Role of Tourism in Promoting Geothermal Energy: Public Interest and Motivation for Geothermal Energy Tourism in Slovenia

Barbara Pavlakovič, Milica Rančić Demir, Nejc Pozvek and Maja Turnšek
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Barbara Pavlakovič: Faculty of Tourism, University of Maribor, Cesta Prvih Borcev 36, 8250 Brežice, Slovenia
Milica Rančić Demir: Faculty of Tourism, University of Maribor, Cesta Prvih Borcev 36, 8250 Brežice, Slovenia
Nejc Pozvek: Faculty of Tourism, University of Maribor, Cesta Prvih Borcev 36, 8250 Brežice, Slovenia
Maja Turnšek: Faculty of Tourism, University of Maribor, Cesta Prvih Borcev 36, 8250 Brežice, Slovenia

Sustainability, 2021, vol. 13, issue 18, 1-16

Abstract: From household geothermal heat pumps to industrial geothermal heating and electricity production, geothermal energy is one of the most promising future climate change mitigation areas. This paper aims to analyse the potential role that the tourism industry has in the promotion of geothermal energy. Although general knowledge and understanding of geothermal energy is often relatively low, geothermal energy tourism has the potential to encourage the public to use and learn about geothermal energy and its applications. The paper first provides a theoretical conceptualisation of geothermal energy tourism at the energy production level and energy usage level. Empirical results from an online survey amongst a sample of the Slovenian population show that there is a reasonably strong interest in geothermal energy tourism, correlating with the public image of geothermal energy. The study furthermore identified three main motivational factors for energy tourism: the first is “Knowledge,” followed by “Having fun,” with the lowest level on the motivational factor being “Self-recognition.” The paper finally provides future recommendations on geothermal energy tourism as a tool for wider public acceptance but also knowledge on the potential risks of geothermal energy as a sustainable energy source.

Keywords: climate change mitigation; geothermal energy; industrial tourism; energy tourism; public interest; social acceptance (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:13:y:2021:i:18:p:10353-:d:636809

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