Monday, March 31. 2008

Word of the Day: GeoTourism

National Geographic defines “geotourism” as “tourism that sustains or enhances the geographical character of a place - its environment, culture, aesthetics, heritage, and the well-being of its residents.”

The Missoulian (Montana)talks up the concept while introducing the new “Crown of the Continent” map which features many local points of interest suggested by locals. The article explains that the Crown, as a geographic region, covers northern Montana, southwest Alberta and southeastern British Columbia. The map is a collaborative effort of National Geographic and the Center for Sustainable Destinations and the National Parks Conservation Association, and 350 locals who nominated 700 items for the map during 64 public forums. There's an online version of the map here.