The Aspiring Geopark Algarvensis (AGA), located in the central region of the Algarve, in the south of Portugal, has a geological history that starts 350 million years ago. AGA was created in 2019 and is now submitting its application to the UNESCO World Geopark list. To UNESCO, a World Geopark is “a unique territory, with a unified geographical area where sites and landscapes of international geological importance are managed in a holistic conception of protection, education and sustainable development, in addition to constituting a territory of excellence for scientific research” (AGA, 2024). The growing significance of geoparks has resulted in the acknowledgement of "heritage status for natural landscapes and features (...), alongside eforts to stimulate economic development in rural areas, predominantly through the promotion of tourism" aligning with the sustainable development principles (Gonzalez-Tejada, Yi Du, Read, & Girault, 2017). Developing a geotourism strategy for a geopark seeking inclusion in the UNESCO Global Geopark Network must be meticulously planned and aligned to enhance the territory's identity across various dimensions, including geological, environmental, cultural, and landscape attributes. Ultimately, the strategy should aim to promote the local community's well-being (Arouca Declaration, 2011). To address the above-mentioned challenges, this study exemplifies innovative tourism development, demonstrating how human- centred methodologies and the integration of geological and cultural heritage can drive sustainable tourism. This initiative, a collaboration between the University of Algarve’s Research Centre for Tourism, Sustainability, and Well-being (CinTurs) and AGA, presents a strategic framework that combines participatory planning with conservation and socio-economic growth. A four-stage research process was implemented by the Design Thinking approach (Golestaneh, Guerreiro & Pinto, 2021). The research phase prioritised inclusivity, using desk research and exploratory field trips to the territory to understand the AGA and consumer behaviour regarding geotourism and geoparks. The Synthesis phase employed exploratory interviews and focus groups to understand the unique attributes of the AGA territory, including its geological significance, cultural heritage, and tourism dynamics. Central themes — Seas, Land, and People — emerged from co-creation sessions involving stakeholders such as residents, municipal teams, tourism operators and cultural and development associations. In the ideation phase, the anchor themes informed the creation of geological trails, cultural heritage paths, and educational events, highlighting the region’s rich narratives. In the delivery phase a set of key solutions stands out to inform the strategic planning which emphasised slow tourism and sustainability to enhance the region’s appeal while addressing mass tourism’s challenges. Proposed solutions include themed tourism routes, community-led events, and the adoption of smart technologies like interactive maps and virtual tours to improve accessibility and visitor engagement. These tools aim to balance environmental stewardship with enriched tourist experiences. Aligning with UNESCO’s Global Geoparks principles and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, the study also addressed challenges such as tourism seasonality by proposing measures to distribute benefits equitably and mitigate environmental pressures. A notable outcome was the proactive involvement of residents in tourism planning, fostering a sense of ownership and ensuring that initiatives align with local values and aspirations. Collaborations with stakeholders, including businesses, educational institutions, and the Regional Tourism Board, were critical in shaping cohesive branding and marketing strategies. These partnerships positioned AGA as a distinctive destination-area for geotourism within the Algarve. The project successfully integrated conservation, education, and tourism by anchoring tourism products in local narratives and leveraging interdisciplinary research. This study, which constitutes a central piece for AGA UNESCO’s Geopark application, underscores the transformative potential of combining human-centred approaches with strategic geotourism development, serving as a replicable model for leveraging heritage to foster regional resilience, environmental preservation, and socio-cultural engagement. Insights gained contribute to global discussions on sustainable tourism, showcasing how inclusive frameworks can preserve natural and cultural heritage while enriching community and visitor experiences.

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Geotourism,Human-centred approaches,Community engagement,Sustainability