This article provides a comparative study of commercial cave tourism in Australia and China, focussing on the methods of site interpretation and presentation used by selected show caves. The key point of contrast between the commercial speleotourist experiences offered in Australia and China is in the relative priority given to site conservation and framing the cave as a spectacle for the enjoyment of visitors. The discussion draws on the authors’ field research, visiting show caves as tourists to consider the significance of developments in ecotourism and geotourism for show cave management in Australia and China.
History
Publication title
Helictite: Journal of Australasian Speleological Research
Volume
42
Pagination
1-11
ISSN
0017-9973
Department/School
School of Humanities
Publisher
Australian Speleological Federation Inc
Place of publication
Australia
Rights statement
Copyright The Authors, 2016. Journal compilation copyright 2016 Australian Speleological Federation Inc.,