Page 417 - Volcano and Geothermal Tourism

Plate 9 The sinter terraces of Pamukkale in Turkey draw large crowds on a daily basis, adding up to millions
of visitors each year. Tourism as such appears to be sustainable, but whether the environment can be
sustained under such visitor pressure is a different question. The majority of tourists at this geothermal
attraction are cruise ship passengers from Russia, and a visit to the hot spring terraces usually includes the
ruins of the ancient city of Hierapolis, which are located at the top of the terraces. To maintain the ‘pristine’
look of the hot spring pools as best as possible the water flow is alternated constantly with sections of the
pools empty in the morning and full in the afternoon. Photo courtesy of Patricia Erfurt-Cooper

Plate 10 The Mt Unzen Volcanic Area was recently (August 2009) officially recognized as a UNESCO Global
Geopark and attracts busloads of visitors while the conditions are favourable. Viewing platforms allow large
numbers of volcano tourists to have a close look at this volcano. Photo courtesy of Patricia Erfurt-Cooper

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