Hello and YeeHaw!
I've just returned from The Governor's Tourism Conference which focused on geotourism. The highlight was the unveiling of the new map "Greater Yellowstone Geotourism MapGuide." It was really nice to have the representative from National Geographic demonstrating features of the map on the overhead screen ..... especially nice for me because up popped Recommended Destinations and Montana Bunkhouses Working Ranch Vacations was on the list. I just sat there mesmerized and the people at my table were elbowing me saying "hey, look!"
National Geographic defines geotourism as "tourism that sustains or enhances the geographical character of a place--its environment, culture aesthetics, heritage and the well-being of its residents." The MapGuide helps direct visitors to the authentic experiences they are looking for.
National Geographic partnered with Travel Montana (and others) ..... The outcome is this map and an amazing interactive online site. Check it out: go to http://www.yellowstonegeotourism.org/index.php type in ranch vacations and see what comes up!!!! You need to click a couple places to get it to open up as text but that won't slow you down! And you can order a copy of the map or download a copy right from their home page.
Being recognized by National Geographic is validation that we are on the right track with our agri-tourism cooperative. We have now grown to over twenty ranches. Encouragement like this inspires us to keep putting one foot in front of the other.
Glad you are on the journey with us.
You are darn good company!
Happy Trails,
Karen
p.s. The photo selected to represent working ranch vacations (both on paper and online) was taken by a photojournalist named Kwok from Hong Kong while he was a guest of Lower Deer Creek Ranch covering a story on Montana Bunkhouses Working Ranch Vacations. You may have already seen the article on our www.montanaworkingranches.com website "In the News".
