ABSTRACT
Geotourism is a relatively new concept that has emerged as a rapidly growing form of tourism (Turner, 2006). In response to the need for a more encompassing concept than ecotourism or sustainable tourism, the concept of geotourism was introduced by the Travel Industry of America and National Geographic Traveler Magazine in 2002 (Lew, 2002; Buckley, 2003; Kim et al, 2008). Through this introduction, geotourism was defined as tourism that sustains or enhances the geographical character of a place, its environment, culture, aesthetics, heritage and the well being of its residents (Lew, 2002). Moreover, much like ecotourism, geotourism incorporates the concept of sustainable tourism in that destinations should remain unspoiled for future generations (Lew, 2002). It also embraces the principle that tourism revenue should promote conservation while allowing for ways to protect a tourist destinations character (Lew, 2002).
