GEOPARKS FOR REGULAR TOURISTS – “HOW MANY ROCKS WOULD YOU LIKE?”

Geoparks are not geological parks. According to the definitions of the National, European and Global Geopark Network, Geoparks must indeed have significant geological features, but have to implement geographical, biological, archaeological, cultural and historical aspects of the designation as a high priority, too. It is even the core of the Geopark idea, to link all these aspects together to a regional network. From a tourist’s point of view geological outcrops that are not spectacular cliffs, waterfalls, volcanoes or dinosaur sites are often ranking as particularly hard to place to the average customer. They seem to be at best suited to attract an inquisitive fringe group. But if these key components of the geological tradition would stay outside, the tourism offers threaten to be random and pale. Here you need a well-prepared presentation and to attract a better infrastructure with integrated, various, uncomplicated and target group-oriented combination offers of wide interest. Thus, geological or geodynamic contexts might sometimes be better sold through the ‘back door’. Often attractive entry points make it easier to present the formation and development of a landscape; they may be a golden thread through the Geopark area which allows the combination of individual insights in order to improve the understanding of the overall picture. In addition, any outcrop with an exciting story that needs no prior knowledge of the history is a proper tool for standard tourism. The presentation will show examples of 10 years practical Geopark experience.