Affiliation:
1. Department of General Geology and Geotourism, Faculty of Geology, Geophysics and Environmental Protection, AGH University in Krakow, Al. Mickiewicza 30, 30-059 Kraków, Poland
Abstract
Geotourism products are goods and services of the tourism industry that support sustainable development based on geological heritage, as exemplified by the success of UNESCO Global Geoparks. Geological and geomorphological objects are promoted and become available for sightseeing thanks to geoproducts: geotourism infrastructure and services, as well as handicrafts and merchandising inspired by geodiversity, or foods and cosmetics produced based on abiotic nature resources. This contributes to both nature conservation and the socio-economic growth of regions. This article presents an analysis of the development of the geotourism product concept concerning regional development in Poland. The types, locations, and characteristics of Polish geotourism products are presented, which allows for identifying geotourism areas. Due to the significant contribution of geotourism products to regional development, they are proposed as an indicator of sustainability.
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