Thank you for writing about the new Delaware River-based Geotourism project. I am writing to correct errors in “National Geographic, Murdoch and the River” (September 16, 2015), and to share my perspective as someone committed to destination marketing that benefits residents and promotes stewardship of the places where we live and travel.

Since October 2011, I have served as chair of the National Geotourism Council’s board of directors. Since September 2008, I have served as coordinator for the Greater Yellowstone Geotourism Stewardship Council (www.yellowstonegeotourism.org).

Both National Geographic Society and the new National Geographic Partners have a lot of moving parts—and similar names—so some confusion is understandable.

While National Geographic Society’s most recognizable public face may be the magazine, the society’s programs and initiatives go well beyond publishing this long-respected journal. The society is, and remains, an independent, not-for-profit organization, the world’s largest grant-making institution with a commitment to science, research and exploration, education and conservation. 21st Century Fox did not purchase any interest in the National Geographic Society.

21st Century Fox did purchase a majority stake in the print and electronic media units of National Geographic. The media units will be organized as a for-profit corporation jointly governed by the National Geographic Society and 21st Century Fox. The new National Geographic Partners will operate National Geographic’s domestic and international TV channels, print publications including periodicals and books, travel media and services and other entertainment and social media properties.

National Geographic Society’s grant-making and research activities will continue to generate content for these media platforms. The society retains significant authority for overseeing the content associated with the National Geographic brand.

National Geographic Maps, which manages the geotourism program, is part of the new National Geographic Partners. Declan Moore, CEO of the new partnership, has been with National Geographic Society for more than 10 years and been supportive of the geotourism program since its launch 10 years ago.

The geotourism program’s success is anchored in sustainability, authenticity and community leadership. It offers communities a terrific platform on which to sustain their unique, authentic character, and to attract visitors who are drawn to and respectful of that character. I encourage Delaware River residents to seize this opportunity to pursue your community’s goals for sustaining what makes your area a great place to live, work and play, whether one is a resident or a geotraveler.

[Timothy O’Donoghue is the chair of the National Geotourism Council.]