Alpine regions offer tourists unique experiences and opportunities to enjoy the fresh air, water, and diverse landscapes of the mountain terrains. With an increasing competitive tourism environment, even the most remote destinations are faced with the challenge of market differentiation. Mountain regions that relied on snow sports and event will have to consider alternatives due to shorter winter recreational seasons. Many mountain communities must examine alternative forms of economic activities in order to extend their tourism season. Transitioning a region beyond the traditional mainstay of tourism activities also requires a unique and concentrated approach that involves the support of the local residents.

One location that can differentiate itself from a winter Alpine tourism location is Sappada, Italy. Opportunities exist for Sappada, a remote mountain community located in the Dolomites of Italy, to promote a sustainable tourism management system along with practical strategies that can help to highlight the unique natural, cultural, and historical attributes of this mountain region. This paper examines a number of case studies that demonstrate the success of the Bottom-up Approach for sustainable tourism development and how it can be applied in practice to Sappada and other remote areas.