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 viewing points, guided tours, geo-activities and patronage of geosite visitor centres. The character of geotourism is such that it is geologically based and can occur in either natural, rural or urban environments. It fosters geoheritage conservation through appropriate sustainability measures and it advances sound geological understanding through interpretation. Tourists, seeking to have the natural environment interpreted for them, can expect explanations of geology as well as flora and fauna, creating a more holistic view of ecosystems.
However, in Australia, geotourism as currently defined is barely emerging and faces a range of challenges, which includes confusion with broader sustainable travel nomenclature as currently being used in the USA, lack of awareness and support within the geological professions and varying degrees of acceptance by park managers.
Overseas the promotion and marketing of geotourism is being accelerated by the development and growth of a global geopark network, but in Australia, this concept is yet to be supported by Australian government agencies because so far a framework for incorporating geopark concepts within Australia’s federal system of land management is yet to be formulated, and its potential as a contribution to national GDP has not been recognised. To achieve broader acceptance, the backing of the geological professions is essential.
Geotourism has great potential as a new niche ecotourism product, but will require the same disciplines that apply to other niche, ‘high value-added’ tourism activities. The incorporation of the geotourism experience with traditional nature tourism and elements of cultural tourism represents a further move towards the ‘experiential tourism’ model.
Engaging with the Greater China Region: Case Studies for Taiwan and China
Angus M Robinson Linnean Symp
1. Australian Geotourism – Current Challenges and Future Opportunities The Linnean Society of NSW Symposium – Sept 2010 Angus M Robinson
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13. Geotourism incorporating all types of ‘placed-based’ tourism Boley, B.B. after Thompson, S. 2009 Sightseeing Cuisine Agritourism Indigenous Tourism Heritage Tourism Cultural Tourism Ecotourism Geotourism i.e. experiential tourism
14. Geotourism -The Players Geotourism Geomorphologists Local Govt Flora/Fauna Interests Geographers ‘ Geologists’ (Various types) Landowners Geol Surveys/ Planning Agencies/ Park Managers Tour Operators Govt Tourism Agencies
15. Geotourism – Diversity of Sites Geotourism Icons (Inc National Landscapes) Mine Sites National Parks/Reserves/ Urban Parks Geo-trails Geo-sites Geoparks/ PaleoParks Caves/Karst Areas Landforms World Heritage Areas
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17. Geotourism – Potential Markets?? ‘ Experiential’ Domestic Travellers Geologists/Geomorphologists/Speleologists /Paleontologists School Groups ‘ Experiential’ Overseas Travellers Geopark/PaleoPark Interests
a) History: Mining activity commenced at Broken Hill with the discovery in 1883 of the one of the world’s largest bodies of silver/lead/zinc ore and which still continues today. Foremost mines: Broken Hill is outstanding for its contribution to Australia’s wealth over a long period and contributed markedly to Australia’s position as one of the world’s major producers of raw materials. Broken Hill played a decisive role in the origin and growth of some of the world's largest and wealthiest companies, Broken Hill Proprietary Company (BHP Billiton), Rio Tinto and Pasminco Ltd. Development of mining practices: Two generations of professional and technical staff and experienced miners were trained at Broken Hill who subsequently developed other ore bodies in Australia and overseas. The Broken Hill experience generated expertise which spread into many metalliferous and coal mining, engineering, chemical and manufacturing industries, notably steel and its associated industries (Technology in Australia, CMP 2007:28). H) including the lode's discoverer, Charles Rasp, the American mining engineer Herbert Hoover, Australian industrialists WL Baillieu and WS Robinson and engineer and metallurgist GD Delprat who are most closely associated with the development of mining and technological processes at Broken Hill.