GEOTOURISM IN THE CONCEPTS OF HERITAGE AND EDUCATION

Abstract

The starting point for this study is the negative consequences of the ever-increasing availability of leisure time. For the first time in human history, time spent on leisure takes precedence over labor. The study aims to demonstrate the possibilities of involving people in science tourism as the most useful type of recreation. Citizen science, developing on the basis of the Internet and tourism, and the nature’s beauty, which is one of the most important resources of the geographical environment, form the basis of tourism geography.It is defined as the science of educational, health-improving, and value-aesthetic (axiological) resources of the geographicalenvironment. We consider the relationships of this science with physical and economic geography. The study also defines the concept of geotourism, the methodology of which is based on tourism geography. We distinguish between eco-tourism and geo-tourism, both considered as part of science tourism. The role of geological aesthetics is explored among the key objects of geotourism. Geotourism is seen as one of the most areas for the development of tourist-recreational services. Russia’s geological sites are argued to have a significant untapped potential and could boost the network of geoparks (which is being created after the UNESCO Global Geoparks). We further define the significance of beautiful sceneries in the studies of local history, health services, and geo-tourism. Overall, the present study is one of the first attempts to explore geotourism systematically, as one of the tools for the integration of Earth sciences with society. The study could be used for the establishment of the theory of geo-heritage and for the training of students in geology, geography, geomorphology, landscape and tourism studies.