b'GeotourismNewsThe AGC launches the National Geotourism StrategyThe Australian Geoscience Councilboth Aboriginal and post Europeanto the broader Australian community. (AGC) is Australias peak council ofsettlement, including mining). The AGC considers that this improved geoscientific societies, including theprofile for geoscience is likely to have ASEG. The AGC President, ProfessorThe development of a National Ecotourisma positive impact in other areas of David Cohen, recently announcedStrategy in 1994 and subsequent state/ strategic importance, most notably the that the Council has embarked onterritory-based initiatives is considered asneed for continuing tertiary enrolments implementing a National Geotourisma particularly useful precedent and guide.in geoscience that is required to meet Strategy that is designed to supportIt is significant that the developmentAustralias needs for highly qualified the orderly development of majorof geotourism in Australia lags manygeoscience graduates and researchers geotourism projects and activities incountries approach, notwithstandinginto the future. It is recognised that this line with overseas trends and domesticthe fact Australia has already taken theobjective can be achieved if the National regional development imperatives. Theinitiative in several areas in developmentGeotourism Strategy is structured to AGC sees the articulation of a Nationalof the concepts underpinningdeliver and interpret for the traveller or Geotourism Strategy with a staged andgeotourism, through the identificationvisitor, quality natural heritage content, incremental approach as being essentialand development of several significanthighlighting geology and landscape.to ultimately gaining governmentgeoregions and establishment of an array endorsement at all levels. of geotrails. The National Geotourism Strategy embraces seven strategic goals:Tourism industry development benefitsThe pursuit of geotourism offers can be significantly enhanced throughthe potential for new industries and the holistic approach of geotourism,employment opportunities through1. To develop new digital technologies a pursuit that enhances the valuethe development of major projectsto deliver and interpret for the of traditionally structured, nature- within Australia. Also, very significantlytraveller or visitor quality natural and based tourism by generating newfrom a strategic perspective, the AGCcultural heritage content, highlighting product development (i.e., includingrecognises that the development ofparticularly geology and landscapes. geology, landscape, flora and fauna,geotourism may be one of the best waysWorking Group Chair: Mark Williams,as well as cultural heritage attributes,to communicate the value of geoscienceE: mark.williams@utas.edu.auThe Granites, Murchison georegion, Western Australia. Photo: Jarrad SengJUNE 2021 PREVIEW 22'