"Adopting geotourism as a national strategy builds on the measures Honduras has already taken to base its tourism development on authenticity," states Jonathan B. Tourtellot, the director of sustainable tourism at the National Geographic Society. "National Geographic applauds Honduras's efforts and hopes to help both Hondurans and foreign visitors learn more about the rich cultural and natural heritage of the country."
Though it is the first nation to officially adopt a geotourism strategy, Honduras is not alone in its recognition of the value of geotourism. The Cook Islands, a South Pacific destination popular among Australians and New Zealanders, is currently writing a new tourism master plan based on geotourism principles (see related TravelWatch story). Tourism officials say they are eager to adopt the new plan and are awaiting its completion.
Click here for a copy of the geotourism principles on which the agreement signed by President Maduro was based. (Adobe Reader is required to view this file. Download it for free here.)
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