Bev Thornton

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