Conference sets geotourism focus

A conference on development of geotourism a niche that bridges the gap between science and tourism is set for May 22 at Sierra Nevada College in Incline Village.

The fast-growing niche involves visitors who are affluent, educated and seek a travel experience that immerses them in the natural elements of a destination, said Robert Olmer of Sierra Adventure Marketing, the Incline Village company that is developing the conference.

The conference will run at the same time that a environmental conference sponsored by the Tahoe Science Consortium will draw scientists from around the world.

Speakers at the geotourism conference will include Jill Savery, head of sustainability for the America's Cup Event Authority; Michael Dettinger, a research hydrologist with the U.S. Geographical Survey; Kim Rollins, an environmental economist and Bret Gilles, chief sustainability officer at POWDR Corp.

Event sponsors include the Peppermill Resort, Spa, Casino; North Lake Tahoe Chamber /CVB/ Resort Association; Truckee Chamber; Tahoe Chamber; City of South Lake Tahoe; EDAWN; Sierra Business Council; and the Tahoe Water Suppliers Association.

For registration and schedule details, see www.nvwra.org.