A new geotourism center celebrating Southern Arizona’s rich heritage, unique culture and striking environment could be a natural draw for tourists looking to experience a sense of place.

The Pima County Board of Supervisors Tuesday approved working with the University of Arizona to begin developing a concept for a facility along the Santa Cruz River to showcase education-based tourism.

Tapping the potential for geotourism was among the key elements included in Pima County’s Economic Development Plan, acknowledging the tourism industry’s $2 billion local impact. The plan was approved by the Pima County Board of Supervisors in November.

“This region is full of wonder, marked by history and defined by a strong power of place,” said Pima County Supervisor Sharon Bronson, who sits on the board of Tucson Regional Economic Opportunities, which is the region’s economic development arm. “This concept is an exciting opportunity as we look for ways to celebrate our unique identity, our diversity and our unparalleled natural beauty.”

In early concepts, the facility would serve as an orientation center to introduce visitors to the tradition of desert cultures as well as modern approaches to sustainable living in an arid region. Guests could learn about the natural surroundings through one or more demonstration sites along the Santa Cruz River. The facility could also serve as a hub that could help link visitors to other destinations of interest.

The planning for the Tucson Desert Oasis Initiative will occur under the supervision and direction of the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences at the University of Arizona.

This entry was posted on Friday, February 8th, 2013 at 10:07 am and is filed under Board of Supervisors, Economic Development, Natural Resources, Pima County, Southern Arizona, Tourism. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.