The book introduces tourism earth-science as a new scientific discipline by applying the principles of earth-science in the study of natural and human tourism resources. It involves studying the geo-scientific characteristics of these tourism resources through surveys, evaluation and aesthetic value assessment. It also discusses about the principles behind geopark establishment and management. It is an important publication providing direction for geopark and tourism developments in China. The book is a tool for geological heritage survey, assessment and research. It can also be used to assist planning of geopark, national parks, heritage protection and scientific interpretation. It is a valuable teaching material for teachers and students of geoscience and tourism as well as providing useful guidance for geopark managers and tour guides in their operation. In addition, the book also offers scientific knowledge of the surrounding natural and cultural landscapes to the public and the general visitors.

Ross Dowling and David Newsome present an original, substantial and much-needed contribution to the field which will further our understanding of geotourism in theory and practice. This Handbook defines, characterizes and explores the subject through a range of international perspectives and case studies, identifying geotourism as a rapidly emerging form of urban and regional sustainable development. With extensive case studies from North and South America, Europe, Asia, Australasia and Africa, this global Handbook examines and explains the relationship between geology and tourism. Thematically arranged sections cover the relationship of geology with tourism, sustainability and society, geotourism in urban areas, and interpretation and education strategies. The final two sections assess geotourism?s impact through wide-ranging case studies of UNESCO global geoparks and geotourism in a range of countries. The eminent academics and practitioners demonstrate how geotourism is a vehicle future for engaging the public and protecting geosites, as well as emphasising the importance of sustainability. An essential resource for students and educators, this Handbook provides an international perspective for those interested in tourism, environmental geography, ecology and geology. Written with practitioners in mind, this book reveals how tourism professionals and geologists can build a common vision by working together in sharing knowledge at the nexus of geology and tourism. Contributors include: M. Allan, E. Aparecida Del Lama, R.S. Aquino, A. Asrat, N. Azman, T. Brown, M. Burlando, H.S. Cahyadi, R.M. Clary, K. Crawford, E. da Silva Guimarães, R. Dowling, A. Dumaliang, B.C. Dumaliang, P. Erfurt, S. Espiner, N.T. Farsani, M. Garofano, A. Gates, C. Gomez, J.E. Gordon, M. Gray, N. Grünert, S.A. Halim, Herlina, Y. Jeon, J. Johnston, H.T. Kobryn, I. Komoo, L. Kubalíková, U. Lagally, J. Larwood, E.A. Lima, M. Machado, P. Migon, R. Miller, C. Neto de Carvalho, D. Newsome, R. Peña, H. Purdie, A. Riganti, J.P.R. Rivera, D.A. Ruban, H. Samodra, L. Sheydder de Oliveira Lopes, R.C. Soares, K. Takenouchi, M. Thomas, H. Torigoe, M. Van Kranendonk, J. Weber, G. Worton, K. Xu

Geotourism is tourism surroounding geological attractions and destinations. This unique text uses a wealth of case studies to discuss the issues involved in the management and care of such attractions, covering topics such as sustainability, impacts and environmental issues. Geotourism: Sustainability, impacts and management leads the reader logically through the process, covering both the theories involved and the practicalities of managing such 'environmentally precious' attractions.

The geotourism industry has grown rapidly in recent years. This book introduces the geotourism industry, its attractions, activities and developments, in selected countries of the Middle East. A number of publications and studies have investigated the nature and scope of the phenomenon of geotourism (tourism which starts from geology) and geotourists worldwide. However, despite the breadth of these studies, few publications have investigated the phenomena in the Middle Eastern countries. Consequently, this book seeks to shed light on the different aspects of geotourism and geo-diversity in the Middle East and provides a number of case studies from this region. It assists in bridging the lacuna in the tourism and geology literature and helps planners, marketers, managers, scholars and researchers to enhance their knowledge about such issues. It outlines opportunities for, as well as barriers to, geotourism development in the Middle East as well as providing recommendations for the advancement of geotourism in the region.

Here is an engaging overview of the development of, definition of, and approach to modern geotourism, a growing movement to help sustain and showcase the distinctive geographical characteristics of many places around the world. This volume provides a clear conceptual framework with illustrative examples from all corners of the world to better understand abiotic nature-based tourism. The volume looks at the establishment and effective management of the over 140 UNESCO geoparks around the world and other travel and tourism destinations of interest for their significant historical, cultural, and frequently stunning physical attributes. With studies from a selection of geotourist areas, the volume explores urban geotourism, mining heritage, geomorphological landforms, geoheritage (based on cultural and historical interest), roadside geology of the U. S., community engagement and volunteer management programs, and much more. There is even a chapter on space and celestial geotourism.

This book covers all aspects of the economics and management of geotourism, an increasingly important sector of nature tourism that focuses on the geology and landscape of different territories, providing a pleasurable and educational tourist experience. Geotourism is a sustainable form of tourism that has the potential to deliver significant benefits to host communities. To date, however, geotourism has been examined primarily from the natural sciences perspective, to the detriment of issues related to local social and economic impacts, inter-organizational collaboration, tourist responses, and community participation. This book therefore fills a major gap in the literature. While a key focus is the impacts of geotourism on economic and social development processes and the quality of life of local populations, detailed attention is also devoted to topics such as geopark and geosystem management, innovative and entrepreneurial strategies in geotourism, and territorial marketing. In addition, readers will gain a clear understanding of the extent to which the opportunities and challenges facing geotourism reflect current trends in the tourist industry as a whole.

This book provides a comprehensive overview of the potential of geotourism in sub-Saharan Africa for promoting social sustainability and ecological justice. It examines the challenges facing the region for geotourism development and the innovative approaches and best practices for overcoming these. Drawing on case studies from the region, the book provides innovative insights that explore the intersection of geotourism with poverty alleviation and job creation. Thematically it engages with a range of critical issues, from leveraging geotourism for local socio-economic development to the intersection of geotourism with environmental conservation efforts. The book delves into the intricacies of geoheritage and geotourism threats in the face of climate change and extractive industries. By examining the untapped potential of geoheritage sites, this book seeks to shed light on opportunities for promoting local sustainable development in economic, social, and environmental dimensions. The book will be of great interest to academic scholars, including undergraduate and postgraduate students, industry, governments, and tourism and conservation organisations. It will be of appeal to individuals in the fields of geotourism, ecotourism, cultural tourism, sustainable tourism development, geoeducation, and geoscience.

This book explores the geographical, geomorphological, ecological, touristic and socioeconomic aspects of natural heritage, argues for the dynamic conservation of that heritage and explains its key characteristics, promotion, conservation and management to achieve sustainable development goals. Emerging concepts such as geodiversity, geographical heritage sites, geomonuments, geoparks and geotourism are increasingly being used by conservationists. At present, the development of geoparks is a major global theme involving the application of geosciences to promote the inclusive growth of society and the protection and conservation of our unique geoheritage. Currently, there are 147 UNESCO global geoparks across 41 countries, in addition to a number of national-level geoparks. Pursuing a holistic approach towards such sites will sensitise the general public to the need for geoconservation of significant geosites and promote it through geotourism. It is a crucial issue, as various countries around the world are eager to develop their geoparks and are working for the conservation of geoheritage sites at the national level. This unique book gathers contributions from 15 countries in the form of case studies analysing the realities on of geographical heritage, geoparks and geotourism. The respective chapters address the role of geoparks as essential tools for education, recreation and nature conservation. Given its scope, the book offers a valuable guide for geoscientists, planners, policymakers, civil society and anyone concerned about the conservation of geoheritage sites and geoparks for a sustainable future Earth.

Essays on aspects of the natural world, its heritage, and how best to preserve it. Europe's engagement from the late sixteenth century onwards in scientific Earth science inquiry has generated numerous and varied collections of minerals, rocks, and fossils, together with their associated archives, artworks and publications, forming a rich cultural geoheritage held in major private and especially royal and aristocratic collections, museums, universities, archives and libraries. The mines, quarries, geological structures, landforms, minerals, rocks and fossils - or geodiversity - that underpin these collections populate past and present-day Earth science literature. However, for too long their scientific, historic and cultural significance was not universally recognised and generally they were not accorded adequate resources and protection - or geoconservation. Hence, geotourism was developed in the 1990s to raise public awareness of Europe's geoheritage and geodiversity and to promote itsgeoconservation; the volume's theoretical essays and case studies examine these four core geoelements and provide a timely introduction for anyone interested in natural history museums, countryside management, and landscape-basedtourism. Dr Thomas A. Hose is an Honorary Research Associate in the School of Earth Sciences, University of Bristol. He has pioneered the recognition of and research into geotourism, and is the author of the world's first doctoral thesis on the subject. Contributors: Kevin Crawford, Peter Davis, John E. Gordon. Thomas A. Hose, Jonathan G. Larwood, Slobodan B. Markovic, Martin Munt, Emmanuel Reynard, Nemanja Tomic, Djordjije A. Vasiljevic, Margaret Wood, Volker Wrede

This Special Issue outlines the role of geoheritage and geotourism as potential touristic resources of a region. The term “geoheritage” refers to a particular type of natural resources represented by sites of special geological significance, rarity or beauty that are representative of a region and of its geological history, events, and processes. These sites are also known as “geosites” and, as well as archaeological, architectonic, and historical sites, can be considered as part of the cultural estate of a country. “Geotourism” is an emerging type of sustainable tourism, which concentrates on geosites, focusing on visitor knowledge, environmental education, and amusement. Geotourism may be very useful for geological sciences divulgation and may provide additional opportunities for the development of rural areas, generally not included among the main touristic attractions. The collected papers focused on these main topics with different methods and approaches and can be grouped as follows: i) papers dealing with geosite promotion and valorization in protected areas; ii) papers dealing with geosite promotion and valorization in non-protected areas; iii) papers dealing with geosite promotion by exhibition, remote sensing analysis, and apps; iv) papers investigating geotourism and geoheritage from tourists’ perspectives.