Geotourism: An opportunity to enhance geoethics and boost geoheritage appreciation

Abstract

Geotourism (tourism with a geological purpose) has great potential to sustain and conserve our geological heritage, which represents the collective memory of Mother Nature. It involves a sustainable, viable and responsible tourism development that enhances the wellbeing of the local communities. It further provides a holistic tourism experience, and offers opportunities for visitors and hosts to gain knowledge about the values of the geological tourism attractions. In addition, it is based on the best practice of geoethics for different parties involved in geological tourism activities. However, this paper will explore the role of geotourism as a geoconservation and geoeducation tool, and will investigate the role of geotourism operations in promoting the culture of geoethics in different geological tourism practices.