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ARC–National Geographic Geotourism Project
Geotourism MapGuide to Appalachia
The Geotourism MapGuide to Appalachia is the result of a unique alliance between ARC and the National Geographic Society to help stimulate economic development in the Appalachian Region by showcasing its natural, cultural, and heritage assets. The project was designed to help Appalachian communities diversify their economies and create jobs by identifying and leveraging such assets.
The map includes more than 350 tourism destinations and events across the Region, selected by National Geographic from over 1,000 nominated by ARC's state and local partners as representative of Appalachia. They include artisan centers, scenic byways, traditional music venues, outdoor recreation sites, festivals, and museums, among other attractions.
National Geographic defines "geotourism" as tourism that sustains or enhances the geographical character of a place—its environment, culture, aesthetics, and heritage—and the well-being of its residents.
The Geotourism MapGuide to Appalachia was published in the April 2005 issue of National Geographic Traveler magazine. A companion Web feature, Discover Appalachia, is available on the National Geographic Web site at www.nationalgeographic.com/appalachia.
The online feature includes an interactive map linking to over 100 of the sites from the MapGuide and provides links to Appalachian states' tourism Web sites for further information.
List of Appalachian sites included in the Geotourism MapGuide to Appalachia
Geotourism MapGuide to Appalachia companion Web feature: Discover Appalachia
ARC press release: ARC and National Geographic Announce First "MapGuide to Appalachia" (March 18, 2005)
The Geotourism MapGuide to Appalachia can be purchased through National Geographic's online map store.
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