Geotourism Challenge: Celebrating Places/Changing Lives

The National Geographic Society introduces its first Geotourism Challenge collaborative competition to identify and showcase innovators in tourism development, management and marketing. The one-of-a-kind online competition, at www.changemakers.net/geotourismchallenge, will raise awareness about how tourism can help sustain, enhance and preserve local culture and environment. Three winners will each receive a cash prize of $5,000 and all finalists will have an opportunity to present their innovations at a Geotourism Challenge Summit this fall.

Coordinated in partnership with Ashoka's Changemakers, the global "Geotourism Challenge: Celebrating Places/Changing Lives," will accept online applications through Wednesday, April 16, 2008. Applicants must demonstrate an innovation that furthers geotourism, 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." During this 10-week period anyone can debate, endorse or provide additional information on the applicants. Travelers can nominate additional candidates and provide feedback about unique travel experiences and quality destinations. A distinguished panel of judges will review the applications and select a dozen finalists. The online community will then vote for three Geotourism Challenge winners.