Sierra Nevada Geotourism Map - Why and How

Why?
We need your help to produce a better way to plan travel and attract visitors that will patronize your local businesses, take better care of your special places, and help make your local events more successful.

How?
This Geotourism map is created by locals - you nominate places for the map, then a local Geocouncil reviews and edits the nominations. (The Geocouncil will filter to ensure that sensitive areas, etc. are not threatened and the geotourism definition is met.)

Go to www.SierraNevadaGeotourism.org to submit your nominations.

Your nominations will help National Geographic and partners create an online Sierra Nevada Geotourism MapGuide that captures and conveys the essence of the region through the eyes of people who know best -You!



What can you nominate?
Nominations can include:
Events
Agritourism
Local Businesses
Volunteer Opportunities
Historical / Cultural Sites
Local Artist, Musician or Craftsperson
Natural Attractions / Outdoor Adventures
. . . basically anything that is authentic to the Sierra Nevada and sustains or enhances the character of the region.



Share your knowledge and experiences about California's Sierra Nevada region. Be a contributor to the Interactive MapGuide. Here's your chance to tell your story and share your knowledge and experiences with residents and visitors to the Sierra Nevada region. Be a contributor to the Interactive MapGuide. It's easy and fun!


We are building a network of contributors to provide excellent content for this web site. Join us!


This site is intended to celebrate and promote the distinctive geographical character of the region and its environment, culture, aesthetics, heritage, and the well-being of its residents. The web site provides useful information about the amazing sights and unique experiences of the region. It also highlights what visitors and residents are doing and can do to sustain and enhance regional values.


Start contributing right now by signing up. It's free!

What is Geotourism?


Geotourism is defined 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 goes beyond "drive through" travel. It involves regional communities in providing the visitor with an authentic, enriching experience. It acquaints tourists with local culture and traditions and offers them in-depth opportunities to enjoy the area's unique natural beauty and biodiversity.


Geotourism benefits the environment by encouraging sound destination stewardship that keeps growth to sustainable levels and limits negative impacts such as overcrowding and resource pollution. It benefits residents by promoting local services and employment. It benefits visitors by informing residents about their needs and expectations.


Because the Sierra Nevada is world-famous, Geotourism here offers special opportunities for interaction between residents and foreign visitors. Its core values of respecting local cultures and trying to deepen and enhance visitor experience are well suited to the region.


This information was provided by Brad Childs, President of the Wilderness Institute, Inc.

posted by lorrielefevre on July 27, 2010 in the Local Businesses category

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