Geotourism

Geotourism is happening all over the world, but, what is it?

Geotourism : Tourism that sustains or enhances the geographic character of a place, its environment, culture, aesthetics, heritage, and the well-being of its residents. Geotourism encompasses a range of travel including culture and heritage, history, food, nature, the outdoors, water, music and arts.

Geotourism programs, then, involve almost everyone and everything in an area. Everyone wants a sustainable, local economy and to live in a beautiful place. Geotourism brings different stakeholders together including residents, tourists, local business, corporations, government, and there is even a role for you.

Geotourism program seeks to promote and enhance the areas natural, historic and cultural sites to domestic and international visitors who are seeking authentic travel experiences. The programs will encourage sustainable economic development and promote long-term stewardship of the regions distinctive communities, businesses, working landscapes, and natural areas.

Geotourism programs that you find on this site are united by committment to exploring and applying the Geotourism Charter and the Geotourism Principles you will find listed blow.  Participants and sponsors or local programs are asked to take a look at the principles and to work together with the local program stewardship group to find ways to apply the principles within the local community.

In your local area program, you can use the activities and events listed in the training and development section to engage your local stakeholders in the question, too. “How can we learn more about the Geotourism Principles and how we can apply them in our local area to create benefits for our local stakeholders?”
Links and Resources

• Geotourism Charter and Geotourism Principles – Geotourism Indonesia geotourism programs and members
• www.Geotourism.org – Pages maintained by Johnathan Tourtellot
• Global Code of Ethics for Tourism – United Nations World Tourism Organization
• Criteria for Destinations – Global Sustainable Tourism Council
• Industry Criteria – Global Sustainable Tourism Council
• Principles of Cultural Tourism – International Council on Monuments and Sites