The National Geographic Society–publisher of National Geographic Magazine, National Geographic Traveler and National Geographic Adventure–formed the Center for Sustainable Destinations with the mission “to protecting all the world’s distinctive places through wisely managed tourism and enlightened destination stewardship.”

The center coined the term “geotourism” to describe this market niche, and defines it as:

“Tourism that sustains or enhances the geographical character of a place—its environment, culture, aesthetics, heritage, and the well-being of its residents. Geotourism incorporates the concept of sustainable tourism—that destinations should remain unspoiled for future generations—while allowing for enhancement that protects the character of the locale.

“Geotourism also adopts a principle from its cousin, ecotourism—that tourism revenue can promote conservation—and extends that principle beyond nature travel to encompass culture and history as well: all distinctive assets of a place.”

The Center for Sustainable Destinations offers resources for destination communities and travel industry professionals designed to promote the goals of geotourism.

• Destination Scorecards: National Geographic Traveler publishes these annual surveys to identify best practices and model stewardship programs at well-know destinations. In recent years, Traveler rated 55 North American National Park destinations, world heritage sites, and popular island destinations.
• Geotourism Study of U.S. travelers’ behavior and attitudes about sustainable practices, in conjunction with the Travel Industry Association.
• Gateway Communities Toolkit, designed to help these communities better manage the impact of tourism and improve their appeal to travelers.
• Geotourism MapGuides: The Center works with a local organizations to create a that highlights the natural, historic, and cultural assets unique to a destination. The Cartographic Division of National Geographic Society creates the map, highlighting the locale’s cultural, historic, and environmental assets; promoting activities that best sustain the natural and cultural attributes of a place; and benefiting local communities.

For more information:

[1] Center for Sustainable Destinations

[2] Geotourism Charter, and more about Sustainable Tourism

[3] Geotourism Destinations and MapGuides

[4] Information and Resources: Geotourism Study, Destination Scorecards, Gateway Community Toolkit, Directories for Tourism Professionals and Communities, and Travelers.