I commend you for your interest in this area’s exciting opportunity for a GeoTourism project in partnership with National Geographic. This letter is in response to the September 16 “National Geographic, Murdoch and the River” editorial.

Several years ago I represented Idaho Tourism on the Greater Yellowstone GeoTourism Stewardship Council, a successful partnership between community leaders and National Geographic that continues to promote the region’s unique attractions and works to sustain its unique character. I’ve seen first-hand the GeoTourism program’s benefits both to area tourism and to residents’ quality of life.

This fall, the Delaware River-based GeoTourism Stewardship Council will announce our project’s name, scope and theme. We will invite residents to help develop a web-based MapGuide and mobile app by nominating sites, events and experiences that contribute to this region’s authentic character. We aim to launch our online GeoTourism resources next May.

GeoTourism travelers are interested in local history, culture, nature and outdoor recreation. They stay longer and spend more money than other visitors. They respect the places they visit. This is exactly the kind of visitor we want to attract to our communities.

After reviewing the facts about the expanded media partnership between National Geographic Society and 21st Century Fox, I think the GeoTourism program may benefit from the partnership’s greater media reach. As I understand it, the National Geographic Society will remain an independent nonprofit organization committed to using the power of science, exploration and storytelling to change the world.

Our Delaware River communities have a lot to gain from participating in this project. Ultimately, our future is in the very best hands—ours.

Carl Wilgus,

President/CEO Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau

Stroudsburg, PA