Introduction Chamonix Mont Blanc : what is at stake The goal of sustainable development in socio-economic and ecological systems is the most widely debated political concept of the decade of the Nineties across the entire planet. Since the Earth Summit held in Rio de Janeiro in 1992, the international community has begun to reflect on humanity's long-term destiny in all its social, economic and ecological aspects and in terms of survival. Numerous other international conferences have helped to further advance the debate, and in the field of tourism sustainable development has been the subject of a great many additional meetings. One might be forgiven therefore for wondering why the Association of the "Sommets du tourisme" of Chamonix Mont Blanc decided to devote its triennial cycle of conferences to sustainable development in tourism -- a topic that has already been so widely debated in so many different forums and in such great detail. Every day the authorities and the people of Chamonix are faced with the challenge of applying the concept of sustainable development in tourism in real situations. As the largest tourism destination in the Alps, Chamonix has to come to terms with the effects that urbanisation has had on the environment and the total available space. At the same time it faces another challenge, that of updating the tourism products and services it has to offer, and of repositioning itself on the various markets. Last but not least it is also the job of the local authorities to maintain attractive conditions for living and working in this resort town. The tourism activities of Chamonix are set against the background of the Alps' highest mountains and the most celebrated of all its peaks. For this reason alone, all questions relating to the exploitation of the Mont Blanc region and its protection are certain to meet with considerable international attention. In view of the urgent nature of some of these problems and their international resonance, the various authorities of Chamonix Mont Blanc wish to study the concept of sustainable development in tourism and its implementation more closely, in collaboration with their Italian and Swiss neighbours, and all other interested parties. The purpose of these meetings This cycle of conferences is intended mainly for scientists, industry professionnals, and decision-makers who have a stake in the development of tourism in the years ahead. The various conferences, workshops and round tables will be an opportunity to gain new insights using the most recent scientific paradigms and the "best practices" at the operational level as a starting point. The Sommets du tourisme would also like to serve as a platform at which experts from different scientific disciplines and operational sectors have the opportunity to meet and exchange views. It is not however the intention of Chamonix Mont Blanc to in any way usurp the role of intergovernmental conferences. This is not a political arena. Nor should anyone expect these conferences to provide immediate answers to specific problems for a given area. What the organisers do hope to achieve on the other hand is to help give birth to a new tourism culture that takes into account the intangible values implicit in the kind of development that respects the human aspirations of both foreign visitors and local residents, and the contrasting requirements of the natural environment and the manmade environment. The Sommets in this "city above the clouds" will provide an invaluable forum. This cycle of three consecutive conferences is indeed a rare opportunity for us all to create a real network of contacts between specialists from every corner of the globe, in a spirit of fellowship. The subjects covered by these conferences Le triennial cycle of Chamonix Mont Blanc conferences will discuss a variety of problems relating to sustainable development in its many different ecological, economic and social aspects. The first of these Sommets du tourisme, in the current year, will concentrate on the question of the compatibility of tourism development and protection of the natural environment. As well as a great many specific sites, the capital resources of Alpine tourism include the environment itself. These resources have to be conserved over the long term. The second of the Summits, which is due to take place in the year 2000, will deal exclusively with the growth and development of tourism. Tourism centres like Chamonix can only survive by constantly growing. The question that this raises is how, when they already find themselves up against spatial and ecological limitations, can such places continue to develop when faced with global competition? In 2001, the third Summit will look into another topic : the best ways for tourism centres to create attractive workplaces and living conditions for the local population. Here the debate will centre on the need for new formulas in the area of professional training, work organisation, and career opportunities in the context of the production of tourism services and their commercia-lisation. The subjects dealt with in this cycle of conferences call for an even more critical and innovative approach. Considerable thought will have to be given to the concept of sustainable development in terms of its feasibility and its management at the operational level. The results will need to be brought to the attention of the public in the form of a Declaration. Chamonix Mont Blanc has committed itself to implementing the results and conclusions of the conference in the real conditions of this region. The conference site will thus serve as an open-air laboratory for the concept of sustainable development in the field of tourism. Organisation of the conferences The Sommets du tourisme association of Chamonix Mont Blanc hopes to make these conferences into a total event, which will offer participants interesting lectures, worthwhile meetings with other participants and a stimulating touristic and cultural content that does not neglect the emotional dimension. The different conference topics will be treated in an interdisciplinary manner to ensure a thorough study of the concept of sustainable development. The religious, philosophical and ethical dimensions will not be neglected, as it is so often the case. These will help to stimulate new ideas and to bring the concept to life. The magnificent setting in which these Sommets du tourisme has been organised is both mystical and magical, and should be particularly conducive to this kind of in-depth approach. And thanks to availability of the Hôtel Majestic as the venue for this congress, we shall be able to benefit from the spirit of harmony that such a classical atmosphere is certain to inspire.