About the cover

Aoraki / Mount Cook, the highest mountain in New Zealand at 3,724 meters, stands as a cornerstone of geotourism within Te Wahipounamu – South West New Zealand World Heritage Region. This study highlights how geotourism, driven by visitor engagement and educational initiatives like the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre, plays a pivotal role in both promoting awareness and supporting conservation efforts. The mountain's unique geological features, combined with its status as a major international tourist destination, underscore the significance of sustainable tourism practices in preserving natural heritage. With approximately half a million visitors annually, Aoraki / Mount Cook serves as a model for integrating scientific knowledge with tourism development to foster long-term ecological stewardship.

Dowling, R., & Newsome, D. (Eds.). (2018). About the cover. Handbook of Geotourism. https://doi.org/10.4337/9781785368868.00006