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A nebulous definition
Everyone has heard of regenerative agriculture, but what about its equivalent in the tourism industry? The principle is similar: regenerative tourism refers to practices that create a positive impact on the destination, its communities, and its environment. According to Géo magazine, this is“ probably the form of tourism that is changing the way we think about travel the most, and is even redrawing the map on sustainable tourism”.
While‘ sustainable’ tourism aims to limit the damage it causes( reducing pollution, preserving historic sites, limiting over-exploitation of local resources, etc.), regenerative tourism aims to go further. It’ s not so much a question of doing less‘ harm’, but instead, one of doing some good.
Pauline Sheldon, an expert in circular economy, told French-Canadian newspaper Le Devoir that this form of tourism requires“ a fundamental change in the way we see the world”. For her, this type of tourism is a tool to be used in the regeneration of damaged resources and to create prosperity for host communities. Sheldon went on to say that the requisite“ philosophical change” emphasizes collaboration, well-being, and the involvement of local people.
Yes, perhaps. But if tourism is no longer about consuming destinations, what does it become? Can visitors really create a positive impact in a tourist destination?
Tourism: impacts and opportunities
At first glance, it’ s hard to find anything virtuous in a tourist taking a plane to a location where they consume sometimes-limited resources. And yet … Tourism boosts local economies by increasing demand for services and products, which in turn creates jobs and, by extension, reduces poverty. Travellers’ direct and indirect spending nourishes the local economy, benefiting communities, small businesses and regional infrastructure. That’ s a good place to start.
Adding to that are the sustainable practices promoted by operators committed to embracing responsible behaviours: carbon offsetting, renewable energies, ethical sourcing, eco-responsible construction, waste reduction, and so on. The industry is undoubtedly making huge strides, but are we really at a point where we can talk about regenerative tourism?
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