First, what is Geotourism?
Geotourism is defined as “tourism that sustains or enhances the geographical character of a place- its environment, culture, aesthetics, heritage and the well-being of its residents. It incorporates the concept of sustainable tourism- that destinations should remain unspoiled for future generations- while allowing for ways to protect a place’s character. Geotourism also incorporates the principle of ecotourism- that tourism revenue should promote conservation- and extends it to culture and history as well.” – National Geographic
What does the Geotourism Development Foundation do?
The Geotourism Development Foundation (GDF) believes that tourism makes the world a better place. It generates jobs and revenues for the poor, conserves culture and the environment, and promotes tolerance and understanding between people. GDF seeks to generate these positive impacts by creating partnerships between the tour industry and local social entrepreneurs and funding projects that enrich the unique aspects of a place to benefit both travelers and local residents, who are are eager to share their local knowledge and lifestyles while benefiting from the revenue that tourism can bring.
GDF is an independent, U.S. non-profit organization that primarily works in the developing world where tourism is a major source of revenue and employment, and is a priority sector for them to get more integrated into the global economy. GDF aims to increase the benefits to locals by working with community development initiatives and the local tourism sector to create traveling tours that differ from standard tours typically managed by offshore travel companies. GDF strives to engage with and cultivate sustainable tourism initiatives and ensures that the benefits of such tourism are immediately shared with all stakeholders (local communities, travelers and the travel industry) in a manner that fosters a sustainable and distinct connection between host and traveler.
GDF achieves these goals by providing loans to develop local projects as tour products and bringing together know-how on the tourism side with know-how on the project side in generating development impact. Loans to the projects are repaid from booking revenues which provide long term income.
How does it work?
1. GDF Connects with Local Partner: GDF links with a community initiative, social entrepreneur or NGO doing something that generates social, cultural or environmental benefits and could engage travelers.
2. Local Partner Requests Funding for a Project: The local partner applies for GDF funding to develop the proposed project, which in turn, will generate a sustainable revenue stream via traveler visits.
3. Project Displayed: GDF provides transparent information and details about the proposed project on its website which allows website visitors to donate directly to it.
4. Funds Raised- Project Ready: Once a funding target is reached, the local partner receives a disbursement and starts implementing the project, preparing to welcome future travelers.
5. Sustainable Revenue- Beneficiary Benefits: The local community beneficiary (initiative or organization) can now benefit from revenue from travelers that did not previously exist.
6. Maintaining the Connection: After returning home from a trip, travelers can post reviews of their visits and share their experience with a wider audience, which allows people to show their interest and support for GDF on an ongoing basis.
The potential of tourism in helping to lift people out of poverty is increasing acknowledged and supported by poor countries and for the poor living in wealthy countries. GDF is helping this happen through its past and current projects to develop geotourism in locations that will bring financial, social and environmental benefits to both hosts and travelers.
Learn more about GDF’s Current Projects and make a donation at: http://www.geotourismfoundation.org/
Written by Kathleen Emerson on January 13, 2016