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This review study presents an overview of the potential for the development of geoarchaeological trails for leisure cyclists in Europe. It initially defines and discusses the underpinning key concepts and then examines the nature and main needs of leisure cyclists. It considers and recognises appropriate geo-interpretative themes, of geological/geomorphological and archaeological/historical interest, to employ in developing the trails. Noting that river valleys have long been natural route-ways for human expansion into Europe (as exemplified by the ‘Stone Age’ and the Roman Empire), and that many of today’s major cycle trails are beside rivers with loess deposits, a geoarchaeological geotourism strategy is considered in relation to them. Case studies of specific sites, from central southern England, the Middle Danube and Middle Rhine valleys, outline the current provision and the basis of the proposed trails. Finally, a common relatively low-cost, mixed media, geo-interpretative and promotional approach could generate the impetus to further develop the strategy is suggested.

Geoarcheology is a term used to describe the work of experts who deal with the archeological record and combine the expertise of their different disciplines, mainly archeology and geology. Because such scientists have different educational backgrounds and use different research methods it was expected that they might value archeological sites (or geoarchaeological geosites) somewhat differently. The principal aim of this study is to show the results of the application of a GAM’s (Geosite Assessment Model) main values, rank indicators and sub-indicators according to the experts’ preferences and attitudes, as it was presumed that they are not of the same importance. For this purpose, the authors used a AHP (Analytical Hierarchy Process), widely used in decision-making analysis, to define the criteria weights and rank the indicators. Two main groups of expert respondents, geoscientists and archeologists, were surveyed and gave their criteria weights. The results obtained by application of the AHP showed that there is a difference in indicator weights. While both groups gave their highest value to the scientific/educational indictor, the geoscientists gave their higher rank to the scenic/aesthetic rather than to the protection indicator, the archeologists ranked them opposite, and gave their higher rank to the protection indicator and lowest rank to the scenic/aesthetic indicator. This paper further provides information on group decision or consensus on weights and shows the final rankings for both groups, which are further examined and discussed.

Southeast Spain has since the 1960s been a destination for mass domestic and foreign with tourists attracted to Andalucia's resort regions of Almeria and Malaga. Attracted to the narrow coastal strip's sandy beaches and associated tourism infrastructure, the often dramatic and varied inland landscapes have until quite recently seldom attracted mass tourists. However, with central and provincial governments' acknowledgement of the need to develop environmentally and economically sustainable forms of tourism, new types of tourist and tourism provision have been sought since the 1990s. Geotourism is one form of such sustainable niche tourism; its development has been supported by a rapidly evolving and emerging range of landscape and wildlife protection measures and promotion. Because of its rich and varied geology, topography and wildlife, subsumed within 'natural landscape', Almeria Province has already developed the basis for considerable geotourism development. In late 2006 the success and national excellence of these measures was recognised with the award of UNESCO Geopark status to the Cabo de Gata-Nijar Natural Park. This paper summarises and analyses geotourism provision in Almeria Province. It also examines the management issues for geotourism in fragile landscapes. Finally, it indicates the role that such provision can play in the broader context of sustainable tourism in Spain's Mediterranean coastlands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

People have appreciated the beauty of natural landscapes, the result of the interplay of different natural processes, for at least three hundred years in Europe. Many have been inspired by this beauty to promote such places for visits by others. Some have understood the importance of individual places visited within the local or regional environmental system. This has led to definitions and the establishment of protected areas with special visitor rules and regulations. This article presents a case study of Sićevo Gorge Nature Park in Serbia and an opportunity to transform it into a geoheritage site, underpinned by developing its interpretation based on the results of a study using the analytical-hierarchy process (AHP) method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]