Geotourism may not be a familiar concept to tourism executives, but as Jonathan Tourtellot, the Director of National Geographic’s Center for Sustainable Destinations explains, it plays a critical role in the long-term success for tourism destinations. Put simply, it is defined as “
tourism that sustains or enhances the geographical character of a place—its environment, culture, aesthetics, heritage, and the well-being of its residents.”
While it includes the principles of sustainable tourism, geotourism goes one step further by enhancing and protecting those elements which makes a destination unique, namely its character and sense of place. This results in tourism that promotes the unique character of a place, and ultimately benefits visitors and residents alike. Geotourism, put simply, is synergistic, involves the community, informs both visitors and residents, benefits residents economically, supports integrity of place and most importantly for the traveler, it means great trips.
Tourtellot will be the keynote speaker at the upcoming SMG Tourism Conference at Lake Tahoe on May 30, 2007, where he’ll speak about geotourism and how it can positively impact all areas of a destination, including the local economy, the environment and the destination residents.
In addition, Tourtellot will follow up his presentation that evening on the Geotourism Dinner Cruise on the Tahoe Queen from 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm. Sponsored by Aramark and National Geographic Society, the cruise will feature a panel discussion, moderated by Tourtellot, with Lake Tahoe environmental and tourism experts, along with a delicious buffet of sustainable cuisine.
For more information about the SMG Tourism Conference or the Geotourism Dinner Cruise, please visit
www.smgtourismconference.com or call (530) 541-2462 ext. 102. The conference fee is $140 for one or two people or $115 for 3 or more attendees. Fee includes registration, lunch and all materials. Spaces on the Geotourism Dinner Cruise are $58 each, and are payable by check or credit card. Conference registrations are requested by May 22, 2007, and dinner cruise registrations are requested by May 29, 2007.
