What is Regenerative Tourism?
Regenerative tourism goes beyond sustainability, aiming not just to minimize harm but to actively improve the environment, culture, and communities where tourism operates.
While sustainability ensures that the resources we enjoy today will remain available for subsequent generations, regeneration is about being proactive and doing something that feeds back into the system.
It’s a relatively new concept that has gained significant momentum in the past decade as the world grapples with the consequences of climate change, excessive tourism, and cultural erosion.
How did the concept of regenerative tourism begin?
The sustainability paradigm is evolving toward regeneration. The tourism industry began adopting regenerative approaches in the early 2000s, partly as a response to the limitations of sustainable tourism, which primarily focuses on “not harming.”
Countries like New Zealand, Costa Rica, and Iceland were among the first to embrace regenerative tourism practices, incorporating local communities and ecosystems into their tourism strategies. The idea is for travelers to leave a place better than they found it, contributing to ecological, social, and cultural restoration.
Did you know Costa Rica was among the first countries to integrate regenerative principles into its tourism model? Over 25% of the country’s land is protected as national parks or reserves, and regenerative tourism efforts contribute to maintaining these spaces.
Regenerative tourism emphasizes:
Environmental Restoration: Instead of simply maintaining ecosystems, regenerative tourism activities enhance the local environment, such as reforestation, restoring wetlands, or regenerating coral reefs.
Here is an example that made sense to me:
Tourism New Zealand, the official tourism body, invites all visitors to take the Tiaki promise. Tiaki is a Māori word loosely meaning to care, conserve, and protect. The commitment to care for New Zealand is a clear call to make visitors understand that New Zealand is precious, and everyone who travels there is responsible for looking after it.
The website provides specific instructions on cleaning footwear to protect New Zealand’s forests from deadly diseases that can devastate native trees and waterways. Tourism invests in not only the environment but also the local communities.
Cultural Preservation: Regenerative tourism works closely with indigenous and local communities to protect and revive traditions, languages, and crafts. It tailors itself to the uniqueness and heritage of the place, like what Goa is attempting to do.
Goa Tourism recently launched regenerative tourism by shifting the focus from seashore-centric tourism to cultural and heritage tourism. The Ekadasha Teertha campaign will create awareness about the eleven lesser-known places of worship in Goa while reducing the strain on the beaches.
By promoting locally run homestays, the initiative ensures economic benefits for the community, empowers local families, and preserves traditional life. These efforts actively involve locals and safeguard cultural and environmental assets for future generations.
Community Empowerment: Local populations are at the heart of regenerative tourism, and their well-being is prioritized. Local ownership, fair wages, and active participation are crucial elements.
An excellent example of community empowerment is Ecuador’s Tierra del Volcán project. The project is located in the Cotopaxi region, a region known for its volcanic landscape and rich indigenous heritage. The project aims to attract tourists and involve the local indigenous communities as guides, artisans, and hosts. The revenue generated from tourism is reinvested into local development projects through reforestation and wildlife conservation.
Luxury Hotels and Resorts Embracing Regenerative Tourism
Several high-end hotels around the world have adopted regenerative tourism practices. Here are a few notable ones:
Soneva Fushi (Maldives): This luxury resort has been a sustainable pioneer and is now focusing on regeneration by encouraging coral reef restoration and mangrove regeneration. Guests can participate in these efforts, making tourism a force for ecological benefit.
The Maldives is exploring integrating regenerative tourism into its marine ecosystems by launching large-scale coral regeneration programs in conjunction with luxury resorts.
Bardessono Hotel (California, USA) merges sustainability with regenerative agriculture. Its LEED Platinum certification highlights its eco-conscious design, while its partnerships with local farmers and vineyards promote soil restoration and water conservation. Luxury and sustainable agriculture blend enhances the local economy and the environment.
The Brando (French Polynesia) is a benchmark in regenerative tourism by funding environmental research and renewable energy initiatives. The resort runs entirely on renewable energy, and its conservation efforts are setting global standards.
Its coral regeneration projects and focus on biodiversity protection are aligned with the resort’s commitment to educating guests on the importance of sustainability in preserving the pristine beauty of the atolls. Guests can join scientists on marine conservation expeditions as part of their stay.
Benefits of Regenerative Tourism
Economic Resilience: Regenerative tourism involves local communities and helps create more stable and resilient economies. This reduces the risk of dependency on external tourism operators and encourages local entrepreneurship.
Cultural Revitalization: Indigenous and local traditions, which are often overshadowed by mass tourism, are recognized and celebrated, thus preserving the cultural heritage of future generations.
Improved Visitor Experience: Tourists in regenerative tourism often have more meaningful, authentic experiences. They participate in cultural activities, learn about the environment, and make a tangible positive impact during their stay. They also take away many stories to tell their families and friends about their unique experiences.
Conclusion
By embracing regenerative tourism, countries and regions enhance their environmental and social wealth, and travelers gain more prosperous and responsible experiences. Travel that invests in the environment and local communities is travel that makes a difference.
Happy to know about your experience in the comments below.
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