Geotourism, as defined by the National Geographic Society’s Center for Sustainable Destinations, “is tourism that sustains or enhances the geographical character of a place—its environment, culture, aesthetics, heritage and the well-being of its residents.” According to Jonathan Tourtellot, National Geographic Society Fellow and primary author of the Geotourism Charter, “Geotourism 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 takes a principle from its ecotourism cousin—that tourism revenue should promote conservation—and extends it to culture and history as well, that is, all distinctive assets of a place.”
Working with information, materials and concepts provided by National Geographic’s Center for Sustainable Destinations, Missouri State has designed the program to incorporate all elements of geotourism. The program will include courses that present a rigorous and holistic approach to the study of local and global tourism impacts, with the primary focus on enhancing the quality of life of all affected by tourism development.
Students will have opportunities to interact with tourism leaders, complete a capstone learning experience and participate in internships and service learning projects. Students and active faculty of Missouri State University’s department of geography, geology and planning will also have opportunities for research and collaborations through public and private partnerships. This new program will also strengthen the university’s public affairs mission on the local, regional and global scale.
According to Linnea Iantria, instructor in the department, “Offering a bachelor’s degree in this rapidly growing field will attract many of the best, brightest and most civically engaged students from Missouri, across the nation and around the world, who in turn will make an important impact on the cultural, educational and economic growth of their local communities, states and countries.”
The new program is designed to equip students with the knowledge and hands-on experience needed to succeed in entry-level positions in innovative and timely sustainable tourism development. It will help them prepare for careers in fields as diverse as philanthropic foundations, tour operations, convention and visitor bureaus, community development and environmental organizations.
For additional information, contact the department of geography, geology and planning at Missouri State University at geosciences@missouristate.edu or (417) 836-5800. Additional information can be found at www.geosciences.missouristate.edu.