Jonathan Tourtellot is director of Mission Programs at National Geographic’s Center for Sustainable Destinations. He spoke to conference attendees about geotourism, another type of sustainable tourism.
National Geographic’s Center for Sustainable Destinations explains the concept thoroughly, but briefly, “Geotourism is tourism that sustains or enhances the geographical character of a place—its environment, culture, aesthetics, heritage, and the well-being of its residents.”
Call it what you will, Tourtellot said, geotourism speaks to embracing the concept of place and moreover, he suggests it is wise tourism where destinations themselves are sustained and enhanced.
However, Tourtellot doesn’t simply deliver definitions. With a nod to how environmentalists are deemed too earnest to enjoy life, he dryly added, “We don’t all have to start being puritanical. Yes you can have fun – just recycle your rum bottles.”
Tourtellot emphasized travellers can help protect authentic tourism products – including protecting the destination itself. “We need to communicate to visitors how they can make a difference, how they can aid sustainable tourism by making what are sometimes very simple choices. If a culinary supply – I’m thinking of a species of fish – is at risk, then we can choose not to eat it.”
I believe this is where we travel and environment writers can make a significant difference, by alerting readers to choices they can intelligently make – and not only about nuts and bolts travel issues such as carbon offsets or green lodgings. Writers can affect intelligent change and authentic sustainability by informing readers about Audubon golf courses, for example, or AZA Zoos and Aquariums.
Giving a nod to Quebec, Tourtellot said, “Quebec does a very good job as does all of Canada in measures of excellence and particularly in destination stewardship in the travel industry.”
But no travel destination can rest on its laurels.
He asked Quebec Tourism to consider the future implications of mass tourism. What will happen, for instance, to historic rue Petit Champlain if cruise ships are allowed to visit and discharge thousands of people into this charming street of the Old City? “No-one will like it,” Tourtellot predicted.
Change can be for the better. But as Tourtellot reminds us, without realistic analysis of known consequences (let alone those challenging unknowns...) tourism development can create unsustainable, undesirable consequences.
And, that’s precisely what we all want to avoid. Isn’t it?
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