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Questions, Answers about Geotourism Initiative

 

What is this project?
Working with the National Geographic’s Center for Sustainable Destinations, Montréal developed a Geotourism MapGuide for the City.

 

What is geotourism?
Geotourism is tourism that sustains or enhances the geographic character of a place, its environment, culture, aesthetics, heritage, and the well being of its residents.

 

What is a Mapguide?
The printed MapGuide is a two-sided poster-size map with destination information that identifies natural, cultural, and historic attractions that define a sense of place. It helps draw attention to the need to sustain and enhance the authentic assets and character of Montréal, and complement community economic development strategies.

 

How was the Mapguide be developed?
A Montréal Geotourism council has been defined to represent local interests to
work with the National Geographic’s Center. The members of the council are:
• Tourisme Montréal
• Héritage Montréal
• Centre mondial d’Excellence des Destinations
• City of Montréal
• Canada Parks
• Ministère de la Culture, des Communications et de la Condition féminine
• Les amis de la montagne
• Old Port of Montréal
• Parc Jean-Drapeau
• Université du Québec à Montréal
• Société de développement de l’avenue du Mont-Royal
• Destination Centre-Ville

 

What was National Geographic’s role?
National Geographic used its proven process and expertise to produce the MapGuide. The Center for Sustainable Destinations has coordinated production of similar mapguides for destinations around the world.

 

What was the role of the geotourism council?
• Identify the MapGuide boundaries (Greater Montréal)
• Encourage community participation in the nomination process
• Ensure nominations reflect the diversity of the city
• Plan distribution of the MapGuide
• Develop companion website and other outreach efforts

 

How were community members involved?
Activities were held around the city to encourage community involvement and facilitate nominations. Local residents nominated sites, attractions, activities, events, local businesses, and organizations that define the regions unique character and distinctive appeal.

 

How does this benefit Montréal?
The Geotourism MapGuide encourages sustainable tourism choices to international and domestic tourists. It is a tool to refine vacation planning for specific kinds of destinations. Built upon local knowledge and sense of place, a National Geographic MapGuide can increase local incomes and produce economic incentives to conserve and preserve the things that make Montréal unique.

geomontreal.com