Sustainable Tourism Program
The Borrego Village Association, a non-profit citizen stakeholder organization, is working to create and sustain a thriving and attractive community, surrounded by Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. To learn more about the Borrego Village Association, who we are and what we do please visit BorregoVillageAssociation.org.
The creation of the Borrego Valley Stewardship Council (BVSC) and the adoption in November, 2014 of a Governing Charter based on National Geographic’s principles for sustainable destination management were spurred by the recognition of water constraints in the Borrego Valley.
The urgency of the issue is underscored by the fact that the only source of water for the Borrego Valley is a critically over drafted aquifer. The State of California has designated both the town of Borrego Springs and Anza-Borrego Desert State Park (ABDSP) to be at risk due to years of over drafting the aquifer to accommodate water-intensive agriculture and recreation. Hence, there is a growing desire to wean away from these water intensive activities by embracing the ABDSP as a world-class wilderness & discovery destination and the town of Borrego Springs as the “hospitality hub” located directly in “The Heart of the Park.”
The Borrego Village Association (BVA) wishes to further move forward with the intent of the Governing Charter to actively support a Geotourism approach to sustainable tourism.
Authentic, sustainable tourism inspires curious and mindful people to explore the world
The benefits are many...
- It benefits residents economically
- It supports integrity of place
- It brings together local stakeholders
- It informs both visitors and hosts
- It helps travelers plan great trips
Our Mission
“To create and sustain a thriving and attractive community, surrounded by Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, where residents enjoy a quality lifestyle, prosperous businesses meet community needs, and tourism enhances the character and well-being of our village.”
What is Geotourism?
“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 Approach to Sustaining Destinations
Utilizing a community stakeholder engagement process designed to develop and strengthen destination partnerships to support economic development, celebrate local culture, sustain natural and cultural assets, and enhance the well-being of residents through sustainable tourism management and marketing.
The BVA is implementing a strategy to strengthen the opportunity for the community and the park to work as partners to develop Inside Anza-Borrego in ways to better benefit from well managed tourism must also clearly reflect the need to evolve the current business promotional practices from a traditional business booster style marketing plan to a Geotourism inspired Destination Management Organization – joining the Anza-Borrego region, an acknowledged World Heritage Center Man and Biosphere Reserve, to a network of world-class UNESCO recognized sustainable destinations.