The Geotourism Approach National Geographic Society Center for Sustainable Destinations

geotourism Tourism that sustains or enhances the geographical character of a place— its environment, heritage, aesthetics, culture, and the well-being of its residents.

DESTINATION STYLE DRIFT... if development unchecked, unguided Touring R & R Entertain- ment Unspoiled destination SPOILED ?

geotourism n Tourism that sustains or enhances the geographical character of a place— its environment, culture, aesthetics, heritage, and the well-being of its residents.

FLORA AND FAUNA

HISTORIC AREAS

SCENIC PLACES

TRADITIONAL ARCHITECTURE

LOCAL MUSIC

CUISINE

LOCAL CRAFTS

DANCES

ARTS Many small/medium businesses

geotourism Tourism that sustains or enhances the geographical character of a place— its environment, culture, aesthetics, heritage, and the well-being of its residents.

CONSTRUCTIVE

RESTORATIVE

Economically significant segments Geotourism segments

GEO- SAVVY S URBAN SOPHIS- TICATES SELF- INDUL- GENTS GOOD CITIZENS OUTDOO R SPORTS- MEN APA- THETICS TRADI- TIONALIST S WISHFUL THINKER S MEAN

Index of Destination Stewardship determined by expert panelist scores 0-2 Catastrophic 3-4 In serious trouble 5-6 In moderate trouble 7-8 Minor difficulties 9 Authentic, unspoiled, and likely to remain so 10 Enhanced SIX CRITERIA Environment Cultural/social impact Aesthetics Built heritage Tourism management General outlook

Honduras first country to make geotourism its national tourism strategy - October 2004 Norway - second country, first in Europe - September 2005 Romania - third country, Signed geotourism charter on World Tourism Day, September 27th, 2005 Arizona, USA / Sonora, Mexico – first transnational geotourism alliance. Signed Geotourism Charter on December 3 rd, 2005 at Border Governors Conference in San Carlos, Sonora, Mexico

Geotourism Principles: signed 22 Oct 2004 General goals Integrity of place: Sustain and enhance geographical character International codes: Adhere to WTO code, ICOMOS charter

Geotourism Principles: Follow and adjust the strategy Planning: Balance short-term economic needs against long-term enhancement of geographical character Evaluation: Conduct regular reviews by all stakeholders. Measure success by economic/social/environmental benefit per tourist, NOT numbers of tourists.

Geotourism MapGuides 3 to 5 year shelf life, easy to update Can coordinate with websites Informs both visitors and residents Local alliance continues as destination stewardship council

Status Published: Appalachia - 13 states In creation: Suwannee Wilderness Trail, Florida Arizona (US) - Sonora (Mexico) Vermont - Northeast Kingdom In discussion: Honduras Peru - Sacred Valley Norwegian fjords Mexico - Sea of Cortes

Geotourism Tool Box NGS community booklet on geotourism Web site development Gateway Community Toolkit Interpretive Planning Associated NG Traveler Guide book NGS Expeditions - tours to the region Education Programs

Creating a participatory planned Geotourism MapGuide to benefit local people and conserve and preserve the geotoruism assets of the Sonora Desert border region of Arizona and Mexico. Innovative Partnerships DOT Sonora, Mexico DOT Arizona, USA US Bureau of Land Management Sonoran Institute