A2010 slide share_geotourism

Geotourism Characteristics of ‘Experiential Geotourism Characteristics of ‘Experiential Tourism’ and Enhancing Public Appreciation of Tourism’ and Enhancing Public Appreciation of

Earth SciencesEarth Sciences

Interpretation Australia National SymposiumInterpretation Australia National SymposiumFriday 12Friday 12thth November, 2010 November, 2010

Angus M RobinsonAngus M Robinson

Today’s AgendaToday’s Agenda

Landscapes and natural heritage

What do we mean by geotourismWhat do we mean by geotourism/experiential tourism

Who are the geotourists?

National Landscapes

Interpretation Techniques

Take Aways

Scenery and Geology - a 1938 MusingScenery and Geology - a 1938 Musing

SceneryScenery depends on land land structurestructure - in other words, its geologygeology..

Everyone interested in the countrysidecountryside, how it has taken shape, why it presents us with the varied beauties of mountain and woodland, river valleys and fertile meadows, is, if often unconsciously, appreciating its geology.geology.

A.E. TruemanProfessor of Geology, Glascow University

Some Geomorphic Highlights Kanawinka Geopark – Victoria and New South Wales

Volcanic Landscapes, Kanawinka Geopark, VictoriaVolcanic Landscapes, Kanawinka Geopark, Victoria

Warrambungles, New South WalesWarrambungles, New South Wales

““Peeling Back the Layers”Peeling Back the Layers”

….of natural heritagenatural heritage through geotourism.geotourism.

Understanding Natural HeritageUnderstanding Natural Heritage

Natural heritage is the legacy of natural objects and intangible attributes encompassing the countrysidecountryside and natural natural environmentenvironment, including flora and fauna, scientifically known as biodiversity, and geologygeology, landforms and soil landscapes, i.e. landforms and soil landscapes, i.e. geodiversitygeodiversity..

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Therefore they will have similar: Geology Topography Vegetation Soils Geoheritage features

A Soil Landscape is:

a repeating pattern of soil and landforms resulting from a common geological/geomorphic history.

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Fluvial GeomorphologyFluvial Geomorphology

River systems are an important part of landscapeRiver systems are an important part of landscape

Geotourism – Professor Tom Hose, UK (1995)Geotourism – Professor Tom Hose, UK (1995)

The provision of interpretive and service facilities to enable tourists to acquire knowledge and understanding of the geology geology and geomorphologyand geomorphology of a site (including its contribution to the development of the Earth Sciences) beyond the level of mere aesthetic beyond the level of mere aesthetic appreciationappreciation.

Geotourism – National Geographic Society & the Geotourism – National Geographic Society & the

Travel Industry Association of America (1997)Travel Industry Association of America (1997) Geotourism is "best practice" tourism that sustains, or even

enhances, the geographical character of a placegeographical character of a place, such as its culture, environment, heritage, and the well-being of its residents.

Like ecotourism, geotourism promotes a virtuous circlegeotourism promotes a virtuous circle whereby tourism revenues provide a local incentive to protect what tourists are coming to see, but extends the principle beyond nature and ecology to incorporate all incorporate all characteristics that contribute to sense of placecharacteristics that contribute to sense of place.

Geotourism incorporates sustainability principles,sustainability principles, but in addition to the do-no-harm ethic, geotourism focuses on the geotourism focuses on the place as a whole.place as a whole.

Geotourism Characteristics Geotourism Characteristics

A Geologist’s PerspectiveA Geologist’s Perspective

1. Is geologically basedgeologically based  and can occur in either natural, rural or urban environments.

2. Fosters geoheritage conservationgeoheritage conservation through appropriate sustainability measures.

3. Advances sound geological understandinggeological understanding through interpretation and education.

4. Generates touristtourist or visitor satisfaction.

Dowling, 2010

‘‘Experiential’ Tourism – Experiential’ Tourism –

A New Product PropositionA New Product Proposition

The global market is looking for unique product unique product experiencesexperiences and a broader mix of experiences.

The ‘geotourism’geotourism’ experience creates a more holistic more holistic experienceexperience, and is a move towards the ‘experiential’ tourism model.

In short, ‘experiential’‘experiential’ tourists seek memorable memorable experiencesexperiences.

Geotourism incorporating Geotourism incorporating all types of ‘placed-based’ tourismall types of ‘placed-based’ tourism

Boley, B.B. after Thompson, S. 2009

Sightseeing

Cuisine

AgritourismIndigenousTourism

HeritageTourism

CulturalTourism

ECOTOURISM

GeotourismGeotourismi.e. ‘experientiali.e. ‘experiential tourism’tourism’

Key Concepts – Ecotourism Key Concepts – Ecotourism

According to Ecotourism Australia, ecotourism is ecologically sustainable tourismecologically sustainable tourism with a primary focus on experiencing natural areasexperiencing natural areas that fosters environmental and cultural understanding, appreciation and conservation.

Ecotourism Australia believes that the ultimate definition of ecotourism is compliance with thecompliance with the core criteria stated within the Eco Certification Eco Certification Program.Program.

Cultural Tourism Aspects of GeotourismCultural Tourism Aspects of GeotourismVisitor Attractions Visitor Attractions

Museums or art galleries. Theatre, concerts or performing arts. Art/craft workshops/studios. Festivals/fairs or cultural events. Aboriginal art/craft and cultural displays. Aboriginal site/community. History/heritage buildings, sites or monuments.

Hossain Heaney & Carter, 2005

Kanawinka Geopark - Art and CultureArt and Culture

Geotourism -The PlayersGeotourism -The Players

GeotourismGeotourism

GeomorphologistsGeomorphologists

Local GovtLocal Govt

Flora/FaunaFlora/FaunaInterestsInterests

GeographersGeographers

‘‘Geologists’Geologists’(Various types)(Various types)

LandownersLandowners

Geol Surveys/Geol Surveys/Planning Agencies/Planning Agencies/

Park ManagersPark ManagersTour OperatorsTour Operators

Govt TourismGovt TourismAgenciesAgencies

Geotourism – Diversity of SitesGeotourism – Diversity of Sites

GeotourismGeotourism

IconsIcons(Inc National Landscapes)(Inc National Landscapes)

Mine SitesMine SitesNational Parks/Reserves/National Parks/Reserves/

Urban ParksUrban Parks

Geo-trailsGeo-trails

Geo-sitesGeo-sites

Geoparks/Geoparks/PaleoParksPaleoParks

Caves/Karst AreasCaves/Karst Areas

Landforms

WHAsWHAs

Definition of Karst

Karst is a distinctive landform formed on rocks that have a greater degree of solubility (e.g. limestone) than is commonly found.

This process typically occurs over thousands or millions of years resulting in a variety of unusual surface and below ground features such as arches, gorges, sinkholes and caves.

Cooleman Plains karst environments (Kosciuszko NP) Photos copyright A. C. Baker/DECCWCooleman Plains karst environments (Kosciuszko NP) Photos copyright A. C. Baker/DECCW

Wellington Caves, NSWWellington Caves, NSW

Definition of Karst EnvironmentsDefinition of Karst Environments

Integrated, yet dynamic, systems of landforms, life, energy, water, gases, soils and bedrock.

Karst environments may contain significant geodiversity, biodiversity, aboriginal cultural heritage, historic cultural heritage, aesthetic, scientific and social values.

Photos copyright A. C. Baker/DECCW and S.Reilly/DECCW (middle imagePhotos copyright A. C. Baker/DECCW and S.Reilly/DECCW (middle image))

GSA GEOtouristsGSA GEOtouristsFive Five MostMost Important Travel Purposes Important Travel Purposes

1.1. Increasing knowledgeIncreasing knowledge of geological sites and landforms.

2. To satisfy my curiosity.curiosity.3. To have a memorable experiencememorable experience.4. To obtain intellectual stimulationintellectual stimulation.5. Visiting destinations offering a unique unique

bundlebundle of features and attractions (i.e. ecology, geology, culture and history).

Branding ‘Iconic’ Geotourism –Branding ‘Iconic’ Geotourism –Ensuring a Memorable Experience!Ensuring a Memorable Experience!

Scenic Rim – Scenic Rim – Green CauldronGreen Cauldron National Landscape National Landscape

‘‘Green Cauldron’ National LandscapeGreen Cauldron’ National LandscapeThe ‘Scenic Rim’ RegionThe ‘Scenic Rim’ Region

Two Geotour Leaders – Two Geotour Leaders –

Different Interpretation TechniquesDifferent Interpretation Techniques

Dr John JacksonDr John Jackson‘‘The Rock The Rock Doctor’Doctor’

Bob BrownBob BrownBob & Nancy Geological Tour SiteBob & Nancy Geological Tour Site

‘ ‘Gondwana Coast’ – Fossils WalksGondwana Coast’ – Fossils WalksUlladulla, NSWUlladulla, NSW

Kanawinka Geopark - Education

Take-AwaysTake-Aways

1. Geotourism is ‘best practice’ tourism that sustains, or even enhances, the geographical character of a place and the well-being of its residents, as well as interpreting its landscapes and its geology.

2. Geology and landscapes can be readily interpreted by professionally trained guides if innovative and effective communication techniques are employed.

Take-AwaysTake-Aways

3. Geotourism can also assist in re-educating society and environment/science teachers in pleasant (non-classroom) environments.

4. Courses in geotourism can provide school and university teachers in the physical sciences/environmental sciences with alternative career paths.

Contact DetailsContact Details

www.leisuresolutions.com.auwww.leisuresolutions.com.au

[email protected]@leisuresolutions.com.au