A sustainable tourism program that aims to protect our distinctive place and promote positive destination stewardship by tourists, local residents, and tourism professionals.
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.”
Why Geotourism?
When done poorly, tourism can significantly damage a destination and its appeal. When done correctly, tourism can bring economic benefits and create an incentive to conserve natural assets and cultural heritage. Geotourism encourages visitors and residents alike to work for the long-term sustainability of a place.
What is a Geotourism Strategy?
A program that helps destination stakeholders identify and develop a place’s authentic and sustainable assets and market them using innovative tools.
What tools are used to support Authentic Destination’s Sustainable Tourism Program?
Stewardship Councils are an alliance of representatives of local public, private, and non-profit organizations that commit to uphold the principles of Geotourism and are trained to guide a destination through the implementation of a Geotourism strategy
MapGuides are interactive online platforms, including websites and applications, co-branded with the destination that promote the natural, historic, and cultural assets unique to a destination as identified by local stakeholders
Strategic Plans guide stewardship councils to market and manage their destination through assessment, management, operations and marketing to sustain their destinations over time
Where has this been done before?
Since 2005 over 20 Geotourism Programs have been implemented for destinations in 17 countries and 35 USA States.
Please visit these interactive destination guides at: