Promoting Geotourism in Switzerland – Building Expertise and Driving Digital Innovation in Swiss Geopark Regions
Project Description and Objectives
Switzerland boasts exceptional geological diversity but does not yet have a UNESCO Global Geopark. Through this Innotour project, Swiss Geoparks is promoting geotourism as a sustainable form of nature, educational, and adventure tourism and laying the groundwork for the long-term development of UNESCO Global Geoparks in Switzerland.
The project consists of three coordinated subprojects:
- Establishment of a National Center of Excellence for Geotourism
- Implementation of a National GeoGuide Training Program
- Development of an innovative digital platform featuring interactive 360° landscapes.
This initiative connects tourism stakeholders, builds expertise, trains regional guides, and brings geological landscapes to life through modern digital outreach methods.
The participating regions are working together to develop new offerings, strengthen existing tourism value chains, and promote collaboration between the tourism industry, academia, education, and regional service providers.
The project combines analog and digital visitor experiences, enhances the visibility of geological features, and boosts the appeal of the participating destinations. At the same time, it establishes national frameworks that will position Switzerland as a geotourism destination in the long term and support future UNESCO Global Geopark nominations.
Project Sponsor
Swiss Geoparks
Project Partners
- Regional Geopark Candidates
- Regional and local tourist destinations and tourism associations
- Parks of National Significance
- UNESCO World Natural Heritage Sites
- Local tourism service providers
- Geology Experience
- Universities and Colleges
Financial Assistance Granted
CHF 238,000
Project Duration
2026–2027
Support
"Supported by Innotour, the funding program of the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO)"
