Authors
Ewa Welc, Krzysztof Miśkiewicz
Publication date
2020/12/13
Source
Resources
Volume
9
Issue
12
Pages
145
Publisher
MDPI
Description
This paper reviews the recent use of the term “geotourism potential” in the scientific literature and proposes a new approach to the concept of geotourism potential. The concept assumes that every geotourism object has the well-developed features that allow one to learn and understand the object’s structure, genesis and properties. A method for the application of this concept to any geotourism object is proposed. The procedure and guidelines for the compilation of geotourism potential are applied on the example—the Prządki Nature Reserve in the Flysch Carpathians, Poland. Based on the field research, the research results of other scientists, and the internationally accepted definitions of terms connected with geotourism, a definition of geotourism potential is presented for the first time in academic literature. The main results emphasize that only clearly exposed features within the geotourism object relate to geotourism potential, while educational potential and tourist infrastructure are not to be identified with this potential. The inclusion of a new procedure for use in geotourism research provides a comprehensive approach to the inventory of geotourism objects and the educational use of abiotic elements of nature, as well as biotic and cultural aspects related to geoheritage. The presented model has practical application in the design of geoeducational materials.
Total citations
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