There has been nothing like them, before or since. For seven years, from 2004 to 2010, National Geographic’s landmark Destination Scorecard surveys recorded experts’ opinions on stewardship for hundreds of places around the world. Now, for the first time, the results are amassed here, with easy-to-understand letter grades.
Truly sustainable tourism can’t “balance” its way out of destructive habits, argues Andy Dumaine of Shrinking Footprint. Economic expediency is no excuse for destroying what cannot be replaced.
A squabble over gift-shop tourist dollars on Santa Cruz island, Galápagos, is now threatening the renowned, if often troubled, Charles Darwin Research Station and its conservation work. Could better destination stewardship have avoided this?
Every year tourists flock to these beaches by the millions, but not for sun and sand. When it comes to impact on the destination, that makes a big difference.
Food and fellowship sum up a student’s-eye view of a geotourism experience in Archanes, Crete—proof that authenticity survives not far from the generic resorts of the island’s north coast.
Geotourism comes to the southern California desert. In collaboration with the surrounding Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, the community of Borrego Springs has adopted a mission statement and geotourism charter and established a stewardship council to guide development.
This university-led program addresses the challenge of attracting tourists to communities largely bypassed by charter flights, tour buses, and cruise passengers. Another project highlights cross cultural tourism, featuring the legacy of a 19th-century Japanese pioneer in Alaska. Geotourism courses are also in process.
Any destination that’s flirting with gambling should heed the collapsing casinos of Atlantic City, New Jersey, and beware.
Presenters offered a lot of useful information at the July 2014 CREST (Center for Responsible Travel) symposium in Grenada. Tamara Olton gives a guide to their presentations, with links.
Poverty Point just became the 22nd U.S. World Heritage site. The much-desired designation raises tourism opportunities and a few concerns.
Tourists Skeptical of Visiting “Toxic America” | Euronews
Trump Purge May Cripple U.S. National Parks | Politico
Greenland Unready for Expected Tourism Surge| Arctic Today
Can Nothing Stop Overtourism? | NY Times
Everest Choppers Destroy Peace, Prosperity | Mungabay
Noisy flights destroy Sherpa trekking economy.
How 39 Destinations Combat Overtourism | Independent
Useful rundown
Barcelona Uses Its Tourist Tax for Climate Action | CBS
Andaman Island Plan Called “Ecocide” | Deccan Herald
Port project endangers Great Nicobar tribes, biosphere reserve
Tulum, After the Airport | Washington Post
Once off-beat, the Maya coastal town girds for mass tourism
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