Hitting the Books for the Planet

Schoolbooks may be closed for the summer, but some eco-conscious students are already getting prepped for September. Missouri State University’s new Bachelor of Science in Geotourism degree offers people interested in the tourism industry an option beyond becoming a travel agent. As communities struggle to preserve the very things that lure travelers, it’s become increasingly important for like-minded professionals to lend a hand.

What is geotourism? According to the National Geographic Center for Sustainable Destinations (CSD), it “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.”

The new degree will include courses on sustainability, cultural and environmental geography and destination and community development. Linnea Iantria, Instructor for Geotourism, said that while only a few other “geotourism” programs may be offered in the world, this is the first that focuses on the National Geographic definition of the term.

Just think, besides all the good you can do for the planet, one day you might lead an organization to win the Geotourism Challenge.

Photos courtesy of GCP Missouri State University.