GEOTOURISM

Geotourism is defined as tourism that sustains or enhances the distinctive geographical character of a place—its environment, heritage, aesthetics, culture, and the well-being of its residents.

Geotourism is ...

Environmentally responsible - committed to conserving resources and maintaining biodiversity

Culturally responsible - committed to respecting local sensibilities and building on local heritage

Synergistic - bringing together all elements of geographical character to create a travel experience that is richer than the sum of its parts and appealing to visitors with diverse interests

Benefits of geotourism

It benefits residents economically.

Travel businesses do their best to use the local workforce, services, products, and supplies. When the community understands the beneficial role of geotourism, it becomes an incentive for wise destination stewardship.

It supports integrity of place.

Destination-savvy travelers seek out businesses that emphasize the character of the locale. Tourism revenues in turn raise the local perceived value of those assets.

It informs both visitors and hosts.

Residents discover their own heritage and how the ordinary and familiar may be of interest to outsiders. As local people develop pride and skill in showing off their locale, tourists get more out of their visits.

It means great trips.

Enthusiastic visitors bring new knowledge home, telling stories that send friends and relatives off to experience the same thing—a continuing business for the destination.