Different types of tourism have differing relationships to place.

Australia's showing on the National Geographic Destination Stewardship Index shows its potential role as a world leader in the type of place-oriented, holistic, sustainable tourism newly being called "geotourism": Tourism that sustains or enhances the geographical character of a place--its environment, culture, aesthetics, heritage, and the well-being of its residents.

Extending the ecotourism ethic in this way to the entire endemic nature of a place has appeal; three countries and others have endorsed the year-old Geotourism Charter.

A brief review will cover the reasoning behind the principles the Charter contains.