GEOGUIAS: A Certified Training Program for Local Guides and Educators at the Oeste Geopark (Portugal)

GEOGUIAS is a certified training program designed to qualify local citizens as knowledgeable tour guides. It is promoted by the Oeste UNESCO Global Geopark and supported by the national tourism authority. The main objective of the program is to foster sustainable tourism and Geoeducation by empowering trainees to conduct geotourism and educational activities grounded in the geological, historical, cultural, and natural heritage of their region. This study presents the results of a survey completed by 51 certified geoguides, characterising their profile, expectations, and perceived outcomes. It addresses the impacts of training on geoguides, looking at the perceived changes induced by the program on their local and professional or personal activities, regarding sustainable tourism in the territory. Finally, the study assesses the broader impact of the program in terms of local networking, geotourism development, sustainability, and regional socio-economic dynamics in the Oeste UNESCO Global Geopark.