If you’ve never heard the term Geotourism, it’s probably because it’s a relatively new term, with the word being coined in 1997 and introduced to the world at a tourism conference in 2002.
Geotourism is defined as tourism that sustains or enhances the geographical character of a place such as its environment, culture, aesthetics, heritage, and the well-being of its residents.
With that definition in mind, a meeting to discuss the National Geographic Geotourism Project was held November 30 at the Red River Conference Center. Roberta Salazar, North Central New Mexico Coordinator for the project, conducted the meeting which saw eight attendees.
Four Corners Region residents, which includes Red River and the Enchanted Circle, and visitors, community organizations, tourism stakeholders and local businesses nominate sites for inclusion in a print MapGuide and interactive Web site at no cost.
Unlike any other mapping project, a favorite local restaurant, farm, winery, hiking or biking trail, swimming hole, museum or artist gallery are samples of the type of nominations National Geographic and its project partners will be seeking.
The Web site will target a variety of growing travel niches— adventure and nature tourism, cultural heritage travel and agritourism— and allow for residents to select the one-of-a-kind places integral to a distinctive character of place.
Interested? Contact Eddie Dry at eddiedry@hotmail.com or by phone: 575-754-3364.
Info courtesy fourcornersgeotourism.com.
