Exploring Island Destination Competitiveness of Langkawi and Jeju UNESCO Global Geopark: Assessment from International Tourists and Tourism Practitioners

Mustafa, Hasrina; Omar, Bahiyah; Mukhiar, Sharifah Nadiah Syed; Park, Oun-Joung; Zainol, Waffa Wahida

doi:10.1080/21568316.2021.1979637

Cited by 9 publications

(26 citation statements)

References 34 publications

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“…Although the term 'geobrand' tends to relate to the territorial or place branding of a region, it has developed in various UGGp contexts to identify the utilization of geological characteristics in local products or activities that carry the UGGp logo (cf. Aso Geopark Promotion Council, 2012; Mustafa et al 2021;Neto de Carvalho, C. et al, 2014). In partnership with the Jeju Island UGGp, the Jeju Tourism Organization initially secured national government funding from 2013 to 2015 to promote sustainable tourism in Geopark villages (Jeju Tourism Organization 2016).…”

Section: The Role Of Geobranded Projectsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…There are currently eleven Geobranded activities operated by the Jeju UGGp, and this article explores their role in activating Geosites in two rural communities. Jeju UGGp has been noted for its use of Geobranded projects to spread the socio-economic benefits of the Geopark and establish an emotional connection between residents and visitors (Mustafa et al 2021). The most active of the Geobranded projects in the Jeju UGGp are the Geotrails, a form of geotourism, states the Geological Society of Australia (2018), that 'delivers geotourism experiences through a journey linked by an area's geology and landscape as the basis for providing visitor engagement, learning and enjoyment'.…”

Section: The Role Of Geobranded Projectsmentioning

confidence: 99%

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A case study of Geopark activation through Geobranding and Geotrails at the Jeju Island UNESCO Global Geopark, Republic of Korea

Jeon¹,

Koh²,

Southcott

2022

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This paper aims to identify the impact of Geotrails and 'Geobranded' activities on economic regeneration and public attitudes to conservation of geological heritage within the Jeju Island UNESCO Global Geopark. Prior to becoming Geopark sites, Suwolbong Peak Geotrail and the Gyorae Forest Geotrail were respectively in fishing and upland farming communities rarely visited by tourists. This paper outlines the changes experienced in the villages following Geotrail establishment and the operation of 'Geobranded' activities, which are resident-led programs operated in partnership with local enterprises and organizations under the Geopark Geobrand. Triangulated data from participant surveys, provincial statistics, and interviews with locals indicate that Geotrails contributed to increased local tourism revenue and economic activity, which was part of a wider increase in local households. Furthermore, event observations and survey data indicate that community participation, particularly through the Geoschool and Geoguide programs, contributed to increased local pride and awareness of geological heritage. A synergistic effect is observed between Geotrail activation, community participation, awareness of local geoheritage, and willingness to protect local Geosites. If implemented alongside education programs and efforts to maximize community participation, Geotrails could help establish a virtuous cycle between trail activation, community participation, and pride in geological heritage, helping inform how other Geosites utilize Geobrands for sustainable development.

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Section: The Role Of Geobranded Projectsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: The Role Of Geobranded Projectsmentioning

confidence: 99%

A case study of Geopark activation through Geobranding and Geotrails at the Jeju Island UNESCO Global Geopark, Republic of Korea

Jeon¹,

Koh²,

Southcott

2022

Episodes

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“…In recent years, there has been increasing interest in understanding how global recommendations, similar to those from UNESCO, resonate with local communities and visitors (Mahadevan & Zhang, 2022;Mustafa et al, 2023;Phakdee Auksorn et al, 2022). Their perceptions, support, or concerns are fundamental in implementing these recommendations.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Localizing Global Standards in Toba, Indonesia Through a Tourist-Centric Perspective On UNESCO Guidelines

Suryawan,

Septiariva,

Suhardono

et al. 2024

For. Geo.

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This study examines the response to and support of the UNESCO recommendations on behalf of geo-tourism using the actual perspectives of tourists visiting the Toba region. The study employed a detailed map of Toba Geo-tourism in the Sumatra Utara Province, Indonesia, so as to provide a comprehensive understanding. The research was underpinned by a random sampling approach, gathering responses from a broad spectrum of tourists. The results captured an optimistic landscape, demonstrating a clear synergy between the UNESCO recommendations and the sentiments of the tourists. Not only did the guidelines resonate, but there was also a palpable feeling among tourists to either extend their stay or make a subsequent visit, provided the recommendations were implemented holistically. This study stresses the value of adopting and localising global sustainable tourism standards to suit a region such as Toba's unique attributes and tourist expectations. By means of this research, we aim to amplify that dialogue, charting a path for Toba and similar regions to embrace a future that is both ecologically sensitive and visitor centric.

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“…The annual number of tourist arrivals at national geoparks in China exceeds 500 million, and geopark visiting is becoming an essential niche of nature-based tourism in China. Since 2004, the number of global geoparks in China has increased to 41, accounting for nearly 1/4 of the total number of global geoparks worldwide (177) [3][4][5]. The establishment of a large number of global geoparks in China has drawn significant attention from both tourists and local people and has triggered significant increases in the number of visitors to said global geoparks.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Understanding the Determinants of Geologically Responsible Behaviour among Geotourists: A Multi-Destination Analysis

Gou,

Fang,

Cheung

et al. 2024

Tourism and Hospitality

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This study explores the drivers of geologically responsible behaviour among geotourists in three geoparks in the Greater China region: Danxiashan UNESCO Global Geopark in southern China, Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark, and Yehliu Geopark in northern Taiwan. On-site questionnaire surveys were conducted, collecting over 800 respondents in these geoparks, and structural equation modelling was applied for our analysis. The findings reveal that geologically responsible behaviour is positively associated with environmentally responsible attitudes, in line with some previous research. Notably, place attachment and visitor satisfaction were not directly related to geologically responsible behaviour but were positively correlated with environmentally responsible attitudes. This suggests that emotional connections to geoparks and visitor satisfaction indirectly nurture environmentally responsible attitudes, subsequently leading to geologically responsible behaviour. These results offer practical implications for geopark management practices. Providing informative guided tours and quality informational materials can enhance visitors’ geological knowledge and foster environmentally responsible attitudes. The improvement of the visitor experience, combined with the dissemination of accurate environmental knowledge and conservation messaging, can enhance visitor satisfaction, deepen attachment to geoparks, and, ultimately, encourage more geologically responsible behaviours. Understanding these relationships can assist geotourism destinations in promoting geological resources’ conservation while enhancing the visitor experience.

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Exploring Island Destination Competitiveness of Langkawi and Jeju UNESCO Global Geopark: Assessment from International Tourists and Tourism Practitioners

Cited by 9 publications

References 34 publications

A case study of Geopark activation through Geobranding and Geotrails at the Jeju Island UNESCO Global Geopark, Republic of Korea

A case study of Geopark activation through Geobranding and Geotrails at the Jeju Island UNESCO Global Geopark, Republic of Korea

Localizing Global Standards in Toba, Indonesia Through a Tourist-Centric Perspective On UNESCO Guidelines

Understanding the Determinants of Geologically Responsible Behaviour among Geotourists: A Multi-Destination Analysis

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