Alternative Forms of Tourism: A Comparative Study of Website Effectiveness in Promoting UNESCO Global Geoparks and International Dark Sky Parks

Michael Xanthakis (), Androniki Simatou, Nikos Antonopoulos (), Andreas Kanavos and Naoum Mylonas
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Michael Xanthakis: Department of Digital Media and Communication, NeMeCU LAB, Ionian University, 28100 Argostoli, Greece
Androniki Simatou: Department of Geography, Harokopio University of Athens, 17676 Athens, Greece
Nikos Antonopoulos: Department of Digital Media and Communication, NeMeCU LAB, Ionian University, 28100 Argostoli, Greece
Andreas Kanavos: Department of Informatics, Ionian University, 49100 Corfu, Greece
Naoum Mylonas: Department of Tourism, Ionian University, 49132 Corfu, Greece

Sustainability, 2024, vol. 16, issue 2, 1-20

Abstract: In the digital age, effective website promotion plays a pivotal role in attracting visitors to alternative forms of tourism. This study examines the websites of 177 UNESCO Global Geoparks and 190 International Dark Sky Parks, employing specific evaluation criteria essential for enhancing the promotion of alternative tourism forms such as geotourism and astronomical tourism. Our findings reveal that geopark websites adeptly promote geotourism through a diverse array of digital tools, with the potential for minor enhancements. In contrast, the majority of dark sky park websites exhibit limited visibility in the promotion of astronomical tourism. These identified criteria and results serve as crucial benchmarks for optimizing the websites of UNESCO Global Geoparks and International Dark Sky Parks, thus ensuring the comprehensive fulfillment of established promotional standards for alternative tourism destinations.

Keywords: environmental communication; international dark sky park; UNESCO global geopark; astronomical tourism; geotourism; internet website (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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