ABSTRACT
With geotourism as an expression of a growing trend towards the natural as well as cultural landscape (Pforr and Megerle, 2006) geoparks appear to hold the future for tourism in designated areas on a global scale. One of these geoparks is the Vulkaneifel which covers approximately 2000km2 in the German State of Rhineland-Palatinate bordering on Belgium and Luxembourg in the west and on the Rhine in the east (Figures CS16.1 and CS16.2). In 2004 the Vulkaneifel European Geopark was officially recognized as a UNESCO global geopark, which is a significant step up from the original regional geopark designation as the guidelines and criteria defined by UNESCO are quite stringent and are evaluated by an international team of experts (UNESCO, 2006a). Below is a definition of geoparks by UNESCO:
A Geopark is a nationally protected area containing a number of geological heritage sites of particular importance, rarity or aesthetic appeal. These Earthheritage sites are part of an integrated concept of protection, education and sustainable development. A Geopark achieves its goals through a three-pronged approach: conservation, education and geotourism.
(UNESCO, 2006a)