Geotourism for Environmentally Responsible Travel

Geotourism Engages Travelers in Authentic Cultural Experiences

Geotourism for Sustainable Development

Environmental responsibility is one reason the trend is gaining ground. Like sustainable tourism, geotourism wants to preserve the ecological attributes of travel locations. But unlike sustainable tourism, geotourism appeals to the mass market. It isn't just for the altruistic few who want to save a place; it is for anyone looking to reap all the unique benefits a place has to offer: the cultural, historical, archeological, architectural, and natural elements that combine to create authentic vacations.

Before the emergence of geotourism, destinations often sacrificed their distinctive characteristics in order to make consumers feel at home. As a result, many vacation destinations gave up the very things that attracted travelers in the first place: unique customs, cuisine, architecture, etc. Conversely, geotourism enhances a destination's natural and cultural distinctiveness while still providing a high-quality visitor experience.

Amble Resorts (http://www.amble.com), an environmentally responsible real estate development company, has tapped that very idea. Owner Benjamin Loomis remarks, "Amble was basically founded to cater to the geotourist market segment, which we think will grow significantly as travelers become more and more sophisticated and demanding."

Loomis is preparing to break ground next year on an eco resort in Panama's Gulf of Chiriqui, The Resort at Isla Palenque (http://www.islapalenque.com). "Isla Palenque and the surrounding islands offer all kinds of activities that interest geotourists, from the villages of the Ngobe Bugle to archeological sites to an astonishing diversity of terrestrial and aquatic wildlife," says Loomis of his island resort. 

The Resort at Isla Palenque (http://www.islapalenque.com) and other geotourism destinations are attracting  vacationers with elements of geographical character.

Geotourism has become a popular, effective way for travelers to experience their vacations in a deep and meaningful way -- without detracting from the destination itself.