Sierra Nevada Geotourism and COVID-19

The impacts of the COVID-19 crisis have magnified the challenges associated with recreation and tourism in the Sierra Nevada. Sierra Nevada Geotourism has a unique opportunity to respond and balance these complex issues by increasing equitable access to the outdoors, providing education on responsible recreation and Leave No Trace principles, reducing the ecological impact of increased users, and empowering the fragile economies of recreation gateway communities. Outdoor recreation and travel offers the chance to promote experience-based, sustainable tourism to a new and growing audience. It is vital that we capture this moment for the economic well-being of off the beaten path communities, for the sustainable stewardship of our destinations, and to make equitable access to the Sierra available to all.

Sierra Business Council is actively seeking sponsorship of this program to address issues of equity and access, overcrowding, increased human impact on the environment, and other recreation impacts in tourism-dependent communities of the Sierra. To sponsor our work or get involved, contact Jill Sanford at jsanford@sierrabusiness.org. 

What is Geotourism?

Geotourism is 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. 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.

Geotourism FAQs