Geotourism

[6] Geotourism adds to ecotourism's principal focus on plants (flora) and animals (fauna) by adding a third dimension to the abiotic environment.

[citation needed] Geosites, geological or geomorphological sites with a recognised value determined through an audit, assessment, and selection process, are subject to a range of threats (Prosser et al., 2018).

[17] A geopark is a unified area that advances the protection and use of geological heritage in a sustainable way, and promotes the economic well-being of the people who live there.

Geotourism has been developed from an unknown niche trend to an approach in the tourism industry since 2004, due to the UNESCO support for the global geopark movement in the 21st century.

[citation needed] Geotourism emphasizes the conservation and appreciation of a region's geological features while typically fostering sustainable tourism practices.

One notable aspect of geotourism is its integration with eco-tourism principles, often promoting both the preservation of unique geological formations but also the education and engagement of visitors.

For example, UNESCO Global Geoparks play a vital role in geotourism by serving as hubs for scientific research, local cultural preservation, and community-led development.

These parks highlight geological heritage through interpretive centers, guided tours, and interactive exhibits that connect visitors to the Earth's history.

By creating opportunities for small-scale enterprises, such as eco-lodges, craft markets, and guided trekking experiences, geotourism empowers residents to sustain their livelihoods while protecting natural resources [2].

This tourism model also addresses environmental challenges by often encouraging low-impact practices like renewable energy use and waste reduction in tourist operations, ensuring the long-term viability of geosites for future generations [3].