Crown of the Continent Geotourism Development Initiative
National Geographic
defines “geo‐tourism”
…
… tourism that sustains or enhances the geographical character of a place – its
environment, culture, aesthetics, heritage and the well-being of its residents.”
WHAT’S SPECIAL
ABOUT YOUR PLACE?
www.crownofthecontinent.net
www.itrr.umt.edu/research10/ GeotourismHandbook2010_6.pdf
DYLAN BOYLE –
GEOTOURISM
COORDINATOR
R and R
Tourism …
place and type of service
EntertainmentTouring
Tourism and SustainabilityThreats to tourism
‐Overcrowding
‐Lower quality experience
‐Loss of distinctiveness
Unsustainable Sustainable
Geotoursim: CELEBRATE the place!
The Geotourism Virtuous Circle
Community benefit
Motive to protect
Place- based
tourism
The Circle Broken
Community benefit
Motive to protect
Place- based
tourism
xLeakage; irresponsible
business practices
Benefits too
selective or not
apparent
Obstacles to
protection
So far ….–map guide and website
–KSPS mini‐documentary
– geotourism council/steering committee
– strategic business plan
–baseline visitor and market research
– geotourism coordinator
– geotourism handbook
–opportunity identification/gap analysis
– transboundary promotion campaign
Next steps …
• implement more outreach in all regions: geotourism workshops and collaboration to assist businesses
and organizations in developing their geotouristic activities, products and opportunities
• create a revenue stream that supports sustainability for coordinator, and project activities
• continue strengthening the website and use of social media for promotion
www.albertasouthwest.com