Why geotourism matters to me
Geotourism: Tourism that sustains or enhances the geographical character of a place—its environment, culture, aesthetics, heritage, and the well being of its residents. – National Geographic’s Center of Sustainable Destinations
I like geotourism because I see it beyond the mere marketing niche into which some folks try to pigeonhole the concept. It’s what communities, states and countries turn to when they want to ensure that mass tourism doesn’t obscure the local landscape, water supplies, land affordability and cultural heritage and diversity.
According to a market research study on geotourism, jointly funded by the Travel Industry Association and National Geographic Traveler, “today’s traveler craves and expects authentic experiences. They want to return from a trip renewed or changed in some way.”
In it’s simplist terms, geotourism is about the rise of the “traveler” over the “tourist.” Travelers seek out authentic experiences, local flavor, and meaningful engagement with the destinations and cultures they visit. I’ve always been a traveler so geotourism resonated with me immediately. Having spent the last few years deeply engaged in tourism marketing it seems absolutely essential to adopt and prople the principles of geotourism especially in such a naturally breathtaking state as Colorado, poster child of what many folks think of when they think of the great American West.
So i floated some test balloons. On the ground, the reaction to my idea for a geotourism initiative has been more positive than any idea I’ve ever put forth. When I explained the concept to private citizens, business owners, allied non-profit leaders, civic leaders, public land managers, history buffs and fellow tourism industry marketers and leaders nearly everyone had the same reaction. Without exception folks responded with a sigh of relief. Finally, through geotourism travelers could be encouraged to actually help improve and resolve the social conditions, environmental challengs and unique character of the places they visit. Geotourism could help make it acceptable to measure success not by sheer numbers of visitors but by the quality of their experiences. It seems clear that geotourism is the answer to the question of how to ensure a thriving tourism economy that also preserves the promise of The West and all its colorful landscapes, skyscapes and people.
Tourism is the lifeblood of Colorado’s many mountain resorts. Indeed in 2007, overnight trips totaled 28 million and overall tourism spending amounted tonearly $10 billion. The challenge for tourism promoters is to to balance inevitable progress while retaining the elements that attract so many visitors who contribute to local and state economies through direct expenditures and tax revenues that support community vitality.
Yet there are skeptics who must be convinced the geotourism pays before they’ll hop aboard one of the tourism industry’s newest niche “-isms,” (joined by agritourism and heritage tourism). Through the initiative I’ve spearheaded, I hope to prove there is marketplace interest and demand geotourism as a framework for response to these TIA stats:
71 percent of the traveling public indicates that it is important to them that their visits to a destination not damage its environment.
61 percent – nearly two-thirds – agree that their travel experience is
better when the destination preserves its natural, historic, and cultural sites and attractions.
58 percent support controlling access to National Parks and public lands so they can be preserved and protected.
53 percent of travelers agree that their travel experience is better when they have
learned as much as possible about their destination’s customs, geography, and culture.
Tags: Geotourism
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Comments (6)
Lee,
You’ve proposed an interesting idea with geotourism. I certainly agree that learning something about a culture is a lot more fulfulling than just visiting.
I wonder if there are universally acceptable ways to approach an unfamiliar culture so that the people living there can accept you? Any ideas?
Dave
Great question. I’ve never heard of set protocols per se but I would contend that it’s like entering any new environment, whether a new job, a new school, a new neighborhood. To gain acceptance, watch listen, learn, and humility are good starts. And by watch I mean being an astute observer of such simple things as how the people greet each other, how they enter each others homes and businesses, how they eat and drink together then doing your best to follow suit. No matter where you are or how exotic the language it also seems a good idea to at least learn to say hello, goodbye, please, thank you and I’m sorry (for all the gaffs unintentionally committed). Traveling in India and Kashmir, I learned to say at least those few phrases in five languages – Ladakhi, Nepali,Hindu, Tibetan and Islamic. I would contend that simple act went a long way toward showing respect for a culture and its people and opened doors to better connections with folks and hence richer experiences, which is what life is all about anyway, eh?
I enjoyed both the blog post and the reply about entering a new environment. Quick thought about each:
- The Blog Post. Living at the Ocoee River, I hear people talk about crowds/traffic on rivers, especially the Ocoee which hosts around 300k users per year – less than the river in your backyard but still a lot. While the footprint on the area is important to monitor, a part of me feels good that some of the people in these big numbers take away a different awareness and appreciate for our natural resources. Hopefully something is “sinking in” there.
2. Entering a new environment. Back in my comepetitive days, feeling accepted and a part of the community where I was competing was always important. The biggest key for me in this area was changing the focus from “me” and “my needs” to my “hosts” and their traditions, mannerisms, etc. Genuninely respecting and liking your new environs goes a long way. Think about what it means to you when someone from somewhere else does this to/for you?
Great blog – thanks!
-Joe
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I think you’ve summmed up the basics — watch, listen, learn, humility and active, interested participation. These seem intuitive. I wonder if the important thing is to keep these basics in mind when you’re exploring a new culture? Perhaps there are other basics — documenting your experience, sharing ideas and observations?
This is an interesting and important area.
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