A focus on coastal scenery and landforms: the geotourism potential of coastal environments

Newsome, D. (2009) A focus on coastal scenery and landforms: the geotourism potential of coastal environments. In: 6th International Congress on Coastal and Marine Tourism, 23 - 26 June, Nelson mandela Bay, South Africa.

Abstract

Geotourism is a specialised form of tourism where the focus of attention is the geosite. A geosite can be a landscape, group of landforms. a single landform. a rock outcrop, a fossil bed or assemblage of crystals. Many such sites and features are exposed in coastal environments and those countries with extensive coastlines provide much scope for geotourism. Examples of existing geotourism locations are described and the case of enhancing the tourism product along the coastline of Kalbarri National Park in Western Australia via geosite interpretation is described. Materials that can be used to assist in interpreting geosites include, information panels, brochures, books, displays, video, slide shows, interactive touch panels, models, specimens, computer animations and activities. In addition an essential part of presenting geotourism to the visitor is the role of the tour guide, a trained interpreter who can deliver the information and inspire the geotourist. Any coastal landscape has geotourism potential. Developing geotourism requires recognition of resources (resource inventory) and a tourism strategy that incorporates education/interpretation and on-site visitor management.