Geotourism Engages Travelers in Authentic Cultural Experiences

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Chicago, IL, December 1, 2009 — Tourism has undergone a dramatic shift in recent years and many in the industry believe the change is permanent. In the past, American tourists sought familiarity in even the most exotic destinations. Today, the more sophisticated consumer seeks experiences as unique as their destinations. This industry-wide travel trend, called “geotourism,” attracts modern vacationers who are now looking to immerse themselves in the authentic culture of a place.

Jonathan Tourtellot, the director of the National Geographic Society’s Center for Sustainable Development and an American geotourism pioneer, coined the term “geotourism” to define responsible, authentic travel. Tourtellot observes,”Geotourism is no flash in the pan: travelers around the globe are seeking it out in both rural and urban settings.”

Environmental responsibility is one reason the trend is gaining ground. Like sustainable tourism, geotourism wants to preserve the ecological attributes of travel locations. But unlike sustainable tourism, geotourism appeals to the mass market. It isn’t just for the altruistic few who want to save a place; it is for anyone looking to reap all the unique benefits a place has to offer: the cultural, historical, archeological, architectural, and natural elements that combine to create authentic vacations.

Before the emergence of geotourism, destinations often sacrificed their distinctive characteristics in order to make consumers feel at home. As a result, many vacation destinations gave up the very things that attracted travelers in the first place: unique customs, cuisine, architecture, etc. Conversely, geotourism enhances a destination’s natural and cultural distinctiveness while still providing a high-quality visitor experience.

Amble Resorts, an environmentally responsible real estate development company, has tapped that very idea. Owner Benjamin Loomis remarks, “Amble was basically founded to cater to the geotourist market segment, which we think will grow significantly as travelers become more and more sophisticated and demanding.”

Loomis is preparing to break ground next year on an eco resort in Panama’s Gulf of Chiriqui, The Resort at Isla Palenque. “Isla Palenque and the surrounding islands offer all kinds of activities that interest geotourists, from the villages of the Ngobe Bugle to archeological sites to an astonishing diversity of terrestrial and aquatic wildlife,” says Loomis of his island resort. “We’re offering travelers a chance to get to know a uniquely special place, and the assurance that it will stay special.”

The Resort at Isla Palenque and other geotourism destinations are attracting travelers in droves. For these vacationers, all the elements of geographical character must act in harmony to deliver an experience richer than the sum of its parts. Geotourism has become a popular, effective way for travelers to experience their vacations in a deep and meaningful way — without detracting from the destination itself.

Photos:

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About Isla Palenque

Amble Resorts’ new Panama real estate project, The Resort at Isla Palenque, will be a sustainable resort community with a unique boutique hotel, ingeniously designed residences, and sumptuous amenities. For more information, visit http://www.islapalenque.com.

Other press releases from Amble Resorts

• Amble Resorts Signs West Paces Hotel Group to Manage World-Class Panama Resort Project: Isla Palenque - March 9th, 2010
• Panama Enjoys Growing Reputation as Hot Vacation-Home Destination - February 8th, 2010
• More Adventure Opportunities Sought by Travelers - January 26th, 2010
• Progressive Luxury Resorts Make Walls Obsolete for the Traveling Elite - January 6th, 2010
• Fishing by the Rules: Sport Fishermen Embrace Sustainable Techniques - December 10th, 2009
• Backpackers Pave the Way for a Wide Variety of Tourists to Flock to Panama’s Gulf of Chiriqui - November 16th, 2009
• Panama Emerges as a Prime Location for Close-To-Nature, Low-Density Resort Development - November 5th, 2009
• Whale Watchers Find a Bevy of Opportunites for Observation Along the Pacific Coast of Panama - October 5th, 2009
• Island Properties - An Inherently Ecological Land Form - September 11th, 2009
• In the New Age of ‘Conscious Consumption’ Travelers Seek Vacations With Real Meaning - September 1st, 2009

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