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Assessment of Geosites and Geotouristic Sites for Mapping Geotourism: A Case Study of Al-Soudah, Asir Region, Saudi Arabia

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Abstract

Geosites and geotouristic in Al-Soudah are considered a geoheritage which enhances geotourism, which includes geomorphological, landscape, archaeological, and historical sites. The presence of geoheritage of high aesthetic value and its assessment is the basis for implementing the strategy of geoconservation. The methodology included the study of natural and cultural heritage of tourist value, using digital mapping tools, as well as information collected from fieldwork. This includes the identification and inventory of geosites and geotouristic sites, geotouristic significance, and geotouristic scientific interpretation by which has created geotourism and tourism itineraries maps. Besides, a SWOT Plus analysis is conducted to suggest strategies to enhance geotourism. The results show that cultural and geodiversity are highly valued as geoheritage for promoting geotourism in Al-Soudah. Accordingly, a geotouristic map was created, which provides an overview of the geoheritage, in addition to the proposed geotouristic itineraries, geohiking trails, and cable car maps. Furthermore, the most interesting sites from both a scientific and touristic outlook—perspectives, in order to highlight the geodiversity to promote and preserve geotourism, through the proposal of Al-Soudah as a UNESCO Global Geopark, in order to increase the tourist attractiveness.

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Source: https://www.asda.gov.sa/

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Source: https://www.spa.gov.sa/1908276

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Source: Saudi commission for Tourism & National Heritage

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Source: https://arabic.cnn.com/travel/article/2020/10/26/rijal-almaa-village-asir-region-saudi-arabia

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Source: https://www.a7walsaudi.com/11753

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Source: https://www.safarway.com/property/ain-al-zibah#gallery

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Acknowledgements

The authors are thankful to the Department of Geography, Faculty of Humanities, King Khalid University for the continuous support towards this study.

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  1. Department of Geography, Faculty of Humanities, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia

    Jamilah Al Mohaya & Mena Elassal

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  1. Jamilah Al Mohaya
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Al Mohaya, J., Elassal, M. Assessment of Geosites and Geotouristic Sites for Mapping Geotourism: A Case Study of Al-Soudah, Asir Region, Saudi Arabia. Geoheritage 15, 7 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12371-022-00774-w

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