Trout Point Lodge is one of 10 finalists 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.
The Lodge’s competition entry, viewable online, 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.”
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.
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 opportunities within the Southern Nova Scotia Biosphere Reserve. The Lodge has a 4.5 star rating from Canada Select and is annually inspected & recommended by Conde Nast Johansens.
