Is sustainable tourism possible?

Recently, production of consumer-based products such as cars, kitchen appliances and even entire houses have focused around sustainability. TV commercials advertise "green" household cleaners or the latest gas efficient car model. What else can be classified as sustainable?

Tourism. John Francis, National Geographic's vice president for Research, Conservation and Exploration, is currently popularizing a Geotourism Mapguide that highlights sustainable places and attractions in the Central Cascades region in the Pacific Northwest.

The MapGuide will direct visitors to more than more than 200 geotourism sites around the region. These sites were initially suggested by over 1,200 nominations from local residents and then selected by the National Geographic Society and other regional committees.

Francis, explains that "In defining this region by what its residents most treasure, you have made great strides toward ensuring its geographical character for future generations." The project, which took 2 years to complete, was a "tremendous achievement," said Francis. "Many people have worked for years to create this special map, and their work, and the result of it, is a testament to the pioneer spirit that is characteristic of the region."

Francis promotes geotourism as a more holistic approach to tourism because it enhances the values of the place. Having attended the University of Washington for his Bachelors degree, Francis explains that this project would have been impossible without "strong stewardship across the region and the support of government agencies, regional tourism groups, tribal groups, and many others."

Aside from serving as the Vice President of Research, Conservation and Exploration for National Geographic, Francis is also a key member of other environmental related organizations such as the Commission for Education and Communications for the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the U.S. National Park System Advisory Board and the U.S. National Commission for the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

Francis believes that "“tourism is the engine for conservation, and geotourism connects travelers with places."

Travelers, welcome to the Pacific Northwest.

Photo Credit: National Geographic Expeditions