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Geotourism Challenge 2009: Power of Place

Geotourism Challenge 2009 Opens

Nominate people, organizations, and businesses engaged in wisely managed tourism and good destination stewardship.

Go Now

Are you a geosavvy traveler?

Are you a geosavvy traveler, alert to the quality and character of the destinations you visit? Have you traveled to a place that works to sustain, enhance, and protect its culture and environment for future generations? If so, let us know where it is and what you found. Nominate a person, place, or organization that's doing things right.

The Geotourism Challenge is sponsored by National Geographic's Center for Sustainable Destinations and Ashoka's Changemakers.

Tips for Geotravelers

Photo: Pedestrians peruse a menu at a local Parisian restaurant

Photograph by Bruce Dale

Successful geotourism depends on both the residents of a place and the people visiting it. As a traveler you can encourage sustainable tourism by voting with your wallet. Patronize locally owned businesses and expert tour guides. Buy from local artists. Eat at restaurants serving local cuisine. Learn traditional dances, and listen to indigenous music.

Geotourism Innovators

Photo: Lucky Chhetri

Lucky Chhetri

Trains and empowers rural Nepali women to serve as adventure trekking guides.

Photo: Douglas McKeekin

Douglas McKeekin

Helps provide Amazon youth an innovative, meaningful, and practical focused education.

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