Mountain Tourism, Altitude and Host-Guest Relationships

Michal Apollo is Assistant Professor at the Institute of Earth Sciences, University of Silesia in Katowice, Poland, and Fellow of Yale University’s Global Justice Program, USA. He specialises in tourism management, consumer behaviour, and environmental and socio-economic issues. In his main research field, he focuses on human presence and well-being in high mountain regions. Michal is also an enthusiastic mountaineer, ultra-runner, diver, sailor, photographer, science populariser and NGO activist.

• Contents List of figures xiList of tables xiiiAbout the author xivForeward by Dallen J. Timothy xviPreface xixAcknowledgements xxi1.Mountain tourism, altitude and horizontal zoning in relations between hosts and guests 12.Conceptual framework and methodological approach to research on host-guest relations in mountain areas 263.Phenomenon of the spatial and altitude factor in host-guest relationships (quantitative approach) 434.The reality of altitude of habitation on host-guest relationships (qualitative approach) 725.Altitude factor in host-guest relationships: altitude, zone, and possible reason 1196.Management Implications 1397.From euphoria to antagonism - the Irritation Index in the context of mountain tourism 154Index 161

“Mountains are prominent in narratives of travel and adventure. Much attention is given to stories about adventurers who’ve conquered them, much less on how this plays out for host communities. Mountain Tourism, Altitude and Host-Guest Relationships is timely and queries the wider implications for host communities. If mountain tourism is to serve anyone, it should serve the communities that call them home. Apollo’s deep engagement with mountain communities showcases an abiding sensitivity and nuance that hits the heights.”Joseph M. Cheer, Professor of Sustainable Tourism, Western Sydney University, AU“Mountain environments are unique settings for the study of tourism. Importantly, the rich diversity of local communities are significant attractants alongside the mountains themselves. In today’s world both physical and cultural elements are subject to rapid change from issues as varied as climate change, and rapidly improving access. This book reports on a series of in-depth examinations of the host-guest relationship within these unique contexts and offers pragmatic insights for the better management of tourism for both people and place.”David Simmons, Emeritus Professor of Tourism, Lincoln University & Deputy Chair of the Himalayan Trust, Christchurch, NZ“This meticulously researched book provides a clear, innovative and modern framework to advance our understanding of host-guest relationships in mountain areas. This is a timely and refreshing study that masterfully integrates altitude and spatial zoning. It should be essential reading for both academics and practitioners alike.”Professor Eugenia Wickens, OTS Academy & Editor-in-Chief JOTS, Oxford, UK “This book offers a timely and insightful exploration of mountain tourism, weaving together altitude dynamics and host–guest relationships with clarity and depth. It not only enriches academic discourse but also provides practical perspectives for sustainable tourism development. A must-read for scholars, practitioners, and policymakers seeking to understand the complexities of human–nature interactions in fragile mountain environments.”Senior Professor Vishwambhar Prasad Sati, Dean of the School of Earth Sciences and Natural Resources Management, Mizoram University, Aizawl, IN£The book serves as essential reading for researchers, students, tourism professionals, and policy practitioners engaged with mountain tourism and host-guest relations in remote regions. The Himalayas have long since played a prominent role in adventure and exploration narratives, yet the prevailing discourse celebrates mountaineers' achievements while marginalizing perspectives of resident populations. Mountain Tourism, Altitude and Host-Guest Relationships address this critical gap by examining broader consequences for Sherpa communities. If mountain tourism is to be made more sustainable, we must prioritize benefits for indigenous populations whose livelihoods depend on these environments. Apollo's sustained ethnographic engagement with Himalayan highland communities demonstrates exceptional cultural sensitivity and analytical sophistication, achieving a level of scholarly commitment that matches the geographical elevation of its subject matter."[from a review published in Himalayan Bulletin, vol. 2(1), 2026]Thomas E. Jones, Professor of Sustainability and Tourism, Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APU) in Beppu, Japan