EMU To Talk 'Geotourism'
Ypsilanti, Michigan may not be considered a top state tourism destination, but if city officials want to learn how to make it more appealing, they may want to attend the Southeast Michigan Geotourism Conference Nov. 18.
The theme is "Maximizing Our Assets by Capitalizing on Our Attractions, History and Natural Resources."
The conference, co-hosted by EMU's Department of Geography and Geology and the Southeast Michigan Heritage Tourism Alliance, runs from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the EMU Student Center Grand Ballroom. For information, go to www.semigeotourismconference.com or call (734) 926-7577. Registration is $99.
The focus of the conference is to raise awareness of the vast tourism opportunities present in southeast Michigan that encompass historic sites, popular attractions and recreational activities, and to demonstrate the positive impact geotourism can have on the region's economic development.
"Geotourism, a concept introduced in 1997 by National Geographic's tourism editor, Jonathon Tourtellot, is considered 'best practice' tourism," said Professor Kelly Victor-Burke, an EMU geography instructor and conference committee co-chair. "This involves tourism that sustains or enhances the geographical character of a place, such as its culture, environment, heritage and the well-being of its residents. Tourism that focuses on the well-being of local residents is vitally important not only as a source of revenue generation -- but also because it serves as an incentive for the community to protect what it is people are coming to see."
The guest speaker at the conference is author, professor and television personality Harm de Blij, former geography editor for ABC's Good Morning America. "Geography Awareness and National Security" is the title of de Blij's presentation, Nov. 18 from 7-9 p.m. at the Student Center Ballroom.
Other speakers scheduled include: Phillip Cooley, co-owner of Slows Bar B Q in Detroit; Roger Curtis, president of Michigan International Speedway; Ted Ligibel, director of EMU's Historic Preservation Program; Anita Twardesky, Riverside Kayak public relations director; Daniel Kinkead, an architect with Hamilton Anderson Associates; and George Zimmermann and Dave Lorenz, executives with the Michigan Economic Development Corp. and Travel Michigan, the official State of Michigan tourism promotion agency.
(c) 2010, WWJ Newsradio 950. All rights reserved.
