Resources

Destination Scorecards

Destination Stewardship surveys published annually in National Geographic Traveler magazine present a stewardship index for well-known destinations. CSD made the ratings after polling hundreds of experts.

• 2009: 133 World Iconic Destinations Rated
  Reported in the November/December 2009 National Geographic Traveler. See article and PDF.
• 2008: 109 Historic Places Rated
  Reported in the November/December 2008 National Geographic Traveler. See article and PDF.
• 2007: 111 Islands
  Reported in the November/ December 2007 National Geographic Traveler. See article and PDF.
• 2006: World Heritage Destination Rated
  Reported in the November/ December 2006 National Geographic Traveler. See article and PDF.
• 2005: 55 North American National Park Destinations
  Reported in the July/August 2005 National Geographic Traveler. See article and PDF. Download list of all 55 scores (PDF).
• 2004: First Global Destination Scorecard
  Ratings of 115 places around the world, reported in the March 2004 National Geographic Traveler. See article or download the list of all 115 scores (PDF).

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Geotourism Study

Read the Executive Summary (PDF) of the landmark survey of U.S. travelers' behavior and attitudes about sustainable practices, commissioned by National Geographic Traveler and conducted by the Travel Industry Association of America (TIA). To purchase the complete study at $225, contact TIA.

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The Untold Travel Story
A Travel Writer's Guide to Sustainable Tourism
and Destination Stewardship

This practical handbook gives travel journalists and consumers ways to evaluate the sustainability of companies and destinations. Download either of two PDF versions: 8 1/2 by 11 inch (PDF) size or a version that you can assemble into a 5 1/2 x 8 1/2 inch (PDF) booklet. For the booklet, you'll need to print six sheets of paper on both sides, then arrange the pages, fold in half, and staple in the middle.

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Gateway Communities Toolkit

In conjunction with the 2005 National Parks Destination Scorecard, this online toolkit can aid any National Park gateway region seeking to improve its tourism appeal and management. Read About Gateway Communities.

Directory for Tourism Professionals

Explore these links if you work in the travel industry, academia, government, or for nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) involved with tourism management.

Directory for Communities

Tourism can contribute to preserving your locale—or to degrading it. These links can help your community plan constructively.

Directory for Travelers

These links may help you to travel in a constructive and rewarding way, supporting the quality of your destinations while ensuring yourself a richer travel experience.

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