The future of geotourism: where to from here?

Dowling, R.K. and Newsome, D. (2010) The future of geotourism: where to from here? In: Newsome, D. and Dowling, R.K., (eds.) Geotourism: the tourism of geology and landscape. Goodfellow Publishers Limited, Wallingford.

Abstract

Geotourism is on the rise the world over. Governments, tourism businesses, geological organizations, community groups, conservationists, NGOs, and individuals are seeking a future for the protection of our geological heritage and community advancement through sustainable tourism development. Countries as far apart as New Zealand and Iceland, USA and China, are getting involved and lifting our knowledge on geology and landscape, through interpretation and education. The future is exciting for geotourism as evidenced by the increased interest in geological awareness, the phenomenal rise of the Geopark Movement, and the rising interest in geotourism as a tool for conservation of our geoheritage.