The Delaware Valley is about to go global
By Anya Tikka
MILFORD — Tourism in the upper and middle reaches of the Delaware River Valley will get a global boost with the National Geographic's Geotourism initiative.
The glossy monthly magazine, with its iconic yellow border, is now published in 40 languages and reaches 6.8 million readers around the world. And it wants to include the Delaware Valley among the world's most spectacular natural treasures, along with Yellowstone, the Sierra Nevada, and the Redwood Coast. In fact, the valley would be one of only about 20 featured places worldwide so far.
The magazine 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 magazine is asking Delaware Valley residents to nominate their favorite landmarks, attractions, activities, events, lodgings, and eateries to featured in an online, interactive map, titled "Scenic, Wild Delaware River," expected to go live next May. Nominations may be made at delawareriver.natgeotourism.com through Jan. 15.
All for tourismLocal officials told the Courier that they welcomed the initiative.
“Since we were all running for office last week, we missed all of the gatherings in our area," said David Wineberg, one of the newly elected "Verge" members on the Milford Borough Council. "Now that we have all been elected, I am proud to say we are all environmentalists and pleased to promote our area as a delightful ecotourism retreat. I am hopeful that once we take our seats on Council next year, we will be able to endorse many more efforts such as this.”
Joseph Casmus, vice-president of the "old" Milford Borough Council, who will continue his service next year, said his borough contains many treasures.
"I think it would be great if you can in any way promote the very attractive Victorian village that’s Milford with its historic streets, and also Grey Towers, founding the Forest Service," he said. “Plus, think of what’s around: Bushkill and Raymondskill Falls, and the Delaware River itself. Anything that would bring people to the area that’s based on tourism is good for the economy. People come and stay in hotels, eat in the restaurants, buy gasoline. This is a year-round area. In the summer you have hiking, canoeing, walking around historic Milford. And in the winter, we’re close to some of the best skiing and snowboarding areas in PA.”
He said the borough council hasn't had a chance to discuss the initiative because it's so recent. Messages left with Mayor Robert "Bo" Fean were not returned by press time.
Milford Township’s Gary Williams, who was re-elected, agreed that "anything that promotes tourism in this area is fantastic.”
Dingman Township supervisors were supportive after reviewing the geotourism initiative at a recent township meeting. They said they plan to follow the project as it develops.
Pike County Commissioner Matt Osterberg said tourism is Pike County's main business. He said he hasn't had a chance to thoroughly review the initiative, but is impressed so far.
"I’m in support of all of that, and of these kinds of initiatives, anything we can do to help," he said. "Whatever we can do to support it to expand, we’re behind it 100 percent.”
The final selections in the map and guide will be led by a Stewardship Council with local representatives, including Carl Wilgus, president and CEO of the Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau in Pike County. The nominations “could be anything from a beautiful hike to a business or event that offers a real local experience," he said.
Initial funding for the middle and upper Delaware River Geotourism initiative is provided by a grant from the William Penn Foundation to the National Parks Conservation Association, the nonprofit, independent advocacy organization working to protect and enhance America’s national parks.