The book introduces tourism earth-science as a new scientific discipline by applying the principles of earth-science in the study of natural and human tourism resources. It involves studying the geo-scientific characteristics of these tourism resources through surveys, evaluation and aesthetic value assessment. It also discusses about the principles behind geopark establishment and management. It is an important publication providing direction for geopark and tourism developments in China. The book is a tool for geological heritage survey, assessment and research. It can also be used to assist planning of geopark, national parks, heritage protection and scientific interpretation. It is a valuable teaching material for teachers and students of geoscience and tourism as well as providing useful guidance for geopark managers and tour guides in their operation. In addition, the book also offers scientific knowledge of the surrounding natural and cultural landscapes to the public and the general visitors.

This book aims to identify geotourism and geoparks as gateways to socio-cultural, socio-environmental, and socio-economic sustainability in rural areas. At present, geotourism is a new movement helping travelers to increase their knowledge about natural resources, the cultural identities of host communities, and ways of preserving them. The 'emerging tourism' niche of geotourism is still at an early stage of commercial development in most countries, and geoparks as a sustainable development model for protected areas are pioneers in the development of geotourism marketing. The establishment of the European Geoparks Network and the Global Geoparks Network are positive steps toward the preservation and presentation of geo-heritage as a new tourist attraction. Geoparks and Geotourism provides an opportunity for students, professionals, and authorities of geoparks to take advantage of emerging techniques to create new products, facilities, services, technologies, and management practices for geoparks in the future. Consequently, the book is a paradigm for geoparks who want to come under the umbrella of the Global Geoparks Network. The numerous examples provided of geoparks currently attracting travelers may contribute to the creation of innovative strategies for sustainability and geoconservation in rural areas around the world.

Geotourism is a new, emerging scientific discipline by applying the principles of earth science in the study of natural and human tourism resources. It involves the principles and methodologies of art, landscape architecture, environmental science and tourism in dealing with earth science issues of tourism activities and provides guidance to the establishment, management and protection of geoparks, forest parks and scenic areas. The Dictionary of Geotourism contains over 3,000 definitions, hundreds of diagrams and pictures with easy to understand explanations and illustrations in six different parts covering the concepts, principles, tourism earth science resources, applications, geopark establishment and management, geology-related parks and world heritage sites. It contains plenty of Chinese concepts and examples of nature-based tourism, natural and cultural landscapes, sustainable and rural developments, conservation systems and methods, park development and management, which are seldom being shared outside China while it also balances the views of other global counterparts. This dictionary is a reference for geological heritage survey, assessment and research. It can also be used to assist designing and planning of geopark, national parks, heritage protection, museum, exhibition and scientific interpretation. It is a valuable teaching material for teachers and students of geoscience and tourism as well as providing useful guidance for geopark, national park managers and tour guides in their operation. In addition, it offers scientific knowledge of the surrounding natural and cultural landscapes to the general public.

Ross Dowling and David Newsome present an original, substantial and much-needed contribution to the field which will further our understanding of geotourism in theory and practice. This Handbook defines, characterizes and explores the subject through a range of international perspectives and case studies, identifying geotourism as a rapidly emerging form of urban and regional sustainable development. With extensive case studies from North and South America, Europe, Asia, Australasia and Africa, this global Handbook examines and explains the relationship between geology and tourism. Thematically arranged sections cover the relationship of geology with tourism, sustainability and society, geotourism in urban areas, and interpretation and education strategies. The final two sections assess geotourism?s impact through wide-ranging case studies of UNESCO global geoparks and geotourism in a range of countries. The eminent academics and practitioners demonstrate how geotourism is a vehicle future for engaging the public and protecting geosites, as well as emphasising the importance of sustainability. An essential resource for students and educators, this Handbook provides an international perspective for those interested in tourism, environmental geography, ecology and geology. Written with practitioners in mind, this book reveals how tourism professionals and geologists can build a common vision by working together in sharing knowledge at the nexus of geology and tourism. Contributors include: M. Allan, E. Aparecida Del Lama, R.S. Aquino, A. Asrat, N. Azman, T. Brown, M. Burlando, H.S. Cahyadi, R.M. Clary, K. Crawford, E. da Silva Guimarães, R. Dowling, A. Dumaliang, B.C. Dumaliang, P. Erfurt, S. Espiner, N.T. Farsani, M. Garofano, A. Gates, C. Gomez, J.E. Gordon, M. Gray, N. Grünert, S.A. Halim, Herlina, Y. Jeon, J. Johnston, H.T. Kobryn, I. Komoo, L. Kubalíková, U. Lagally, J. Larwood, E.A. Lima, M. Machado, P. Migon, R. Miller, C. Neto de Carvalho, D. Newsome, R. Peña, H. Purdie, A. Riganti, J.P.R. Rivera, D.A. Ruban, H. Samodra, L. Sheydder de Oliveira Lopes, R.C. Soares, K. Takenouchi, M. Thomas, H. Torigoe, M. Van Kranendonk, J. Weber, G. Worton, K. Xu

Geotourism is tourism surroounding geological attractions and destinations. This unique text uses a wealth of case studies to discuss the issues involved in the management and care of such attractions, covering topics such as sustainability, impacts and environmental issues. Geotourism: Sustainability, impacts and management leads the reader logically through the process, covering both the theories involved and the practicalities of managing such 'environmentally precious' attractions.

Geotourism is tourism surroounding geological attractions and destinations. This unique text uses a wealth of case studies to discuss the issues involved in the management and care of such attractions, covering topics such as sustainability, impacts and environmental issues. Geotourism: Sustainability, impacts and management leads the reader logically through the process, covering both the theories involved and the practicalities of managing such 'environmentally precious' attractions.

An outstanding collection of international case studies that provide insight into and suggest best practice for issues such as conservation, risk management, education, marketing, interpretation and technology of actual and developing geotourism sites.