Geotourism Media Kit

Press Release and Materials 

New National Geographic MapGuide to Highlight Sierra Nevada Region - August 12, 2009

What is Geotourism?

About Sierra Nevada Geotourism

Travel Industry Association Study & Summary - Released September 2003

View this short video on the definition of Geotourism with Jonathan B. Tourtellot, Director, and Geotourism Editor, National Geographic Traveler

About the Geotourism Council

Nomination Guidelines

Background on National Geographic's Center for Sustainable Destinations, Sierra Business Council, and Sierra Nevada Conservancy

Sierra Nevada Geotourism FAQs

What is Geotourism?
Tourism that sustains or enhances the geographic character of a place,  its environment, culture, aesthetics, heritage, and the well-being of its residents. Geotourism encompasses a range of niches including adventure and nature-based travel, eco- and agri-tourism, cultural and heritage travel.

What is a MapGuide?
The Sierra Nevada Geotourism Project will generate a website and a printed MapGuide. Both the poster-sized map and interactive website will offer destination information that identifies natural, cultural, and historic attractions that define the Sierra Nevada. 

How will the website and mapguide be developed?
First, the Sierra Business Council, Sierra Nevada Conservancy and Yosemite National Park will convene a “Geotourism Council” of local residents and community leaders, historic preservationists and environmentalists, agricultural interests and business owners, artists and artisans to oversee the project.

Next, the Geotourism Council will sponsor public forums and presentations around the region to encourage community involvement in the project. During a three month “nomination period,” the council will to collect recommendations from local residents and visitors for the website and print MapGuide.

Nominations may include historic structures and archeological sites, scenic landscapes and wildlife viewing areas, trails and outdoor recreation, local 
cuisine and culture, festivals and events, artists and river guides—the people and destinations that contribute to the Sierra’s unique beauty and diversity.

Finally, the National Geographic will work with the Geotourism Council to review the nominations, edit the material, and design a high-quality National Geographic-branded map and website. National Geographic will have final editorial control of the co-branded website and MapGuide.

What is the role of the Geotourism Council?
The council will encourage community participation in the nomination process; ensure nominations reflect the diversity of the region; identify themes and work with National Geographic to edit and design the website and MapGuide.
Once the website is completed, the council will oversee distribute the print MapGuide, and market the website. In addition, the council will work with the diverse communities of the Sierra to contribute fresh material for the website, and to encourage long-term stewardship of the region’s natural, historic and cultural assets.

How will this project benefit Sierra Nevada communities?
The Geotourism project seeks to sustain and enhance the assets that make the Sierra 
a premier tourism destination by encouraging a sense of stewardship among residents and visitors alike. The MapGuide and website will promote the range’s natural, historic, and cultural sites to domestic and international visitors seeking authentic experiences.

Who supports this project?
The lead sponsors are the Sierra Business Council, Sierra Nevada Conservancy, Yosemite National Park, and the National Geographic Society. 
In addition, we have secured additional partners including the U.S. Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management, and local support from the Mariposa County Economic Development Office, the Mariposa Chamber of Commerce,and Visitors Bureau; the Calaveras County Chamber of Commerce; the Foothill Conservancy; and Southern Tuolumne Historical Society. We continue to seek support from business, civic, and nonprofit organizations; and local governmental agencies; farmers, ranchers and community leaders.