The Geotourism Industry in the 21st Century

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.

“A timely contribution to studies on the status and practice of modern geotourism. . . . A sterling effort . . . As Bahram suggests in the book’s opening sentence, ‘Geotourism is an emerging and promising field for enjoyable and meaningful experiences in contemporary tourism.’ Similarly, this book is an enjoyable read and will add understanding and meaning to its readers’ own geotourism experiences!”

—From the Foreword by Thomas A. Hose, Honorary Research Associate, University of Bristol, United Kingdom; Visiting Professor, University of Novi Sad, Serbia

“An important book because it brings together the interpretive and management aspects of geotourism on a global scale. It reveals geotourism’s potential to popularize the fundamentals of geoscience and open up new pathways of sustainable economic development. Through his own chapters and those of the authors he has invited, Dr. Sadry has conveyed his global knowledge of the geopark movement and the art of geoscience interpretation. . . . This book will help geopark managers, geoscience educators, and all researchers and students of geotourism to use those ‘things themselves’ to instill bone-deep awareness of how the planet works. It will also help them use geotourism to create economic value for alleviating poverty, while protecting resources for future generations.”

—From the Foreword by William (Bill) Witherspoon, PhD, Retired geologist leading walks and talks; Co-author, Roadside Geology of Georgia

“A very useful addition to the ever-expanding collection of books on geotourism. With examples and contributors from around the world, the 23 chapters cover the expected topics well—but there are also unexpected topics too, which add greatly to the volume’s value. Just three examples: a chapter on Hateg Global Geopark’s highly skilled youth volunteers (yes, I have been guided by some of them), then there’s a chapter on mass tourism versus sustainable tourism in Langkawi Global Geopark, and finally thoughts on developing celestial tourism using the dark skies enjoyed by many geoparks. With increasing urbanization on our planet, the latter has to be a winner!”

—John Macadam / Earthwords, www.Earthwords.co.uk, also Honorary Associate at University of Exeter (UK)