Geotourism Challenge – Entries Deadline May 20th

The deadline for entries to The Geotourism Challenge is fast approaching and I wanted to ask you to help out in any way you can.

Anyone with an interest in independent off-the-beaten-track travel should value in this contest, which highlights and rewards the best local travel gems that are thoroughly routed in the place and community.

Ways in which you can help:

• Nominate any great local tour providers or accommodations that you feel sustains or enhances the geographical character of a place — its environment, culture, aesthetics, heritage, and the well-being of its residents. (nominate here http://www.changemakers.net/en-us/geotourism/nominate/16599)
• Inform & encourage your readership to get involved in the contest
• Promote the link to the contest in your twitter, friendfeed, stumbleupon etc. communities (http://www.changemakers.com/en-us/competition/geotourism)

There are already more than 130 entries from all over the world have come in, from outfits that connect travelers with host families instead of hotels, to tours that steep participants in preparing and enjoying local cuisine, to organizations that pair visitors with local residents on conservation missions.

The nominations list is chock full of interesting adventures that also celebrate the distinct destinations of the world by honoring culture, cherishing history and enhancing the environment.

Want to write a story about one of the outstanding entries or nominations? The first 10 writers to contact dfrasz@ashoka.org can be connected with the entrant or nominee of their choice and have the opportunity to profile their story on changemakers.net if their story is published before May 14th.

The Changemakers online community members review the ideas and programs as the entries come in, and make comments and suggestions to help refine the programs and support their success. Finalists will be chosen by a panel of expert judges, including Nobel Peace Prize winner Dr. Wangari Maathai.

Then the online community votes for three winners, each of which will receive a $5,000 prize and exposure to the 60,000 strong Changemakers community of people committed to social change and National Geographic’s readership.

There are also further specific prizes provided by WHL.travel, Intrepid and Tourdust

This is a tremendous opportunity to support and discover the best in geotourism.