Welcome to the Grenada Maco Meter! The Grenada Maco Meter is where we practise "mindin' and advertising community business"; an eParticipatory Community Development Website developed by People in Action as a support system to community development. In Caribbean a "maco" is a person who knows all that goes on or "minds people business".
Geotourism is tourism that sustains, or even enhances, the
geographical character of a place, such as its culture, environment,
heritage, and the well-being.
The National Geographic Society and Ashoka’s Changemakers have introduced the first Geotourism Challenge to identify and showcase innovators in tourism development, management, and marketing. The one-of-a-kind online collaborative competition, at www.changemakers.net/geotourismchallenge, will raise awareness about how tourism can help sustain, enhance and preserve local culture and environment. Read More
10 great places to leave the beauty unspoiled
In the Caribbean: The
historic harbor in St. George is one of the major appeals of the island of
Grenada. The great beaches and rich inland don't hurt, either.
Resolved: Pick a place to visit this year that does not
involve trashing the planet. Call it "geotourism," which is defined by
the National Geographic Society as "tourism that sustains or enhances the
geographical character of a place. It's a destination where you can have an
authentic travel experience without harming the place." Jonathan
Tourtellot, director of the society's Center for Sustainable Destinations,
shares his list of favorites with Tim Smight for USA TODAY.
Grenada "Grenada is one of the last Caribbean island countries not yet overwhelmed
with huge, all-inclusive resorts," Tourtellot says. "The beaches are
beautiful, the forested and mountainous interior is ecologically rich, and the
capital of St. George is the most attractive historic port town in the
Caribbean."grenadagrenadines.com
Guanajuato
Mexico
Founded in 1554, Guanajuato is about 230 miles northwest of Mexico City in the
country's historic silver-mining region. "This hilly, Spanish-colonial
city teems with life and history," Tourtellot says. "That presents a
nice balance for both tourists and residents. Several of the city's historic
buildings have been tastefully converted into hotels and restaurants, and the
narrow streets of the city center are delightful to wander through." guanajuatocapital.com
Ashland, Ore.
Nestled in the foothills of the Cascades about 285 miles south of Portland,
Ashland is famous for its annual Shakespeare Festival. It is also one of the
USA's most historic and appealing small towns, Tourtellot says. "Ashland's
downtown area and surrounding neighborhoods are remarkably well-preserved, with
charming, turn-of-the-century Queen Anne architecture. The wonderful array of
boutique-type shops and restaurants attracts both tourists and locals." 541-482-3486;
ashlandchamber.com
Isle of Skye
Scotland
If you adore Scotland, you'll love this quiet island retreat off the country's
northwest coast, Tourtellot says. "Skye combines dramatic mountain and
coastal scenery with a vibrant cultural and social scene. The residents
maintain a strong focus on protecting the natural environment and preserving
traditional Gaelic culture. There are castles to visit, tiny villages to wander
through, and a wonderful food and drink festival that has become an annual
event." skye.co.uk
Mackinac Island
Michigan
Situated in the Straits of Mackinac between Michigan's upper and lower
peninsulas, Mackinac Island is a throwback to an earlier time. Homey, rural and
scenic, the island exudes authenticity and a relaxed feel. "Mackinac
Island is a slice of true Americana, and the pace is kept purposefully
slow," Tourtellot says. "One big reason is that no cars are allowed —
the only ways to get around are on foot, bicycle or by horse-drawn
carriage." 877-847-0086; mackinacisland.org
Cape Breton Island
Nova Scotia
"Located off Nova Scotia's northeastern coast, Cape Breton is a beautiful,
semi-wild island where the locals are part of the experience," Tourtellot
says. "The aesthetic appeal is high, with scenic drives and unique fishing
villages to visit. Authentic culture and history are everywhere — you'll find Celtic
traditions in one village and Acadian in the next. Best of all, tourism hasn't
harmed these communities; the revenue it brings in has helped preserve
them." capebretonisland.com
Wachau Valley
Austria
With few development pressures and an appreciation for history, Austria has a
good record for taking care of its landscapes. "In the winemaking region
of the Wachau, each village tries to outdo the others in preserving and
promoting local heritage," Tourtellot says. "Take in the scenery from
a river cruise on the Danube, sample some of the area's renowned wines, and be
sure to tour the well-preserved Benedictine Abbey in the medieval town of
Melk." 212-944-6880; austria.info
Chaco Culture National Historical Park
New Mexico
Located in the northwest corner of New Mexico, Chaco Canyon houses the
remarkably well-preserved remains of what once was a huge Anasazi city called
Pueblo Bonito. At its peak, around 900 A.D., the settlement was the center of
Anasazi society and home to thousands of Native Americans. The site includes
sports arenas, places of worship, a marketplace and cliff dwellings up to five
stories high. "A long, unpaved access road helps keep this
archaeologically rich site untrampled," Tourtellot says. 505-786-7014; nps.gov/chcu
Northeast Kingdom
Vermont
"The three counties of the Northeast Kingdom are — in the opinion of
residents and tourists alike — the real Vermont," Tourtellot says.
"This is rural America at its most nostalgic, enlivened by a vibrant
cultural arts community and the wonderful Vermont scenery. There are scenic
back roads to drive, quaint little towns to explore, wonderful hiking in the
summer and great skiing in the winter." 800-884-8001; travelthekingdom.com
Coastal
Fjords
Norway
Rugged terrain and a cool, wet climate help to keep the Norwegian coastline
beautiful and unspoiled, Tourtellot says. But when the sun does shine, it's
truly spectacular. "Avoid the huge summer cruise ships, which let you see
the fjords but not really experience them. Instead, go for a springtime mix of
driving, hiking and short trips on the Norwegian coastal ferry line. Stay at
the local inns, which serve foods unique to each fjord." visitnorway.com
The National Geographic Society and Ashoka’s Changemakers have introduced the first Geotourism Challenge to identify and showcase innovators in tourism development, management, and marketing. 
Geotourism is tourism that sustains, or even enhances, the
geographical character of a place, such as its culture, environment,
heritage, and the well-being.
