Advancing Geosite Evaluation through Continuous Visitor-Centric Assessment

Abstract Geosite assessment evaluates the suitability of spectacular and scientifically important abiotic natural objects for geoheritage and geotourism purposes. Various quantitative and qualitative assessment methodologies have usually reflected an expert’s opinion or groups of experts so far. As geosites are increasingly becoming tourist destinations, there is also a growing emphasis on visitor feedback. Therefore, the expert’s approach is not always the best way to evaluate a geosite with a role in tourism. The Modified Geosite Assessment Model (M-GAM) quantitative method incorporates non-experts’ opinions in the evaluation. Based on it, we have developed a visitor query system and collected visitor data from 2018 to 2022 for 14 geosites in the Bakony–Balaton UNESCO Global Geopark, Hungary. A total number of 1072 fills over four years, and the M-GAM indicators made it possible to identify the main benefits of continuous visitor involvement in geosite assessment. These are 1) realising the current state (scientific-infrastructural strengths and weaknesses) of distinct geosites from the visitors’ point of view, 2) detecting possible changes in tourist attitude with continuous monitoring, 3) most importantly giving hints for geosite managers on whether and how to develop local infrastructure, the communication and promotion of a particular site. Due to the emphasis on continuous data collection, the method used and presented here is referred to as the Monitoring Geosite Assessment Model (Mo-GAM). Despite the time-consuming work and sometimes statistically small number of responses collected per site, this monitoring methodology can track the physical condition, infrastructural attributions, and the level of science dissemination at geosites.