Integrated GIS and VGI approach to regional development, heritage landscapes, and nature-based tourism in the North West Highlands UNESCO Global Geopark 

Identifier:  TFM:2461

Handle: https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11797/TFM2461

Authors:  Pryszmont, Daniel

Abstract:
This thesis investigates the spatial organization of visitor flows and heritage landscapes within the North West Highlands UNESCO Global Geopark to advance regional revitalization. Integrating Geographic Information Systems and Volunteered Geographic Information, the study quantifies a highly uneven distribution of visitor activity. Results reveal that 67.2% of high-intensity visitor hotspots concentrate within one kilometre of roads, leaving expansive, heritage-rich landscapes underutilized. The research proposes a replicable spatial decision-support model to identify new opportunities to empower community-led geotourism planning, redistribute visitor pressure, and bridge governance gaps between local peer networks and planning authorities.