Geological Heritage, Geotourism and Local Development in Aggtelek National Park (NE Hungary)

Aggtelek National Park, encompassing the Aggtelek Karst, demonstrates how geoconservation and geotourism can drive local development in economically disadvantaged regions. The park's Triassic limestone and dolomite landscapes, characterized by diverse karst features including caves and dolines, were designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995 due to their unique geological diversity. While Baradla Cave remains a significant tourist attraction, visitor numbers declined post-1985, highlighting the need for diversified geotourism strategies. Questionnaire surveys and interviews revealed that the park's presence has improved the relative socio-economic welfare of the region compared to neighboring areas. The study also explores the balance between geoconservation and bioconservation, emphasizing the potential for sustainable tourism to foster local development while preserving natural heritage.

Telbisz, T., Gruber, P., Mari, L., Kőszegi, M., Bottlik, Z., & Standovár, T. (2020). Geological Heritage, Geotourism and Local Development in Aggtelek National Park (NE Hungary). Geoheritage, 12(1). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12371-020-00438-7