The Courel Mountains Through Online-Generated Content: An Exploratory Analysis

User-generated content in virtual spaces is the first source for obtaining information and generating the digital footprint of a territory. This knowledge is fundamental to promoting environmental, social, and economic sustainability. However, this issue has rarely been addressed by UNESCO Global Geoparks. The case study of the Courel Mountains Global Geopark (Galicia, NW Spain) explores its online image as a tourist destination. As a pilot study, it was aimed at identifying and understanding the key components and the meanings of that image. Using 389 online reviews from the online platform Booking, between April 2022 and April 2025, an exploratory analysis of online comments was conducted. The applied methods include qualitative and quantitative procedures. The results define the characteristics of content generated by users and provide insights into impressions, opinions, and feelings about the geopark. Mountains, nature, villages, pilgrims’ ways, and local gastronomy appear as top attractions, valued together with the accommodations and local people for their contribution to wellbeing, leisure, and recreation experiences. Online narratives reflect the importance of the affective dimension in the perception of the geopark as a tourist destination to disconnect and relax. Their interpretation highlights the importance of knowledge about online-generated content for territorial improvement, management, and sustainability.