Landscape Values as a Determinant in Geotourism Development: A Case Study of Utah, USA

The state of Utah is located in west-central United States. The area of 219 887 km ² is populated by 2.8 million people (in 2009). Population density is relatively low: 12 persons per square km. The main reasons for low population density are unfavourable natural conditions. The most important are topography and climate. Utah’s landscape diversity is a consequence of a variety of terrain types. For that reason, there are 5 national parks (Zion, Bryce, Capitol Reef, Arches and Canyonlands), national monuments, and other lower rank protected areas established in Utah. Each of these places, characterized by unique types of landscape brings millions of tourists per year from USA and all over the World. For example, Arches National Park has more than 1700 natural arches. All these protected areas are very important in development of tourism industry (geotourism), as well as in economy of USA. Utah’s national parks draw more than 6 million visitors annually.