Dear WuBookers, in recent years, the impact of tourism on the environment and local communities has been the subject of numerous observations and has led to new ways of traveling, also renewing the tourism offer. Today, we are used to talking about sustainable tourism or slow tourism, but perhaps not everyone knows what regenerative tourism is: a new approach, created to respond to the current challenges of the sector, which promises to establish itself as the form of travel of the future. Let’s take a look at what it is.
What is regenerative tourism
Regenerative tourism is a new, more conscious and proactive way of understanding travel.
According to this model, it is not enough to try to minimize your environmental and social impact when traveling, but you must actively participate in improving the conditions of nature and local people. The underlying idea is that tourists can also contribute positively to the ecological, economic, and cultural rebirth of the destinations they visit.
It is, therefore, a change of mindset that focuses on nature, seen as something to be protected and restored and no longer as a mere backdrop; as well as local communities to protect their diversity, cultural heritage, and long-term well-being. A new paradigm that views tourism as a complex ecosystem, in which the various elements interact and influence each other and must therefore be considered and supported as a whole and with respect for their specific characteristics.
Sustainable and regenerative tourism: what is the difference?
From this perspective, the concept of regeneration goes beyond that of sustainability to take it to the next level. Whereas sustainable tourism aims to maintain the status quo and minimize the damage caused by excessive consumption of tourist destinations and their resources, regenerative tourism goes further.
Those who travel in a regenerative way do not just conserve, but engage in activities that have a positive impact on the places they visit. The travel experience is no longer linked solely to attractions and entertainment, but involves a real immersion in the life of the area and a concrete contribution to its future.
The benefits of regenerative tourism
Regenerative tourism overturns the normal concept of tourist consumption, instead affirming a vision in which travelers can also do their part to improve the places that host them.
The benefits therefore depend on the initiatives undertaken by tourists and tend to be of two types:
- economic, cultural, and social benefits: by favoring small businesses and promoting fair trade practices, local communities are strengthened at the expense of large companies and entities with no ties to the area. Staying with families or in small properties run by local people, participating in volunteer activities to support residents or promoting local businesses are examples of possible actions;
- environmental benefits: restoring natural habitats previously damaged or endangered by unsustainable activities (tourism and otherwise) is one of the objectives of regenerative tourism. How can this be done? Through initiatives such as reforestation, beach and coastline clean-ups, and support for the protection of plant and animal species.
The positive effects are clearly numerous, even for visitors, who feel involved in unique and truly valuable moments and experiences.
So how can we embrace this new form of tourism?
What to do to align with this new approach
Becoming a regenerative tourist property is not something that can be done in a matter of hours: it is a process that requires time and action in several areas. However, it is possible to make some improvements to your offering and organization to get closer and closer to this dimension.
Themed experiences to generate wide-ranging value
As we have seen, regenerative tourism is based on the logic of giving, or rather giving back, instead of taking. For this reason, it is important to offer activities that encourage contact with the local area and promote its growth. This is what is happening in Fiji, a pioneer and leader in regenerative tourism, which a few months ago launched an innovative initiative: Loloma Hour, where ‘Loloma’ in the Fijian language means “kindness guided by love”.
This is a software spread across various hotels and resorts in the country, which aims to achieve at least 5,000 hours of volunteering by tourists. How? By offering activities such as planting corals or mangroves, coastal conservation, and even traditional weaving sessions. The protection and enrichment of cultural heritage and ecosystems are the pillars on which the initiative is based.
This initiative provides inspiration for updating your portfolio of experiences to create original vacation packages in step with the times.
Sustainability first
Although sustainability is not enough to ensure that a property is in line with the principles of regenerative tourism, it remains an essential component. Making a concrete commitment to reducing consumption, adopting responsible behavior, and encouraging guests to do the same are aspects valued by those who choose regenerative tourism. This is why green certifications for hotels and accommodation properties are also important in confirming and certifying their commitment to the environment.
Empowerment and direct involvement of local communities
The empowerment of local communities also plays a key role in the regenerative tourism approach. This translates into jobs for local people, fair wages, and the preservation of local culture and products, for example through the sale of traditional crafts and sourcing from local supply chains.
In short, it means counteracting the outflow of revenue generated by tourists, to the benefit of a fair and sustainable local industry, in accordance with what the communities themselves want for their territory.
Far from being a passing fad, regenerative tourism has everything it takes to attract travelers and accommodation properties and promote the positive development of the sector and destinations, which are often compromised and depleted of their natural and cultural wealth.