Geosite Digital Popularity Index: A Data-Driven Framework for Geoheritage Assessment to Support Geotourism Development

As the tourism sector increasingly integrates data-driven planning, the potential of geoheritage for regional development remains underrealised due to the persistent absence of standardised visitor statistics and metrics. This paper presents a scalable framework that utilises open-access digital indicators, such as user reviews, ratings, and geotagged photographs, to develop a Geosite Digital Popularity Index (GDPI) for assessing visibility and appeal. Implemented across 19 sites in the Košice region of eastern Slovakia, the methodology shows that user ratings are the most significant predictor of perceived geotourism value and that digital presence can effectively counteract physical remoteness, providing practical insights for heritage professionals and planners operating in environments with limited data. The approach is cost-effective, transferable, and adaptable for other regions seeking to valorise underrecognized geoheritage assets. Consequently, this research proposes a methodological framework utilising open digital traces, such as reviews, photographs, and ratings, to transform raw digital traces into actionable, scalable indicators. Its applicability in data-scarce contexts underscores its potential to serve as a cost-effective, globally replicable tool for researchers and planners.