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Geotourism is a form of natural area tourism that specifically focuses on geology and landscape. It promotes tourism to geosites and the conservation of geo-diversity and an understanding of earth......
Geotourism is a form of natural area tourism that specifically focuses on geology and landscape. It promotes tourism to geosites and the conservation of geo-diversity and an understanding of earth sciences through appreciation and learning. This is achieved through independent visits to geological features, use of geo-trails viewing points, guided tours, geo-activities and patronage of geosite visitor centres. The character of geotourism is such that it is geologically based and can occur in either natural, rural or urban environments. It fosters geoheritage conservation through appropriate sustainability measures and it advances sound geological understanding through interpretation. Tourists, seeking to have the natural environment interpreted for them, can expect explanations of geology as well as flora and fauna, creating a more holistic view of ecosystems.
However, in Australia, geotourism as currently defined is barely emerging and faces a range of challenges, which includes confusion with broader sustainable travel nomenclature as currently being used in the USA, lack of awareness and support within the geological professions and varying degrees of acceptance by park managers.
Overseas the promotion and marketing of geotourism is being accelerated by the development and growth of a global geopark network, but in Australia, this concept is yet to be supported by Australian government agencies because so far a framework for incorporating geopark concepts within Australia’s federal system of land management is yet to be formulated, and its potential as a contribution to national GDP has not been recognised. To achieve broader acceptance, the backing of the geological professions is essential.
Geotourism has great potential as a new niche ecotourism product, but will require the same disciplines that apply to other niche, ‘high value-added’ tourism activities. The incorporation of the geotourism experience with traditional nature tourism and elements of cultural tourism represents a further move towards the ‘experiential tourism’ model.