This might make Donna (donnamg) jump for JOY! Ana
From National Geographic New
What makes Rhode Island a geotourism destination?
http://www.visitrhodeisland.com/geotourism/what-is-geotourism/
Rhode Island is a place that really treasures its remarkable natural and cultural assets. The National Geographic Center for Sustainable Destinations defines geotourism as tourism that sustains or enhances the geographical character of a place—its environment, culture, aesthetics, heritage, and the well-being of its residents. Rhode Island was the sixth destination in the world and the second U.S. state to sign the Geotourism Charter
The
Rhode Island Geotourism Collaborative -- a public-private partnership
representing agencies and organizations engaged in preservation,
conservation, tourism, cultural activities, planning and transportation
-- oversees implementation of the state's geotourism programs. Led by
Valerie Talmage, executive director of Preserve Rhode Island, the
Collaborative focuses on enhancing Rhode Island’s quality of place by
integrating the interests of historic preservation, environmental
conservation, protection of open space, visual appeal, cultural
heritage and other areas that impact sustainable tourism.
About Geotourism
Geotourism
incorporates the concept of sustainable tourism—that destinations
should remain unspoiled for future generations—while allowing for
enhancement that protects the character of the locale. Geotourism also
adopts a principle from its cousin, ecotourism—that tourism revenue can
promote conservation—and extends that principle beyond nature travel to
encompass culture and history as well: all distinctive assets of a
place.
The Geotourism Charter: Governments and allied organizations can sign this statement of principles as a first step in adopting a geotourism strategy. Download the Geotourism Charter (PDF). After thus committing to a geotourism strategy, signatories
should then work with local communities to determine their geotourism
goals.
What is Sustainable Tourism?
Sustainable tourism, like a doctor's code of ethics, means "First, do no harm." It is basic to good destination stewardship.
Sustainable tourism does not abuse its product—the destination. It seeks to avoid the "loved to death" syndrome. Businesses and other
stakeholders anticipate development pressures and apply limits and
management techniques that sustain natural habitats, heritage sites,
scenic appeal, and local culture.
It conserves resources. Environmentally aware
travelers favor businesses that minimize pollution, waste, energy
consumption, water usage, landscaping chemicals, and excessive
nighttime lighting.
It respects local culture and tradition. Foreign
visitors learn about and observe local etiquette, including using at
least a few courtesy words in the local language. Residents learn how
to deal with foreign expectations that may differ from their own.
It aims for quality, not quantity. Communities measure
tourism success not by sheer numbers of visitors, but by length of
stay, distribution of money spent, and quality of experience.
What is Geotourism?
Geotourism adds to sustainability principles by building on
geographical character—"sense of place"—to create a type of tourism
that emphasizes the distinctiveness of its locale, and that benefits
visitor and resident alike.
Geotourism is synergistic: All the elements of
geographical character together create a tourist experience that is
richer than the sum of its parts, appealing to visitors with diverse
interests.
It involves the community. Local businesses and civic groups work together to promote and provide a distinctive, authentic visitor experience.
It informs both visitors and hosts. Residents discover
their own heritage and how the ordinary and familiar may be of interest
to outsiders. As local people develop pride and skill in showing off
their locale, tourists get more out of their visit.
It benefits residents economically. Travel businesses
do their best to use the local workforce, services, and products and
supplies. When the community understands the beneficial role of
geotourism, it becomes an incentive for wise destination stewardship.
It supports integrity of place. Destination-savvy
travelers seek out businesses that emphasize the character of the
locale. Tourism revenues in turn raise local perceived value of those
assets.
It means great trips. Enthusiastic visitors bring new
knowledge home, telling stories that send friends and relatives off to
experience the same thing—a continuing business for the destination.
What to see in Rhode Island
Rhode Island offers one of the nation’s largest concentrations of registered historic landmarks. Centuries of American history are preserved here, from seventeenth-century Colonial houses and churches to the opulent mansions of Newport. Scores of museums, from maritime to children’s museums, are scattered throughout the state. An exceptional appreciation of the performing arts is evident in the state’s many fine professional and community theater, dance and musical organizations.
2 comments on What makes Rhode Island a geotourism destination?
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Yayyyyyyyy!!!!! You found a real good one! While no state is perfect, this is one area that the state really does apply itself and has been rather successful. All of this is such a way of life around here that it's almost un-noticeable...until visitors speak or write things that remind us or, like on a holiday like today, travelers from out-of-state remark about how word of mouth got them here and how they marvel at how everybody works together, how the beauty and charm is maintained, how much culture there is, and how much local merchandise is available. I'm so glad you found this and decided to post it...you had to know I would enjoy it!
Awesome post!