International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research and Growth Evaluation  |  ISSN (Online): 2582-7138  |  Double-Blind Peer Review  |  Open Access  |  CC BY 4.0

Current Issues
     2026:7/3

International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research and Growth Evaluation

ISSN (Online): 2582-7138 | Open Access

Integrative theoretical model of sustainable tourism and integral health for the Guamuhaya Geopark, Cuba

Author(s):

Published:

Volume: 7 | Issue: 3 | Pages: 732-738

Subject: Sustainability

Country: Cuba

License: CC BY 4.0

Full Text (PDF)

Open Access - Free to Download

Download Full Article (PDF)

Alternative download link

Abstract

Although geoparks are recognized as models of geoconservation and local development, a consolidated conceptual framework that explicitly defines their potential as a health resource is lacking. The objective of this study was to propose an interdisciplinary theoretical framework that links the Guamuhaya Geopark in Cuba with sustainable tourism and the promotion of holistic health, thereby enabling the design of integrated public policies. Through documentary research, which combined a systematic review of literature on geoparks, sustainable tourism, and the nature-health link, including theories of attention restoration and stress reduction, with an analysis of Agreement 10240/2025 of the Council of Ministers of Cuba, an integrative model was constructed. This model posits geological heritage as a fundamental resource, mediated by sustainable tourism that generates benefits for the physical (physical activity, reduction of cardiovascular risk factors) and mental (stress reduction, improved mood) health of visitors, while simultaneously improving the social determinants of health in local communities through participatory governance. The framework integrates four constructs: geological heritage, sustainable tourism, holistic health, and local community, contextualized within the Cuban legal and policy framework. A set of theoretical hypotheses is derived for future empirical validation, and a conceptual basis is offered for designing health-oriented tourism management strategies in Guamuhaya. A graphic model illustrating the proposed relationships is presented. It is concluded that the Guamuhaya Geopark possesses therapeutic potential with ample opportunities for development, making it a potential benchmark for sustainable wellness tourism in the Caribbean.

How to Cite This Article

Ángel Luis Camacho Gómez, Dr. Carlos Manuel Vilariño Corella, Dr. David del Valle Laveaga, Dr. Rigoberto Fimia Duarte (2026). Integrative theoretical model of sustainable tourism and integral health for the Guamuhaya Geopark, Cuba . International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research and Growth Evaluation (IJMRGE), 7(3), 732-738.

Export Citation:

BibTeX RIS EndNote

References

  1. 1. Leff E. The geopolitics of biodiversity and sustainable development: Economization of the world , environmental rationality, and social appropriation of nature. OSAL. 2005;17:263–273.
  2. 2. López R, Salazar J, Hurtado F. Geoparks and their support for endogenous development: A view from Venezuela. In: Carvalho C, Rodrigues J, Jacinto A, editors. Geotourism and Local Development. Idanha-aNova: Câmara Municipal de Idanha-a-Nova; 2008. p. 109–117.
  3. 3. Sánchez JL. Geoconservation and geoparks in the global context: A holistic vision for Latin America and the Caribbean. In: 2nd National Geotourism Congress. San Felipe, Yaracuy, Venezuela: Geoparks Foundation of Venezuela; 2011 . Available from: http://dl. dropbox. com/u/3265939/PPT. IICNG/Dia%203 /5. Sanchez. pdf
  4. 4. Toledo V. Rethinking conservation: Protected natural areas or bioregional strategy? Ecological Journal. 2005;77:67–83.
  5. 5. Farsani NT, Coelho C, Costa C. Geotourism and geoparks as novel strategies for socio-economic development in rural areas. Int J Tourism Res. 2010;13:68–81.
  6. 6. Brilha J, Gray M, Pereira DI, Pereira P. Geodiversity: An integrative review as a contribution to the sustainable management of the whole of nature. Environ Sci Policy. 2018;86:19–28.
  7. 7. Jumbo EE, Herrera FRJ, Ávila AA, Chicaiza OÁ, Morocho CM, Chicaiza OC. Assessment of biodiversity, threats and conservation status of the flora and fauna of the Puyango Petrified Forest. Green World J. 2021;4(2):12–18.
  8. 8. Arrage JA. Geotourism for UNESCO Global Geoparks: A toolkit for developing and managing tourism. Paris: UNESCO; 2024 . Available from: https://unesdoc. unesco. org/ark:/48223/pf0000391228
  9. 9. McKeever P, Zouros N. Geoparks: Celebrating Earth heritage, sustaining local communities. Episodes. 2005;28:274–278.
  10. 10. Carrión MP, Borja BC, Herrera FG, Morante CF, Jaya MM, Maldonado ZA, et al. Geosites and geotourism in the local development of communities of the Andes Mountains: A case study . Sustainability. 2021;13(9):4620–4624.
  11. 11. Azman N, Halim SA, Liu OP, Saidin S, Komoo I. Public education in heritage conservation for geopark community. Procedia Soc Behav Sci. 2010;7:504–511.
  12. 12. Yang G, Chen Z, Tian M, Wu F, Wray RAL, Ping Y. On the growth of national geoparks in China: Distribution, interpretation and regional comparison. Episodes. 2011;25(1):33–37.
  13. 13. Lincango BVF, Pazmiño VPM. Geotourism routes as a strategy for the recognition and conservation of geoheritage in the Puyango Petrified Forest Geopark Project. Siembra. 2025;12(1): e7664.
  14. 14. Hose TA. The English origins of geotourism (as a vehicle for geoconservation) and their relevance to current studies. Acta Geogr Slov. 2011;51(2):343–359.
  15. 15. Hose TA. Editorial: Geotourism and geoconservation. Geoheritage. 2012;4(1–2):1–5.
  16. 16. Martínez FMP. An invitation to geotourism: Reflections on geodiversity and geotourism potential in Argentine Patagonia. Bol Geogr. 2013;(35):61–78. Available from: https://revele. uncoma. edu. ar/index. php/geografi/article/ view/62
  17. 17. Tavera EMA, Estrada SN, Errázuriz HC, Hermelin M. Georoutes or geological itineraries: A geotourism model in the Ruiz-Tolima glacial volcanic complex, Central Cordillera of Colombia. Cuad Geogr Rev Colomb Geogr. 2017;26(2):219–240.
  18. 18. Coutinho ACA, Urano DG, Mate AJ, Nascimento MAL. Tourism and geotourism: A conceptual problem. Rev Rosa dos Ventos. 2019;11(4):754–772.
  19. 19. United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). Proceedings of the International Meeting: Geoparks, Sustainable Tourism and Local Development. Paris: UNESCO; 2021. Available from: https://unesdoc. unesco. org/ark:/48223/pf0000380262
  20. 20. Pilogallo A, Nolè G, Amato F, Saganeiti L, Bentivenga M, Palladino G, et al. Geotourism as a specialization in the territorial context of the Basilicata region (Southern Italy). Geoheritage. 2019;11(4):1435–1445.
  21. 21. Palacio PJL, Sánchez CJL, Schilling ME. Geological heritage and its conservation in Latin America: National situation and perspectives. Mexico City: UNAM, Institute of Geography; 2016 . https://doi. org/10.14350/gsxxi. li.18
  22. 22. Carcavilla UL. A practical guide to understanding geological heritage. Teach Earth Sci. 2014;22(1):5–18.
  23. 23. Dóniz PJ, Quintero AC. Proposal for urban geotourism routes in Icod de Los Vinos (Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain). Cuad Geogr. 2016;55(2):320–343. Available from: https://revistaseug. ugr. es/index. php/cuadgeo/article/view/3014
  24. 24. Meléndez HG, Moreira JC, Carcavilla UL. Geotourism: The transition from a resource to an attraction. Terr Plural. 2011;11(2):327–337.
  25. 25. Dóniz PJ, Becerra RR, Beltrán YE. Geomorphosites in the UNESCO Global Geopark of El Hierro (Canary Islands, Spain) to promote geotourism in volcanic areas. Nor Geogr J. 2021;80:165–186.
  26. 26. Drinia H, Voudouris P, Antonarakou A. Editorial of special issue “Geoheritage and geotourism resources: Education, recreation, sustainability”. Geosciences. 2022;12(6):245–251.
  27. 27. Morante CF, Herrera NG, Jiménez ON, Carrión MP. Puyango Petrified Forest, Ecuador: A geological heritage of the Cretaceous Albian–Middle and its relevance for sustainable geotourism development. Sustainability. 2020;12(16):6569–6579.
  28. 28. López JP, Medina W, Bellos LI, Martínez F. Geotourism in the Tafí Valley: Development of geo-routes as a contribution to geoscientific knowledge of society. Geol Correl Ser. 2022;38(2):29–46. International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research and Growth Evaluation www. allmultidisciplinaryjournal. com 738 | P a g e
  29. 29. Republic of Cuba. Agreement 10240/2025 of the Council of Ministers. Official Gazette. 2025;(96): GOC-2025-582-O96.
  30. 30. Republic of Cuba. Decree-Law 331/2015 on zones with special regulations. Havana: Government of Cuba; 2015.
  31. 31. Republic of Cuba. Decree 11/2020 on geological heritage of Cuba. Havana: Government of Cuba; 2020.
  32. 32. Kaplan R, Kaplan S. The experience of nature: A psychological perspective. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press; 1989.
  33. 33. Ulrich RS. Aesthetic and affective response to natural environment. Hum Behav Environ. 1983;6:85–125.
  34. 34. Wilson EO. Biophilia. Cambridge (MA): Harvard University Press; 1984.

Publication Information

Journal: International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research and Growth Evaluation (IJMRGE)

Publisher: Anfo Publication House

ISSN: 2582-7138 (Online)

Frequency: Bimonthly

Language: English

Open Access: Yes - This article is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License

Share This Article: