Sheena Pate Crown of the Continent Geotourism Council September 16, 2015 Roundtable on the Crown of the Continent Conference

Organization of Presentation Greetings from Crown Traverse Crew What is the Crown of the Continent? Who is the Geotourism Council? Why partner with Geotourism Council? Follow Traverse Q & A

Crown Traverse

What is the Crown of the Continent? One of the world’s most diverse temperate ecosystems Ecological Crossroads 16,000 square miles – 18 million acres (7.3 million hectares) Transboundary tribal heritage First International Peace Park Two World Heritage Sites A Destination without Borders

Montana

Alberta

British Columbia

Crown of the Continent Geotourism Council Council formed 2007 – Alberta, British Columbia, & Montana – Tourism, Conservation, & Economic Development – 2008 Partnered w/ NG Community Environment Business

3 Overarching Goals Geotourism Business Development – Establish destination that provides high‐quality visitor experiences through sustainable tourism activities and operations. Stewardship – Provide visitors and residents opportunities to preserve and celebrate the environment, culture and history. Communication and Education – Expand networks, promote regional pride, and increase public awareness.

Geotourism “Tourism that sustains or enhances the geographical character of a place- its environment, heritage, aesthetics, culture, and well being of its residents”

Why Partner w/ Geotourism Council? Intact Ecosystem Rich culture and heritage Unique communities Experiences that cannot be had anywhere else in the world

Who are Geotravelers? 55 million geotravelers in the U.S. Millions more worldwide Well educated Environmentally aware Socially conscious/civic engagement Immerse themselves in different cultures Lifelong Learning Frequent & Passionate Travelers Travel defines who they are

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