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Geotourism’s Global Growth

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DOI: 10.1007/s12371-010-0024-7

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Geoheritage
DOI 10.1007/s12371-010-0024-7
ORIGINAL ARTICLE
Geotourism’s Global Growth
Ross K. Dowling
Received: 11 January 2010 / Accepted: 18 October 2010
# Springer-Verlag 2010
Abstract Geotourism is essentially ‘geological tourism’.
The geological element focuses on geology and land-
scape and includes both ‘form’, such as landforms, rock
outcrops, rock types, sediments, soils and crystals, and
‘process’, such as volcanism, erosion, glaciation etc. The
tourism element of geotourism includes tourists visiting,
learning from, appreciating and engaging in geosites.
Geotourism is an integral part of UNESCO’s geoparks
and is essential to their development. Geotourism adds to
ecotourism’s principal focus on plants (flora) and animals
(fauna) by adding a third dimension of the abiotic
environment. Thus it is growing around the world
through the growth of geoparks as well as independently
in many natural and urban areas where tourism’s focus in
on the geological environment.
Keywords Geotourism . Geoparks . Geosites . Geoheritage
Introduction
Geotourism is emerging as a new global phenomenon
(Dowling 2008a). It is a distinct subsector of natural area
tourism firmly entrenched in ‘geological’ tourism. An early
definition of geotourism made by Thomas Hose (1995).
This was further developed (Hose 1996) and refined (Hose
2000), also defined by Joyce (2006) and expanded by
R. K. Dowling (*)
Foundation Professor of Tourism, School of Marketing,
Tourism & Leisure, Edith Cowan University,
270 Joondalup Drive,
Joondalup, WA 6027, Australia
e-mail: r.dowling@ecu.edu.au
Dowling and Newsome (2006). More recently it has been
defined as:
‘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 and view points, guided tours, geo-
activities and patronage of geosite visitor centres’
(Newsome and Dowling 2010).
Thus the character of geotourism is such that it is
geologically based and can occur in a range of environ-
ments from natural to built, it fosters geoheritage conser-
vation through appropriate sustainability measures, it
advances sound geological understanding through interpre-
tation and education, and finally it generates tourist or
visitor satisfaction. A key aspect is that it involves all of the
wider aspects of tourism activity as geotourism involves
requires transport, access, accommodation and services,
trained staff, planning and management and reiterates that
stakeholders in geotourism can include investors, govern-
ment planners, environmental groups and universities
(Dowling 2009).
Reflecting on this growth in geotourism, there has been a
large number of conferences on the topic held in recent years.
They include the Inaugural Global Geotourism Conference
held in Perth, Australia (2008); the World Heritage and
Geotourism Conference hosted by the Geological Society of
South Africa, held in Pretoria (2009); the 8th European
Geoparks Conference held at Geopark Naturtejo, Portugal
(2009) and the Second Global Geotourism Conference held
at Gunung Mulu World Heritage Region, Sarawak, Malaysia
(2010).

Another development has been the establishment of
the International Association for Geotourism, set up in
Eastern Europe (www.iageotour.com). They recently
announced plans to host what they have billed as the
First World Congress of Geotourism in 2011. In addition,
there has been a number of books on the subject
including Geotourism (Dowling and Newsome 2006),
Geotourism in Ethiopia (Asrat et al. 2009), Fundamentals
of Geotourism: With Emphasis on Iran (Nekouie-Sadry
2009), Geology and Geotourism: The Tourism of Geology
and Landscape (Newsome and Dowling 2010) and
Global Geotourism Perspectives (Dowling and Newsome
2010).
Geotourism’s Nature and Characteristics
Geotourism is sustainable tourism with a primary focus
on experiencing the earth’s geological features in a way
that fosters environmental and cultural understanding,
appreciation and conservation, and is locally beneficial.
It has links with ecotourism, cultural tourism and
adventure tourism but is not synonymous with any of
these forms of tourism (Fig. 1). It is about creating a
geotourism product that protects geoheritage, helps build
Fig. 1 The relationship of geo-
tourism with other forms of
tourism. Solid and dashed lines
represent interconnecting path-
ways. The connection between
ecotourism and geotourism is
represented as a particularly
strong relationship (Source:
Newsome and Dowling 2010)
Geoheritage
communities, communicates and promotes geological
heritage and works with a wide range of different people.
Geology is the study of the earth and geomorphology is
the study of landforms. The natural resources include
landscapes, landforms, rock outcrops, rock types, sedi-
ments, soils and crystals. The ‘tourism’ part means
visiting, learning from, appreciating and engaging in
geosites. Overall, geotourism comprises the geological
elements of ‘form and process’ combined with the
components of tourism such as attractions, accommoda-
tion, tours, activities, interpretation as well as planning
and management (Fig. 2).
Geotourism may be further described as having a
number of essential characteristics. These elements com-
bine to shape geotourism in its present form. It comprises
a number of interrelated components all of which should
be present for authentic geotourism to occur. There are
five key principles which are fundamental to geotourism.
They are that geotourism is geologically based (that is,
based on the earth’s geoheritage), sustainable (i.e.,
economically viable, community enhancing and fosters
geoconservation), educative (achieved through geo-
interpretation), locally beneficial and generates tourist
satisfaction. The first three characteristics are considered
to be essential for a product to be considered ‘geotourism’
Geoheritage
Fig. 2 Conceptualization of the nature and scope of geotourism
(Source: Dowling and Newsome 2006)
while the last two characteristics are viewed as being
desirable for all forms of tourism.
1. Geologically Based
Geotourism is based on the earth’s heritage with a
focus on its geological forms (features) and/or
processes. Unlike ecotourism which occurs in, and
depends on, a natural setting, geotourism may occur
in either a natural or an urban setting. The focus on
the earth and its geological features (at a range of
scales from rock outcrops to entire landscape vistas),
is essential to the planning, development and man-
agement of geotourism.
2. Sustainable
Geotourism fosters economic viability, community
enhancement and geoconservation. The challenge to
geotourism in any region or country is to develop its
tourism capacity and the quality of its products without
adversely affecting the geo-environment that maintains
and nurtures it. This involves ensuring that the type,
location and level of geotourism use does not cause
harm to geological features or their surrounding areas,
especially in natural settings.
3. Geologically Informative
Earth education and geo-interpretation are important
tools in creating an enjoyable and meaningful geo-
tourism experience. Geotourism attracts people who
wish to interact with the earth environment in order to
develop their knowledge, awareness and appreciation
of it. By extension, geotourism should ideally lead to
positive action for the earth by fostering enhanced
conservation awareness.
4. Locally Beneficial
The involvement of local communities not only
benefits the community and the environment but also
improves the quality of the tourist experience. Local
communities can become involved in geotourism
operations and in the provision of knowledge, services,
facilities and products. Geotourism can also generate
income for resource conservation management in
addition to social and cultural benefits. The contribu-
tion may be financial with a part of the cost of the tour
helping to subsidise a geoconservation project. Alter-
natively, it could consist of practical help in the field
with the tourists being involved in geological data
collection and/or analysis.
5. Tourist Satisfaction
While geotourism may be able to be defined, it is
harder to say exactly who is a geotourist. Grant (2010)
has suggested that there a spectrum of geotourists from
general ‘visitors’ who are either unaware, aware of
interested in geological tourism, to ‘geo’ tourists who
range from geo-amateurs, to geo-specialists to geo-
experts (Fig. 3).
However geotourists are classified, their satisfaction
with the geotourism experience is essential to the long-
term viability of the geotourism industry. Included in this
concept is the importance of visitor safety in regard to
site visits. Information provided about geotourism oppor-
tunities should accurately represent the opportunities
offered at particular geotourism destinations. The geo-
tourism experience should match or exceed the realistic
expectations of the visitor. Client services and satisfac-
tion should be second only to the conservation and
protection of what they visit.
Geotourism Development
Geotourism is about creating a place in which both locals
and tourists are free to enjoy a region’s local geological
landscapes (Dowling and Newsome 2008). It generates an
experience which brings together the local landscape, the
community and its visitors, all of whom have different
interests in the earth’s formations. Local businesses and

Fig. 3 Towards a typology of
visitors to geosites (Source:
Grant 2010) TOWARDS A TYPOLOGY
OF VISITORS TO GEOSITES
– mainly interested in visual aspects / something to do
Arrives at site with no prior knowledge or expectation
community groups work together to promote and provide a
distinctive, authentic visitor experience. Geotourism places
a major focus on informing tourists and local communities
about the earth through geological interpretation and
education. Geotourism businesses are usually operated by
local communities and may include interpretation, tours,
accommodation and food outlets. These in turn generate
business for the local residents creating a larger workforce
and economic aid. The goals of sustainable geotourism
development are:
1. To develop greater awareness and understanding of the
significant contributions that geotourism can make to
the environment, local communities and the economy
2. To promote equity in geo-development
3. To improve the quality of life to the host community
4. To provide a high quality of the geological experience
for the visitor, and
5. To maintain the quality of the geoheritage on which the
foregoing objectives depend.
Geotourism Trends
There are a number of key trends which are occurring in the
development of geotourism. They include its widespread
potential, emerging partnerships, excellent interpretation,
and United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural
Organization’s (UNESCO) geoparks initiative.
Geoheritage
GEOTOURISM
Geo-
expert
Highly informed
and interested
in specific site
or features
Geo-specialist
Complexity / depth of interpretation
"Entertainment"
Geo- degree or similar;
technical interest
Geo-amateur
Amateur but visit driven
by interest in subject
Interested visitor
No specific interest in subject but
likes to find out about things
Aware visitor
Arrives at site with some prior knowledge
Unaware visitor
TOURISM
Widespread Potential
One of the key aspects of Geotourism is that it has
widespread potential. It can be developed on a range of
scales from small to large, and unlike ecotourism it is not
exclusively confined to natural areas. It can take the form of
a sign at a roadside cutting, right through to be the
underlying tool to foster development for a region. A
number of countries around the world have considerable
potential for geotourism development. Some examples
include the granitic peaks and rock faces of Madagascar,
mountainous scenery and show caves in the Sultanate of
Oman, and proposals to develop geotourism in the
Kamienna River Valley, Poland.
Emerging Partnerships
Partnerships are the key to successful geotourism growth
and these can take on a range of styles including those
involving governments, businesses and/or non-profit organ-
isations. One example is the ‘Grand Canyon Sky Walk’ in
the USA which lies on Indian lands outside the Grand
Canyon National Park (Fig. 4). The skywalk was created
for, and is owned by, the Hualapai Tribe, and since its
opening in early 2007 it has become one of the biggest
attractions at the canyon. The skywalk is a 130 ft horse-
shoe shaped bridge cantilevered over the edge of the Grand
Canyon suspended 4,000 ft above the canyon floor. It has a
glass bottom and visitors have a bird’s eye view of what the
Geoheritage

Fig. 4 Grand Canyon Skywalk,

USA (Source: Lonely Planet
2007)

floor of the canyon actually looks like as well as viewing
the different landforms and geological occurrences that the
canyon has gone through. The Hualapai hope that by
sharing this land and the breathtaking landscape they will
provide their present and future generations with economic
self-sufficiency.
Excellent Interpretation
An emerging trend is the development of excellence in
geotourism interpretation. One example is the ‘Roadside
Geology’ series of North American geotourism guidebooks
published in the USA (Fig. 5). It contains 24 volume which
describe different ‘geotourist trails’ in the USA and parts of
Canada (Majka 2007). All of the books are written by
professional geologists in a manner easily understandable
by members of the general public. The books introduce the
historical and regional geology, landforms of the area, and
rocks and minerals which occur there. The books are well
illustrated with maps, diagrams and photos. The majority of
the trails can be covered in a car in 1 day with all sites
along the trails being located near the road or close to
parking lots.
UNESCO’s Geoparks
A major tool for geo-development can be fostered through
UNESCO’s Global Network of National Geoparks
(UNESCO 2006). It provides a platform for an active
cooperation between experts and practitioners in geolog-
ical heritage. Under UNESCO’s umbrella, and through
exchange between the global network partners, important

Fig. 5 Roadside geology books,

North America (Washington,
Texas, Vermont and New
Hampshire)

national geological sites gain worldwide recognition and
profit through the exchange of knowledge, expertise,
experience and staff with other Geoparks.
Geotourism’s Growth
Geotourism attractions are being developed around the
world primarily as a tool for the development of local and
regional communities. Examples of selected geotourism
developments in a number of countries are now presented
illustrating geotourism developments in geoparks as well as
geotourism attractions.
Geotourism Developments in Geoparks
A Geopark is an area with a geological heritage of
significance, with a coherent and strong management
structure and where a sustainable economic development
strategy is in place (UNESCO 2006). Geoparks have been
established to create enhanced employment opportunities
for the people who live there and foster economic benefits
for them, usually through the development of sustainable
tourism. A geopark is a nationally protected area containing
a number of geological heritage sites of particular impor-
tance, rarity or aesthetic appeal. The focus of geoparks is on
geological heritage, geology and landscapess. These earth
heritage sites are part of an integrated concept of protection,
education and sustainable development.
A geopark achieves its goals through conservation,
education and tourism. It seeks to conserve significant
geological features, and explore and demonstrate methods
for excellence in conservation and geoscientific knowledge.
This is accomplished through protected and interpreted
geosites, museums, information centres, trails, guided tours,
school class excursions, popular literature, maps, educa-
tional materials and displays, and seminars. Geoparks
stimulate economic activity and sustainable development
through geotourism. By attracting increasing numbers of
visitors, a geopark fosters local socio-economic develop-
ment through the promotion of a quality label linked with
the local natural heritage. It encourages the creation of local
enterprises and cottage industries involved in geotourism
and geoproducts.
Some examples of geotourism development in geoparks
include Araripe Geopark, Brazil; Hong Kong Geopark,
China; Lesvos Petrified Forest Geopark, Greece; Beigua
Geopark, Italy; and Geopark Naturtejo, Portugal.
Araripe Geopark, Brazil
Brazil’s only geopark is Araripe Geopark established in
Ceará. The area has one of the most important fossiliferous
Geoheritage
deposits in the world, the fossils of the Santana Formation
which provide evidence of the evolutionary history of the
Earth (Moreira and Bigarella 2010). The authors suggest
that there are many sites of geotourism potential in Brazil.
For example, the Caminhos Geológicos Project (Geological
Paths Project) has been developed by the Geological
Service of Rio de Janeiro since 2001. Its aim is to preserve
and promote the geological monuments of the state through
interpretation. In 2008, the project had already placed 67
panels in 26 municipalities of Rio de Janeiro. Thus, a close
relationship between visitors, local communities and the
geosciences can be fostered through geo-interpretation such
as brochures, guidebooks, audio-visual material and web-
sites as well as geological routes and geo-educational
proposals. Such information will inform all visitors,
independent of their touristic motivation, about geological
heritage thus lifting the awareness of geology and the
landscape for all.
Hong Kong Geopark, China
The development of geotourism through the Hong Kong
Geopark in China is one of the first geoparks in the world
to be established in a densely populated metropolis (Ng et
al. 2010). It illustrates the concept that geotourism can
occur in urban areas just as appropriately as in natural areas
(Fig. 6). In order to fit into the unique geographical and
urban contexts of the Hong Kong, the geopark has been
designed and planned according to a unique set of
principles. A key priority is the development of resources
to promote geological conservation and education. To
support this approach and to make geology more easily
accessible and understandable to the public, an integrated
interpretation system is being introduced. The system
comprises different types of geological interpretation across
five levels from easy (level 1) to expert (5). This material
and information caters for visitors of different backgrounds
and is currently available from the web or in the
publications of the Hong Kong Geopark.
Lesvos Petrified Forest Geopark, Greece
Geotourism is well developed in the Lesvos Petrified Forest
Geopark in Greece. The island of Lesvos, situated in the
northeast Aegean Sea, is the third largest island in Greece.
The geopark, the first in Greece, comprises large accumu-
lations of exposed fossilised tree trunks and four major
terrestrial and marine fossil sites in an area of 15,000 ha
(Zouros 2010). Geotourism has been developed across a
broad range of activities through a museum, tours and
thematic guided walks. A series of scientific and cultural
events is organised and hosted every year in the park to
attract the attention of the broader public to this unique
Geoheritage
Fig. 6 Hong Kong Geopark,
China—a geopark in an
urbanised setting (Source:
Young Ng)
natural monument. In addition, the park also organises
thematic events to celebrate special events or international
days such as Museums International Day, Earth Day and
World Environment Day.
The Lesvos Geopark contributes significantly to the
region’s development by directly and indirectly creating a
host of new jobs. Also important is the number of other
employment opportunities which have been created in
tourist enterprises, small hotels, guest houses, restaurants
and other activities connected with the increase of tourist
flow in the Geopark area. This economic benefit has been
recognised with the geopark being awarded SKAL’s (the
global professional organisation of tourism leaders) Inter-
national Ecotourism Award 2008 in the category ‘general
countryside’. In 2009, Lesvos island was awarded a
European Destination of Exellence award by the European
Commission because of the benefits derived through its
sustainable geotourism development.
Copper Coast Geopark, Ireland
The geology of Ireland is providing a catalyst for
sustainable tourism development in the Copper Coast
Geopark, County Waterford. The work began in 1994 as a
project jointly managed by the two Geological Surveys on
the island, the Geological Survey of Ireland and the
Geological Survey of Northern Ireland. The Geopark
created a range of educational services and products to
raise awareness of its geological heritage and protect its
built mining heritage (Maher 2010). An innovative devel-
opment is the development of a geological garden in which
visitors are introduced to geological time as they walk
along a ‘Time Path’ in the garden (Fig. 7). This is achieved
with the use of a series of 28 slabs fixed in the ground
along the pathway depicting the major steps in Earth
history and the evolution of life. Informative interpretation
panels are positioned along the pathway alongside large
boulder specimens of the rocks to be found in the region.
Maher (2010) concludes that geotourism focused on rural
and sustainable development is now a significant contrib-
utor to the economy of Ireland. Geotourism has led to cost-
effective marketing, targeting and promotion of products in
the country and has provided an effective brand to
undertake significant sustainable tourism development.
Beigua Geopark, Italy
The Beigua Geopark became a Global Geopark in 2005
and since that time, the region gained increased attention
from local authorities, tourist organisations and operators,
entrepreneurs, farmers, universities and research institu-
tions, schools, volunteers and environmental associations
(Burlando et al. 2009). In order to capitalise on their
newfound status, the park administrators devised and
implemented a new sustainable tourism development
strategy. The strategy launched a network of touristic
offers as a result of a cooperative and participative debate
with all the stakeholders in the area. As a result, they have
connected landscape, cultural heritage, traditional foods
and sports facilities with the region’s unique geological
and landscape features, all designed to foster regional
economic growth. Cultural attractions and heritage build-
ings are now featuring local cuisine to add value to their
products, and educational visits are targeted outside of the
period of peak tourist activity and help to extend the
shoulder season. As a result, geotourism activities are

Fig. 7 The geological garden
and time path in the village
of Bunmahon, County
Waterford, part of the Copper
Coast Geopark, Ireland (Source:
Patrick Maher)
providing alternative opportunities to bring economic and
social benefits at a local and regional level, whilst enhancing
the geological, cultural and traditional heritage of the region.
Geopark Naturtejo, Portugal
In Portugal, the Geopark Naturtejo promotes its geo-
products through 16 geomonuments or geosites that
represent the geological dynamics of the region (Rodrigues
and De Carvalho 2009). This geodiversity can be discov-
ered through walk trails, boat and kayak trips, mountain
bike rides, thematic visits (e.g., visits to the Granite
Boulders, Roman Gold Mine, Holy Waters, etc.) and
educational programmes. Walk trails allow hikers to walk
through mountains, valleys, plains, forests, and farms,
which, at the same time, introduce them to the surrounding
landscapes and underlying geodiversity. Sometimes, these
trails focus on important geosites which explain the
geological history of a region.
The park has 439 km of walk trails and footpaths of
which 103 km have relevant geological interest. They can
be explored in educational programmes and geotourist
routes dedicated to geological themes, such as fossils,
mines or landforms. In these specific trails, not only is the
geodiversity explained but is also related to the surrounding
biodiversity, historical and cultural aspects of the region.
Information is shared through interpretive panels, leaflets
and signs. The ‘Fossils Trail’ was established in 2003 and
by 2008 it had attracted 11,500 hikers. This has led to
considerable local development including the restoration of
several traditional houses and a Templar castle, the opening
of a guest house by a local entrepreneur and the
establishment of the tour company Trilobite Aventura. The
growing demand for the walk trails is being fuelled by
Geoheritage
interest from groups both within Portugal and abroad.
Groups have ranged in size from 40 to 650 participants and
these trail parties generally interact with local communities
and employ local guides.
To promote the local development through geodiversity,
the park encourages local companies to invest and contribute
to the development of the local economy. The local companies
that engage several sectors, such as restaurants, lodging or
outdoor activities play a very important role developing the
basis of each geotourist strategy. In Monsanto Village, ‘the
most Portuguese village of Portugal’, surrounded by granite
boulders, there is the first ‘GeoRestaurant’, called ‘Petiscos &
Granitos’ (Rodrigues and De Carvalho 2009). Also in the
park is a recently opened ‘GeoBakery’ and guest house,
perhaps the first in the world. Besides traditional bread, the
bakery prepares ‘Trilobite’ and ‘Granulite’ cookies (Geraldes
and Ferreira 2009). Trilobite.Aventura is an adventure
company specialising in outdoor activities in the region such
as hiking, rappelling and climbing.
Geotourism Attractions
In tourism terms, geoparks may be viewed as ‘tourist
destinations’ similar in scope to World Heritage Areas. Tourist
attractions are generally thought of as sites which appeal to
people sufficiently to encourage them to travel there in order
to visit it (Holloway and Taylor 2006). Visitor attractions
comprise natural environments, built structures or events.
Therefore, geotourism attractions comprise either geological
environments or built structures or events based around such
sites. Some examples include The Valley of the Moon,
Atacama Desert, Chile; The World of Fire, Vestmannaeyjar,
Iceland; Mount Kinabalu, The Island of Borneo, Malaysia;
The Seven-Coloured Earth of Chamarel, Mauritius; Al Hoota
Geoheritage
Cave, The Sultanate of Oman; and The Foz do Douro
Geological Walk, Porto, Portugal.
The Valley of the Moon, Atacama Desert, Chile
The Valley of the Moon (Valle de la Luna) is located 13 km
west of San Pedro in the Cordillera de la Sal in the Atacama
Desert of Chile. It exhibits a range of fluvial and aeolian
landforms which have an appearance somewhat similar to the
surface of the moon (wikipedia.org/wiki/Valle_de_la_Luna).
As it lies in the Cordillera de la Sal (Salt Mountains) area, it
also includes a number of dry salt lakes which give the area a
white appearance. The region is a part of the Reserva
Nacional los Flamencos which was declared as a Nature
Sanctuary in 1982 for its natural beauty and lunar landscape
appearance. Today, it is one of the most famous attractions of
Chile. Visitors come to see the white mantle of the area
contrasting with escarpments of green, blue, red, and yellow
colours which provide an impressive viewscape character-
ised by diverse range of tones during the day, especially at
dawn and dusk. In the evening when there is a full moon, the
valley also presents a viewscape sought after by international
tourists.
The World of Fire, Vestmannaeyjar, Iceland
Iceland is a geotourist’s paradise with rugged landscapes,
glaciers, volcanoes and geothermal activity. Sitting astride
the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, Iceland has 22 active volcanoes,
250 geothermal areas, 780 hot springs, and the world’s third
largest icecap. It is one of the world’s most active hot spots
with one third of all the lava to surface on earth in the last
1,000 years being of Icelandic origin. Lying off the
southern coast of Iceland, the Vestmannaeyjar Islands were
formed by submarine volcanoes 11,000 years ago. On the
main island of Heimaey, a volcanic eruption in 1973
created a 1.5-km fissure which split the eastern side of the
island. The eruption area formed a new mountain the red
cinder cone Eldfell ‘Fire Mountain’. One third of the town
on the island was buried beneath the lava flow and the
island increased in size by 2.3 km2. Today, the resultant
cinder cone is a major tourist drawcard and has given rise to
the local tourist attraction of a Volcanic Film Show which
focuses on the eruption.
Currently, the local council is developing an exciting
geotourism attraction called ‘Eldheimar—World of Fire’
(Dowling 2008b, 2010). It is based on the 1973 eruption,
which occurred 5,000 years after the preceding one, causing
its 5,000 inhabitants to flee to the mainland. The eruption
continued for 5 months engulfing 400 houses in lava and
tephra. The proposed attraction aims to excavate 14 of the
former buried houses which were buried in tephra by the
eruption. Inside the houses are all of their contents which
were buried 4 days after the eruption commenced. The
excavations so far have revealed much that is well
preserved over the past 35 years, and it is hoped that some
of the home’s former residents will be able to recover some
of their treasured possessions that they thought were lost
forever. At present, excavations have commenced and the
tops of some houses are exposed. Interpretive signs have
been erected and it is already attracting many visitors
(Fig. 8). The excavation project has been called ‘The
Pompeii of the North’.
Mount Kinabalu, The Island of Borneo, Malaysia
Mount Kinabalu in the State of Sabah, on the island of
Borneo, Malaysia is the highest peak in Southeast Asia
(4,095 m) and a world heritage region (Tongkul 2010).
The mountain is well known for its nature-based tourism
due to its outstanding biological diversity and exceptional
landscape values. Its geological heritage has not yet been
fully realised through geotourism but an existing attraction
is the Poring Hot Spring Area. This occurs near a small
village on the southeast of Mount Kinabalu and comprises
five small springs. The hot water is channeled into several
tiled pools and tubs which is a long established tourist
magnet.
On the mountain itself is a visitor centre for this world
heritage region. It includes a focus on geotourism with
displays and information on the mountain’s geology and
landforms (Fig. 9). The Mount Kinabalu Trail showcases
a range of rock diversity from its start at the park entrance
along 8.5 km hike to the mountain summit. The trail
includes traversing sedimentary, metamorphic and volca-
nic rock formations. Some rocks are highly weathered,
orange-brown in colour with pitted appearance, whereas
on fresh surfaces they are green, shiny and may have a
soapy feel. Tongkul (2010) notes that while the landscape
can be easily appreciated by visitors, the intrinsic
geological resources, the geological knowledge derived
from the rocks, remains mostly hidden from the general
public. This is the current challenge for planners and to
make this happen will require the development of
appropriate geological publications for selected geosites,
interpretation centres located at strategic sites, new guided
or self-guided access trails, and tourist guides trained from
members of the local community.
The Seven-Coloured Earth of Chamarel, Mauritius
The geological attractions of the island of Mauritius in the
Indian Ocean include the seven-coloured earth of Chamarel
which is a geological curiosity and a major tourist attraction
(Johnson et al. 2010). In a large, dense forest is a bare
landscape comprising small-scale fluvial landforms formed
 Geoheritage

Fig. 8 ‘Eldheimar—world of
fire’ buried village geotourist
attraction, Vestmannaeyjar,
Iceland (Source: Ross
Dowling)

by sheetwash erosion resulting from deforestation which
has produced a bare, rilled landscape. The surfaces are
made up of a range of colours including red, purple, brown,
yellow and grey which originate from the chemical
weathering of basalt. Other geological attractions include
mountains, volcanic craters, a crater lake, gorges, lava
caves, cliffs, waterfalls, a peninsula, coral reefs, islets, spits
and bars, as well as beaches. It is suggested that many of
these geological features could be developed as potential
geotourism attractions with others potential candidates as
geoparks.
Al Hoota Cave, The Sultanate of Oman
The Sultanate of Oman is rich in geological heritage and
potential geotourism development. Its geological attributes,
many of which are of international significance, play an
important role in diversifying tourism products through the
development of geotourism as well as by providing a
dramatic environment for other tourism experiences. The
country’s leading geotourism attraction is Al Hoota Cave,
one of the finest dripstone caves in Eastern Arabia, which
first opened to the public in 2006. The cave contains

Fig. 9 Mount Kinabalu visitor

centre, Sabah, Borneo, Malaysia
(Source: Wendy Dowling)
Geoheritage

Fig. 10 Electric light rail train

used by visitors to enter the
Al Hoota Cave, Sultanate of
Oman (Source: Ross
Dowling)

excellent examples of calcite crystal speleothems including opment whilst maintaining appropriate conservation meas-
straws, stalactites, stalagmites, columns, shawls, flowstones ures and preservation of geosites.
and rimstone pools.
The publicly accessible part of the cave is supplemented The Foz do Douro Geological Walk, Porto, Portugal
with a Cave Geological Exhibit in an adjoining Visitor Centre
(Lawrence 2010). The Centre provides interpretation of both The city of Porto, Portugal, has developed a geological
the national and local geology of Oman, as well as karst walk along its waterfront (Porto Camara Municipal 2009).
processes related to cave development. Several interactive The Foz do Douro Geological Walk, ‘A walk through time’,
computer animated displays illustrate phenomena such as
continental plate movement and speleothem growth. The
exhibit also presents many mineral specimens from Oman,
and other caves around the world. The centre also includes a
restaurant, coffee shop, souvenir shop and mosque.
The Visitor Centre is separated from the cave itself by a
500-m buffer zone. Tour groups travel to the cave entrance
by an electric powered light rail train (Fig. 10). In the cave,
tour guides conduct visitors on a circular walk that extends
500 m with the tour commentary being delivered in Arabic
and English. There are also plans to develop multi-lingual
interpretation via individual headsets. In its first 4 months
of operation 58,000 visitors toured the cave and many tour
operators now feature a tour of the Cave as part of a
package which may also take in mountain scenery, cultural
heritage and a desert experience. The cave is well utilised
by schools and government sector hospitality training
schools are including case studies of the cave in their
learning programmes for future tour guides.
While geotourism development in Oman is still in its
infancy, it has very healthy prospects. The country has a
rich geological heritage and some geotourism products
have already been established. A key challenge for the Fig. 11 Interpretive panel, Foz do Douro Geological Walk, Porto,
future will be to undertake sustainable geotourism devel- Portugal (Source: Ross Dowling)

is a 2-km thematic walk along the shoreline of the Douro
River Mouth where it meets the Atlantic Ocean. The city
coastal walk comprises six large information panels that
interpret the geology and landforms through appropriate
text, photographs and diagrams (Fig. 11). There are
magnificent outcrops of several types of ancient metamor-
phic rocks (gneiss, metasediments and amphibolites) of
Precambrian age (>570 million years old) cut by younger
Hercynian granites (290 million years old). This association
brings together some of the oldest rocks outcropping in
Portugal and constitute the Foz do Douro Metamorphic
Complex (FDMC). The FDMC outcrops were classified as
Municipal Natural Heritage in 2001 and constitute one of
the rare city outcrops demonstrating the unique character-
istics of a variety of lithologies, geological structures and
geomorphological features.
Conclusions
The face of the future of tourism generally will be shaped by
alternative forms of tourism especially geotourism, which
may be viewed as the ‘new’ ecotourism. Geotourism provides
the opportunity for many countries and regions within them to
promote an identity that is unique to that place. It can create
new and exciting tourism experiences, promote excellence in
tourism, present and protect geoheritage, benefit local
communities, and encourage commercially successful and
environmentally sound tourism operations.
Geotourism can also act as an exemplar for other forms
of environmentally responsible tourism, promoting best
practice in planning, design, management and operation.
Any geotourism development should capture this vision by
incorporating the following key elements:
& geotourism is dependent on geoheritage
& geological protection and geoconservation are prereq-
uisites for the development of a geotourism industry
& geotourism enhances awareness and appreciation of the
geological environment
& geotourism should add to community wellbeing
& geotourism should add to a sustainable, viable tourism
industry
& geotourism can be an exemplar for other forms of
tourism.
The key to capitalising on the potential benefits offered
through geotourism development is to maximise the
opportunities and minimise the adverse impacts through
environmentally sustainable development planning and
development. If this is carried out then a sound base will
have been established for geotourism to flourish in
harmony with the natural and cultural environments on
which it depends.
Geoheritage
Acknowledgements This paper is based on a keynote address given
at the VIII European Geoparks Conference ‘New Challenges with
Geotourism’ held by Geopark Naturtejo, at Idanha-a-Nova, Portugal,
from 14 to 16 September 2009. It also includes information derived
from two books published in 2010, Geotourism: The Tourism of
Geology and Landscape and Global Geotourism Perspectives, both
edited by David Newsome and myself. The author acknowledges the
contribution of Professor Newsome in this work. He also wishes to
thank the two anonymous reviewers of an earlier draft for their
insightful comments and suggestions to the paper.
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