Aesthetic Value of Colluvial Blocks in Geosite-Based Tourist Destinations: Evidence from SW Russia

Dmitry A Ruban,Vladimir A Ermolaev,Natalia N Yashalova,Emad S Sallam

doi:10.3390/geosciences10020051

Abstract

Nature-based tourism is stimulated by the aesthetic properties of landscapes, and particular elements of the latter determine the overall scenic beauty. Big stones on forested mountain slopes are among such elements. The Partisan Glade geosite-based tourist destination ofthe Western Caucasus in southwestern Russia is distinguished by the occurrence of such stones. Their field investigation (measurements of physical parameters and interpretation of the common criteria of tourist-meaningful beauty) shows that these are essentially blocks (clasts with the size of 1–10 m) of all grades (fine, medium, and coarse blocks) and colluvial origin. The blocks influence on such parameters of scenic beauty as scale, condition, balance, diversity, shape, and uniqueness, and, therefore, these blocks are of aesthetic value. The most important is color and size. Apparently, the presence of these big stones stimulates tourists’ positive emotions. It is recommended to avoid block removal or breaking in the course of road maintenance.

Highlights

IntroductionThe aesthetic properties of landscapes and their particular elements (landforms, rocks, rivers, trees, etc.) have to be examined whenthe tourism potential of a given area is assessed
Landscape beauty is a significant attractor of tourists [1,2,3]
The objective of the present paper is to provide the first report of the aesthetic properties of colluvial blocks occurring in the Partisan Glade tourist destination

Summary

Introduction

The aesthetic properties of landscapes and their particular elements (landforms, rocks, rivers, trees, etc.) have to be examined whenthe tourism potential of a given area is assessed Such studies are necessary for an understanding of the perspectives of individual tourism directions like geotourism [4]. In regard to the above-said, the ongoing rise of geotourism, the global geopark movement, and geodiversity concepts [4,7,8,9,10,11] have made urgent consideration of spectacular geological features with their specific aesthetic properties among key natural tourist attractions. Filling the noted gap is of practical importance because the relevant knowledge leads to an understanding of tourist satisfaction and effective destination promotion and management

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Conclusion