1 Background to the Study Ulrike Probstl and Simon Bell New directions and the need for reform - these two catch phrases dominate the political discussions around forests, forestry, and forest research in many European countries. In Germany there is concern about the reduction of university positions in forestry, as there is across Europe about the new, more economically ori- tated direction of forest management. For example, in 2004 the Bavarian electorate defeated a referendum about the restructuring of the forest administration, largely because of concern about changes to nature conservation and recreation mana- ment. Obviously, the new trends in forest management imposed by commercial interests stand in stark contrast to the overall expectations society has of effective multi-functional forest management (Deutscher Rat fur Landesp ege 2004). The administrative desires for reform on the one side and - often contradictory - societal demands on the other are the reason to undertake an investigation of the European model of multi-functional forest management.

*Please note the 2015 paperback is a reprint of the original 2008 hardback* In an increasingly urbanized world more and more people are turning to our forests and woodland for recreation and tourism. Planning and providing for this growing demand poses challenges that need to be addressed by managers and designers alike. Based on a study of forest recreation from across Europe, the editors bring together the expertise of more than eighty leading professionals and academics to provide a clear and concise guide to best practice. Case studies and careful research give a detailed insight into the issues that forest recreation raises, from strategic planning to integration into the existing rural economy. Essential reading for tourism planners, landscape designers and countryside managers delivering forest recreation and tourism.

Ulrike Probstl, Veronika Wirth, Birgit Elands, and Simon Bell 1. 1 Background to the Study Ulrike Probstl and Simon Bell New directions and the need for reform - these two catch phrases dominate the political discussions around forests, forestry, and forest research in many European countries. In Germany there is concern about the reduction of university positions in forestry, as there is across Europe about the new, more economically ori- tated direction of forest management. For example, in 2004 the Bavarian electorate defeated a referendum about the restructuring of the forest administration, largely because of concern about changes to nature conservation and recreation mana- ment. Obviously, the new trends in forest management imposed by commercial interests stand in stark contrast to the overall expectations society has of effective multi-functional forest management (Deutscher Rat fur Landesp ege 2004). The administrative desires for reform on the one side and - often contradictory - societal demands on the other are the reason to undertake an investigation of the European model of multi-functional forest management.

Winter tourism has seen increased levels of investment in recent times, in an effort to reduce economic risk, address environmental concerns and adapt to the effects of global warming. New ski destinations are developing and merging with traditional ones to increase spatial distribution, while many established leading resorts are adapting their management models. Climate change adaptation processes are supported by the reduction of CO2 emissions and energy consumption in ski resorts. Current planning challenges include the increasing importance of scenic beauty, nature and sustainable development, as well as snow reliability, snow management and safety issues. Destination planning also requires an in-depth knowledge about ski tourists and their preferences regarding destination choice, which is impacted by many factors including the aging society, changing leisure time habits and new target markets such as China and India. This book is an essential reference for exploring these trends and the different approaches that are employed in the European Alpine region, North America, Scandinavia and Eastern Europe. It: showcases best case examples and good practice regarding environmental management in ski areas; discusses current trends and adaption strategies in winter tourism, with reference to skiers' preferences; and analyses future challenges for the market. It is of particular relevance for academic researchers and practitioners working in tourism and hospitality, especially with a focus on winter destinations; and those interested in consumer behaviour, business and management, recreation, and sustainable tourism development.

Diese Open-Access-Publikation beleuchtet die komplexen Beziehungen zwischen Tourismus und Klimawandel fur die Tourismusdestination OEsterreich und basiert auf einer umfassenden Erhebung, Zusammenfassung und Bewertung des aktuellen Standes der Forschung zu diesem Thema. Fur diesen Bericht haben 40 Wissenschaftler*innen fuhrender Forschungseinrichtungen, unterstutzt durch ein internationales Team an Begutachter*innen, mehr als zwei Jahre intensiv zusammengearbeitet. Die dargestellten Forschungsarbeiten zum Einfluss des Klimawandels auf den Tourismus gehen davon aus, dass sich die in den nachsten Jahrzehnten zu erwartenden Veranderungen des Klimas sehr stark auf die oesterreichische Tourismusbranche auswirken werden. Allerdings fallt dem Sektor auch eine nicht unerhebliche Rolle als Mitverursacher des Klimawandels zu. Aktuellen Untersuchungen zufolge verursacht der Tourismus rund 8% aller globalen CO2-Emissionen. Vor diesem Hintergrund werden fur die verschiedenen Teilaspekte des touristischen Angebots geeignete Minderungs- und Anpassungsmassnahmen vorgestellt und diskutiert. Der Bericht verdeutlicht insbesondere die spezifische Betroffenheit der touristischen Outdoor-Aktivitaten vom Wintersport bis zum Golftourismus, beschreibt die neuen Herausforderungen fur den Stadtetourismus und die Organisation von Events und beleuchtet ausfuhrlich, wie Anpassungsmoeglichkeiten, insbesondere im Bereich der Mobilitat, der Beherbergung, touristischer Indoor-Angebote, sowie der Gastronomie und Kulinarik, ausgestaltet und umgesetzt werden koennen. Dabei werden die Verantwortung und die Moeglichkeiten des Reisenden ebenso dargestellt, wie die Handlungsoptionen von Betrieben, Destinationen und der rahmensetzenden nationalen Politik. Das Buch macht deutlich, dass, um die Pariser Klimaziele erreichen zu koennen, ein veranderter Lebensstil und rasche Umsetzungsschritte notwendig sind. Wie dieser "Paris-Lifestyle" erreicht werden koennte und welche Herausforderungen auf diesem Weg bewaltigt werden mussen, verdeutlichen die zusammenfassenden Schlusskapitel. Die vorliegende differenzierte Aufbereitung des Themas fur alle Reisenden, die Tourismusbranche und die Politik war nur durch eine gezielte Foerderung aus Mitteln des Klima- und Energiefonds im Rahmen des Programms "Austrian Climate Research Programme - ACRP" moeglich.