CSD News

Destinations (Listed by country)

Antarctica: Is Rise in Tourism Helping or Hurting the Continent?, by David Helvarg, (8/22/03)
Tours to the southern continent have doubled and redoubled in less than a decade. Is this jump in tourism hurting Antarctica, or helping it?

Australia Through Aboriginal Eyes, by Francis Wilkins, (12/10/04)
A profile of Anangu Tours, an Aborigine-owned tour company in Australia's Red Center.

Australia: Saving an Oz Icon (PDF), by Jonathan Tourtellot, (11-12/1/04)

Australia: Greenish Tasmania (PDF), by Jonathan Tourtellot, (3/1/06)

Bahamas: Lodge Shows How to Save the Secret Islands, by Jonathan Tourtellot, (2/20/04)
How can a tiny lodge get a nation's prime minister to rethink resort tourism and support creation of a new national park? Just win a World Legacy Award for sustainable tourism, reports National Geographic Traveler. Also, develop your bush skills while visiting Manyallaluk, an Australian Aboriginal community.

Barbados: Barbados Resort Treads Lightly, Artfully, by Amy Alipio, (1/28/05)
An award-winning Barbados resort protects its coastal environment and helps guests engage in authentic island life.

Brazil: On the Beach, A Tale of Two Resorts, by Jonathan Tourtellot, (4/2/04)
National Geographic Traveler reports on how one beachside Brazilian fishing village-turned-resort retains its charm-and its fishermen. Plus, a New Mexico mountain lodge spotlights conservation.

Burma: Dictators "Defacing" Famed Temples, by Jonathan Tourtellot, (9/3/04)
Traveler magazine's geotourism editor says the military dictators of Burma (Myanmar) are defacing medieval Buddhist temples at one of Asia's greatest archaeological sites.

Canada-British Columbia: "Spirit Bears" Gain Perilous Popularity, by Eric Lucas, (7/35/03)
Princess Royal Island has not attracted much casual travel. But operators have started summer tours to the remote Canadian island, and several thousand potential visitors go by on Alaska cruise liners. Day tourists seeking a glimpse of the rare "spirit bear" could soon be disturbing stream valleys and sacred traditional sites. Plus, stay at a truly authentic Peruvian inn at the feet of Machu Picchu.

Cook Islands: South Seas Archipelago Pins Future on Geotourism, by Angela Burnford, (10/1/04)
The Cook Islands receive more tourists per capita than any other South Pacific destination. Now authorities are revamping their tourism strategy to focus on preservation.

Dominica: Can This Unspoiled Island Keep Its Charm?, by Jonathan Tourtellot, (11/7/03)
Dominica is not like other Caribbean islands-people aren't jaded; prices are low; and the scenery is unspoiled. National Geographic Traveler examines how the island can attract more visitors, without trampling its charm. Also, where to find West Virginia's mountain gifts.

Indonesia: Far From Tsunami, Climbing a Volcano, by Bill Dalton, (1/21/05)
An award-winning tourism program at Gunung Rinjani-Indonesia's second largest volcano-ensures that tourist fees support local conservation and culture.

Jamaica: How to Get a Real Taste of the Country, Jonathan Tourtellot, (2/9/04)
You don't get much local flavor in the all-inclusive resorts strung along Jamaica's north coast. For authenticity you need community tourism, according to National Geographic Traveler. Plus, Buddhist-friendly angling in Mongolia.

Namibia & Southern Africa: African Safari Outfitter Lauded as "Best of Breed", by George W. Stone, (4/16/04)
One safari outfitter rises above the rest and works to support local communities while protecting natural and cultural resources.

Nepal: Tourism Stripping Everest's Forests Bare, by Finn-Olaf Jones, (8/29/03)
The trekking boom has laid bare the great mountain's base. The main problem? Firewood. Plus: Nine green hotels in Negril.

Norway: Norway's Fjords (PDF), by Jonathan Tourtellot, (11-12/1/06)

São Tomé and Príncipe: Oil Comes to Eden (PDF), by Jonathan Tourtellot, (3/1/05)

Spain: Better Costa Brava (PDF), by Jonathan Tourtellot, (5-6/1/06)

United Arab Emirates: Luxury and Conservation at Dubai's Desert Haven, by Tom Mueller, (11/19/04)
A new nature preserve and resort in Dubai has set aside 4.8 percent of the desert emirate's total landmass for conservation.

U.S.A.-Arkansas: Arkansas Adopts Geotourism Legislation, State Legislation, (March 2007)
In March of 2007 the Arkansas state legislature enacted the Delta Geotourism Act (House Bill 2278), where businesses in the Arkansas Delta region may receive a tax credit of up to $100,000 annually for expenses incurred by adhering to the geotourism definition and working to attract geotourists.

U.S.A.-Maine: Program Helps Sea-Kayakers to "Leave No Trace", by Jonathan Tourtellot, (8/20/04)

U.S.A.-Pennsylvania: Gettysburg, PA (PDF), by Jonathan Tourtellot, (4/1/06)

U.S.A. Wary of World-Heritage Status, Travel Editor Says, by Jonathan Tourtellot, (10/10/03)
Why do too many Americans ignore-even fear-the program that Portugal loves? National Geographic Traveler geotourism editor examines the love-hate relationship for UNESCO's World Heritage Program. Plus: Exploring Chicago's ethnic neighborhoods.

U.S.A.-California: Planned Airport Expansion Divides Ski Town, by Robert Roper, (9/5/03)
A feeling of remoteness lends charm to the California ski town of Mammoth Lakes. But the town government and corporate investors want to spend nearly one billion dollars (U.S.A.) to turn the place into an international resort destination to rival Aspen, Vail, and Whistler.

U.S.A.-Is Wildfire Policy a Smoke Screen?, by Jonathan Tourtellot, (8/15/03)
Every year there are a half billion visits to America's national parks and forests. Tourists provide 78 percent of the national forest's contribution to the economy. Environmentalists decry the government's Healthy Forests Initiative as bad policy for the National Forests. Also, some cruising lines are cleaning up their on-shore activities.

U.S.A.-Washington: Puget Sound Town Weighs Impact of Tourism Tide Development, by Leslie Allen, (8/8/03)
Charming Port Townsend, Washington, beat decay and sprawl. Will it now drown in tourist dollars? Plus, stay in Hawaii's "Most Hawaiian Hotel".

U.S.A.-North Carolina: Fight Urban Sprawl at the Shore, by Jonathan Tourtellot, (7/18/03)
North Carolina's Outer Banks-that thin, 300-mile-long thread of beaches that forms the world's longest system of barrier islands-illustrates the extremes, from the sprawling hodgepodge of Kitty Hawk to the still-quiet charm of Ocracoke.

About Gateway Communities, by Ed McMahon
Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Seward, Alaska. Bar Harbor, Maine. While these towns and cities have highly varied history, climate, culture and terrain they all have one important thing in common.

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About Geotourism and Destination Scorecards

About Geotourism

World Wilderness Congress Adopts Geotourism (PDF), Press Release, (10/10/05)
The 8th World Wilderness Congress (WWC) announced on October 10, 2005 that it has officially endorsed the principles of National Geographic's Geotourism Charter, thus becoming the first major global assembly to do so.

Three Nations Adopt Geotourism Charter (PDF), Press Release, (10/5/05)
Romania has joined the growing community of countries that have formally committed to wisely managed tourism development and destination stewardship.

Honduras, National Geographic Announce Geotourism Partnership, by Angela Burnford, (10/25/04)
Partnering with the National Geographic Society, the Honduran government recently announced its plan to become the first country with an official "geotourism" strategy.

Geotourism Survey Shows Millions of Travelers Care, by Jonathan Tourtellot, (10/24/03)
What are Americans' attitudes about travel? Geotourism editor Jonathan Tourtellot examines some surprising findings from a joint survey by National Geographic Traveler and an industry trade group. Plus, news on an environmentally-responsible cruise line.

Destination Scorecards

Destinations React to Traveler Magazine's Scorecard, by Angela Burnford, (7/9/04)
In March 2004, National Geographic Traveler magazine rated 115 destinations for sustainable-tourism practices. In response to the "Destination Scorecard," some vacation hotspots are taking action.

Travel Scorecard-How Traveler Rated 115 Top Spots, by Mike Hume, (3/5/04)
National Geographic Traveler reveals how the magazine determined "which of the world's great destinations remain great and which may be in trouble."

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Tourism Policy, Practices, and Debates (Most recent first)

How Ill a Wind (PDF), by Jonathan Tourtellot, (05-06/1/06)

Bad Nature Tours (PDF), by Jonathan Tourtellot, (4/1/05)

Eco-Update: Florida for Sale? Snowmobiles in Parks?, by Jonathan Tourtellot, (11/21/03)
National Geographic Traveler explores two issues on the front lines of the sustainable tourism debate: Sprawl in Florida and snowmobiles in Yellowstone National Park. Plus, an Aspen, Colorado ski company turns environmentally-friendly.

Offsetting Air Travel's Greenhouse Impact, by Jonathan Tourtellot, (8/9/04)
Global warming is threatening travel destinations worldwide. What's more, travelers themselves are contributing to it. Find out what you can do about it.

A Shout-Out For World Music, by Jonathan Tourtellot, (7/23/04)
National Geographic Traveler says keeping an ear out for local musicians adds harmony to your trip.

Greener Golf Is Growing—Slowly, by Mark Wexler, (6/25/04)
As golf courses and golf resorts proliferate around the world, their growth provokes environmental questions about land use, habitat destruction, stunning water consumption, and runoff pollution from pesticides and fertilizers. Is it possible to have greener golf? Conservationist and golfer Mark Wexler reports.

Hotels Cut Light Pollution, See Stars, by Jonathan Tourtellot, (3/19/04)
Select hotels are dimming their outdoor lighting, says National Geographic Traveler. The hostelries aim to treat guests, once again, to stunning views of star-filled skies.

Editor Advocates Understanding Through Travel, by Jonathan Tourtellot, (1/23/04)
Too few international tourists are worse than too many, says National Geographic Traveler geotourism editor Jonathan B. Tourtellot-especially when it comes to smashing stereotypes. Also, why planned development maps are raising eyebrows in Massachusetts, and top farm-stays in Poland.

"Pro Loco" a Sane Tourism Tactic, Editor Says, by Jonathan Tourtellot, (1/12/04)
Many Italian towns and small cities have a Pro Loco, a civic membership organization that works with local businesses and tourism officials to devise ways to enhance the town and attract visitors. It's an idea the rest of us might want to adapt to our own countries, writes National Geographic Traveler magazine's geotourism editor, Jonathan Tourtellot. Plus, a northern European hotel chain has taken recycling to a whole new level.

Conservation vs. Development: A Tale of Two Parks, by Jonathan Tourtellot, (9/26/03)
When a study revealed how badly wildlife and wilderness were faring in Banff National Park, Canada's Rocky Mountain jewel, business and government leaders met to search their civic souls: How to save the park without dying economically? Their model could save the Great Smokies.

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Award News

2004 World Legacy Travel Award Winners Announced, by Jennifer Ballesteros, (6/9/04)
National Geographic Traveler and Conservation International announced the winners of the 2004 World Legacy Awards in sustainable tourism. Winners include a Dubai desert resort that has restored local native plant and animal species, including endangered oryx, and an Aboriginal-operated tour-company in the Australian outback.

Finalists Named for 2004 World Legacy Travel Awards, Angela Burnford and Jonathan B. Tourtellot, (5/27/04)
National Geographic Traveler and Conservation International this week named 12 outstanding tourism finalists in the 2004 World Legacy Awards, which recognize excellence in environmental, social, and cultural travel. Finalists include travel enterprises in natural travel, heritage tourism, hotels and resorts, and destination stewardship.

Responsible Tourism Awards
Responsibletravel.com lists accommodations, tour operators, and other services for travelers who want an authentic vacation that benefits the local people and environment. The U.K.-based online agent sponsors an award ceremony for companies that make a significant commitment to responsible travel.

Tourism for Tomorrow Awards
The World Travel and Tourism Council's awards honor best practices in the Destination, Conservation, Investor in People, and Global Tourism Business categories.

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