Current Status of Geopark Promotion Councils and Problems of Geotourism in Japan

Abstract

This study discusses the current status of geopark promotion councils and problems of geotourism in Japan systematically, on the basis of results of questionnaire survey and hearing survey to geopark promotion councils. The key findings of this study are: (1) Geopark promotion councils are organized by diverse actors and most of them receive financial support from administrative organizations. (2) Most geopark promotion councils carry out liaison and coordination with related actors, educational activities, research activities, public relations activities, formulation of plans, geotours, and training of geotour guides. (3) Most geopark promotion councils think that we do not accomplish to increase visitors although they received approval as geopark promotion councils to increase visitors and visitors are increasing practically. (4) Most geopark promotion councils have problems concerning the councils themselves, and conservation and management of geosites. (5) Most geopark promotion councils point out improvement of a degree of recognition of geoparks and construction of the system to maintain and improve in quality of geoparks. This study points out that it is important to create systems to maintain and improve in quality of geoparks and to publicize the attractiveness of geoparks as issues of geotourism in Japan.