Eastern Michigan University is hosting the Southeast Michigan Geotourism Conference today.

The theme of today's event in Ypsilanti is "Maximizing Our Assets by Capitalizing on Our Attractions, History and Natural Resources." One aim is to examine how "geotourism" can strengthen communities and help economic development.

"Geotourism" is a term for travel that focuses on a destination's unique culture and history and aims to have visitors help enrich those qualities - rather than turn the place into a typical tourist trap.

The event is hosted by the Department of Geography and Geology and the Southeast Michigan Heritage Tourism Alliance.