Work

Quantitative assessment of the geotourism potential of selected sites in Huangshan UNESCO Global Geopark using the Geosite Assessment Model (GAM)

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Geotourism, recognized as a distinct segment of the tourism sector, offers significant opportunities to promote and enhance sustainable development. Huangshan UNESCO Global Geopark is located in a distinctive geological and geomorphological setting; however, its selected geosites have not been comprehensively compared using a quantitative geosite-assessment framework. This study evaluates the geotourism potential of three representative geosites using the Geosite Assessment Model (GAM), based on assessments provided by 97 experts through a structured questionnaire. The results show that Xihai Great Canyon (GS1) ranked first, with a Main Value (MV) of 9.75 and an Additional Value (AV) of 11.77, yielding a total GAM score of 21.52 and placement in zone Z33. Huangshan Mountain (GS2) ranked second (MV = 9.13; AV = 11.19; total GAM score = 20.32) and was also positioned in Z33. Emerald Valley (GS3) ranked third (MV = 7.87; AV = 9.48; total GAM score = 17.35) and was positioned in Z22.

Source: Results in Engineering

DOI: 10.1016/j.rineng.2026.112988

Authors: Xiao Ma, Xiangyu Wang

Institutions: Taiyuan University, Shijiazhuang Institute of Technology

Language: English

Topic: Geotourism and Geoheritage Conservation

Subfield: Geology

Field: Earth and Planetary Sciences

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,940

Funder: Shanxi Scholarship Council of China