Geotourism Circuit Based on a Particular Geomorphosites: Case Study of the Central Moroccan High Atlas Mountains

Geotourism is described as an innovative and alternative tourism activity to the inherited practices of mass tourism. With its geographical position close to the major tourist emitting markets, its civilizational heritage and the natural wonders of the Atlas chain, Morocco has a strong potential for the development of mountain tourist activity. This study concerns the promotion and development of natural heritage of a rural circuit in the central Moroccan High Atlas Mountains. The emphasis is placed on an explicit description of the outstanding geological and geomorphological characteristics of 13 selected geomorphosites along the route which are often visited without any information about Earth sciences. This selection was based on geological and geomorphological observations and analyses during field visits and following interviews with local tourist operators. These characteristics are examined while referring to past and current processes of modification of the natural landscape. Criteria indicators and parameters used for the quantitative assessment of the selected sites focused on the geological, landscape, ecological, cultural and economic values. Five geomorphosites got a high score according to this assessment and should be utilized in corresponding activities and highlighted in the numerical application we are developing. Similarly, those that have a low index need of promotion. In conclusion, the inventory and preliminary geomorphosites assessment revealed possibilities for geotouristic activities that they can be offers in the study area. The contribution of such work linked to a local participatory approach in the definition of regional tourist routes is discussed.