VOLCANO TOURISM - GEOGRAPHY

News: The ‘volcano tourists’ that vied to catch Iceland eruptions

 

What's in the news?

       The country is a prime destination for volcano tourism, a niche segment that attracts thousands of thrill-seekers every year.

 

Volcano Tourism:

       The exploration and study of active volcanic and geothermal landforms.

       Volcano tourism also includes visits to dormant and extinct volcanic regions where remnants of activity attract visitors interested in geological heritage.

 

Destinations of Volcano Tourism:

       Iceland is becoming a prime destination for volcano tourism, a niche segment that attracts thousands of thrill-seekers every year to sites in Sicily, Indonesia and New Zealand.

       The 2021 Fagradalsfjall volcano eruption in southwest Iceland has drawn thousands of visitors.

       It is also called the ‘tourist eruptions’ where one can get quite close to the crater and witness the lava flow. These thrill-seeking tourists are also called “Lava chasers”.

 

Major Volcanic Tourist Spots:

Some major volcanic tourism spots are

       Grindavik eruption in Iceland

       Mauna Loa in Hawaii

       Marapi volcanic eruption

       Mt Lewotobi Laki-Laki eruption in Indonesia

       Onsen ryokans (hot springs inns) in villages near volcanoes in Japan

       Ruins of the ancient Roman city of Pompeii, Italy

       Mount Vesuvius, Italy.