The trick is in drawing tourists to such sites, while protecting the region’s natural beauty. But that’s where the work of Joy Adams, professor of Geography at Humboldt State University, comes into play.
Since 2008, Adams and her students have been working with several organizations, including National Geographic and the Bureau of Land Management, to develop an interactive MapGuide for Geotourism of California’s northern coast. And on March 11, with the official launch of California’s Redwood Coast website, the fruits of their hard work will be realized.
Geotourism is a form of tourism where both the tourist and the destination community celebrate the natural character of an area.
Other forms of tourism emphasize drawing large numbers of sight-seers, large developments and quick, almost drive-by explorations of a destination. But Geotourism promotes welcoming travelers in sustainable numbers, protecting the landscape instead of developing it, and encouraging guests to take their time appreciating what makes a community worthwhile.
This responsible and symbiotic relationship between the traveler and the local community promotes the preservation, appreciation and economic development of some of the best-hidden treasures on the Northern California coast.
Once the website is launched, those with the travel-bug can plan their trip to the North Coast using the interactive MapGuide. It can help them pick their destinations based on criteria such as the best hiking trials, bird watching sites and local amenities.
For more information, visit http://www.visitredwoodcoast.com/.