Abstract:
The purpose of this paper is to model the impact of geotourism on geoconservation by observing
two popular geotourism activities, namely, rock climbing and hiking. It proposes that as much as geotourism
activities have potential negative impacts, they can also bring about positive modification of critical
ecosystems like that of Hell’s Gate National Park.
Design/methodology/approach – This research opted for an exploratory research design using both
open and close-ended questionnaires from 351 respondents and was complemented by documentary analysis.
The statistical relationship between geotourism activities and geoconservation was modelled through linear
regression.
Findings – As predicted the computation using hiking and rock climbing to predict geoconservation were
significant with p = 0.004 < 0.05 and p = 0.002 < 0.05, respectively. Implying that selected geotourism
activity(s) are positively related to geoconservation
Practical implications – Recognizing the symbiotic relationship, values and relevance of geotourism to
geoconservation as a dynamic approach to preservation of protected area management is central to promoting
ecosystem stewardship and contributes to the achievement of United Nations development goals.
Originality/value – This paper fulfils an identified need to study how geotourism activities can be used to
preserve/conserve the ecological environments and geoheritage of a destination
