Geotourism product development and stakeholder perceptions: a case study of a proposed geotrail in Perth, Western Australia

Abstract

This research note presents the findings of a study that explored the perceptions of tourism stakeholders on a proposed geotrail in the Perth Hills, Western Australia. Using Steps 1–5 of Gunn's [(2002). Tourism planning: Basics, concepts, cases. New York, NY: Routledge] Site Design Model, individual geosites within a proposed geotourism trail in the Perth Hills were identified and documented. Stakeholders from four key categories (business, government, community and tourists) were then invited to comment on the proposed trail via in-depth interviews. The results indicate that whilst overall, participants supported the proposed geotrail, they also identified and discussed a range of potential implementation challenges, including product integration, education and interpretation, impacts, funding, site management and marketing.

Keywords:

• geotrail
• geosites
• stakeholders
• perceptions
• Western Australia