Page 34 - Volcano and Geothermal Tourism

Introduction 11

2008). Myths about demons and religious worship
of volcanoes are still widespread (Schmincke, 2006)
and it is therefore not surprising that all sorts of
sacrificial offerings have been considered beneficial
in the appeasement of ill-tempered spirits (Fisher et
al, 1997; Lawrence, 1997; Davison, 2003; Holland,
2004; Dalton, 2005; Marti and Ernst, 2005;
Cochrane, 2006; Wockner, 2006; Marshall, 2008a)
thought to inhibit active volcanoes in many
countries. Even human sacrifices were in some
regions included in the past (Henderson, 2007;
Cashman and Giordano, 2008; Alvarado and Soto,
2008; Viramonte and Incer-Barquero, 2008; Figure 1.2 Examples of informative guides to volcanic
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 2009; Montgomery, regions worldwide, although many focus on individual
n.d.) to influence the mood of the volcano gods in countries or areas
order to avoid a disaster. The success rate of such Source: Collected by author
activities undoubtedly left a lot to be desired!

Volcanoes in the literature scenarios does not offer any solutions to potential
Numerous books have been published about risk problems, or contribute in a constructive way
volcanoes and their various geophysical to risk management.
backgrounds, with descriptions generally including It appears that, with a few exceptions, such as
a range of popular locations, their eruption history, Leonard et al (2008), not much scholarly research
the numbers of fatalities over time, and frequent has been carried out related to the field of tourism
references to potential dangers for people living in volcanic areas – in particular not with regards
close to active volcanoes. Some publications are to the potential risk situation of millions of annual
meant to encourage further research and interest visitors to active volcanoes and associated
in volcanism (Wood and Kienle, 1990) or to landforms like geothermal features. The sector of
introduce non-geologists to the history of certain volcano and geothermal tourism does however
volcanic or geothermal areas (Fritz, 2004), while receive attention from authors of guidebooks (see
others are directed at the general reader who is Figure 1.2). Visual and interpretive visitor guides
interested in volcanoes and the earth sciences covering volcanic regions for the general public
(Rosi et al, 2003; Lopes, 2005). Over the last few (Fisher et al, 1997; Edelmann, 2000; Kelsey, 2001;
years a number of books have been published Rosi et al, 2003; Frank, 2003; Forst, 2004; Fritz,
because according to some authors millions of 2004; Fritsch, 2005; Lopes, 2005; Secor, 2005)
people find ‘super volcanoes’ especially fascinating abound, and there are a number of field guides for
(Savino and Jones, 2007). Some of these ‘super people with a basic knowledge in geology or
volcanoes’ have been used in recent publications volcanology (Guðmundsson and Kjartansson,
in a rather sensationalist style: on the one hand 1996; Kilburn and McGuire, 2001; Scarth and
raising awareness of a potential danger, on the Tanguy, 2001; Thordarson and Höskuldsson,
other the fear factor is used to sell books with 2002). Coffee table style books which showcase
catchy subtitles mentioning ‘ticking time bombs’. the unique landforms of volcanic and geothermal
While this categorization of certain volcanoes environments (Bourseillier and Durieux, 2002;
may well be the case – the preferred option is to O’Meara, 2008) are used to create additional
have experienced scientists and volcanologists to interest in these areas.
determine this, not travel agents or media outlets. Popular ways of sharing knowledge about a
Without relevant qualifications in appropriate certain area are the walking and climbing guides, for
fields of science to give such publications some example, by Kelsey (2001); Dungey and Whytlaw
weight, the marketing of scare tactics and doomsday (2007); and Secor (2005), or books covering suitable

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