Trout Point Lodge of Nova Scotia selected as worldwide top 10 finalist in tourism competition by National Geographic

Small wilderness resort is only one of ten in the 2009 Geotourism Challenge: Power of Place for its entry entititled “Re-inventing a geotourism destination in Nova Scotia.” The Lodge must now seek votes to be named the world's top innovator in geotourism. End Quote

through Wednesday, Aug. 12, the public can vote online at www.changemakers.net/geotourismchallenge for three finalists

(1888PressRelease) July 19, 2009 - Trout Point Lodge of Nova Scotia has received notification of its selection as one of 10 finalists from more than 660 entries in the second annual “Geotourism Challenge” sponsored by the National Geographic Society and Ashoka’s Changemakers. The competition, focusing on “Power of Place — Sustaining the Future of Destinations,” reaches out to identify individuals and companies worldwide that have introduced the most innovative practices in geotourism: tourism that sustains or enhances the geographical character of a place — its environment, culture, aesthetics, heritage and the well-being of its residents.

Entries were received from 81 countries and represented tour operators, guide companies, hoteliers, local businesses, conservation organizations, industry leaders and community organizers.
A distinguished panel of judges — Nobel Peace Prize winner Dr. Wangari Maathai, founder of the Green Belt Movement; Keith Bellows, editor of National Geographic Traveler magazine; Erika Harms, executive director of Sustainable Development, United Nations Foundation; Tony Wheeler, founder of Lonely Planet; Ben Keene, founder of Tribewanted; and Dr. Yang Yuming, vice president of Southwest Forestry University, China — reviewed the entries and selected Trout Point Lodge for revitalizing backwoods area of Acadian Forest through place-based immersion experiences and the Nova Scotia Seafood Cooking School.

“The entries really address community needs, teach, entertain and are accompanied by a lot of passion. I admire the finalists’ enthusiasm and wish them much success,” said Nobel Laureate Maathai. In a press release, the National Geographic Society called the finalists “ten of the most innovative, sustainable travel programs around the world.”

“We were truly surprised and extremely honoured by the selection,” commented Trout Point Managing Director Vaughn Perret. The Lodge's competition entry, viewable online at geotourism.changemakers.com/en-us/node/21375, states: “Trout Point embodies sense of place and creates a destination experience for visitors in a way that supports and promotes the unrecognized natural, social, and cultural riches of the Tobeatic Wilderness Area and the Southern Nova Scotia Biosphere Reserve.” Co-owner Charles Leary said: “Our entry and our efforts over the past decade have been to promote the fantastic local resources here—Acadian French culture, the world's best seafood, great people, and amazing natural resources—as a way to define not only Trout Point but also the entire Yarmouth & Acadian Shores area as a geotourism destination. We are very gratified that the judges recognized these values and offerings as truly world class.”

Trout Point Lodge will now compete among the other finalists to be selected as one of three winners. The public is invited to vote online at www.changemakers.net/geotourismchallenge until Wednesday, August 12, 2009. The winners, to be announced Wednesday, September 9, 2009, will each receive a cash prize of $5,000. “We really hope people read the entries, register, and vote,” commented Perret.

The Geotourism Challenge is one of the key programs of National Geographic’s Center for Sustainable Destinations. For more information on geotourism and destination stewardship, visit www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/sustainable.

Trout Point Lodge opened in 2000 and offers rooms & cottages, dining, and a variety of outdoor recreation opportunties within the Southern Nova Scotia Biosphere Reserve. The Lodge has a 4.5 star rating from Canada Select and is anually inspected & recommended by Conde Nast Johansens.

http://www.troutpoint.com

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