Nowadays, tourism professionals are taking the next step from sustainable operations in their work to a more regenerative approach that benefits both the environment and local people.
While the terms sustainable tourism and regenerative tourism are often used interchangeably by most, they actually refer to two different operational paradigms; indeed, it may even be said that the latter is the next step in the former’s evolution.
According to the World Tourism Organisation (WTO), sustainable tourism refers to the type of tourism that takes full account of its current and future economic, social, and environmental impacts, addressing the needs of visitors, the industry, the environment, and host communities.
Essentially, it ensures that the environment and any actors in the area come to no harm and certain environmental standards are maintained.
Regenerative tourism, on the other hand, is defined by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) as a practice that seeks to leave destinations in a better state than they were found.
As such, it draws inspiration from regenerative agriculture, which is focused on restoring ecosystems and enhancing biodiversity.
The Dutch Centre for the Promotion of Imports from Developing Countries (CBI) adds that regenerative tourism sees that people, culture, land, nature and the economy are all connected.
As they put it:
“We call this a ‘living system:’ the way all the parts of a system work together is more important than the parts on their own. Together, they create something bigger and better than just adding each part together.”
Points of differentiation
The key to understanding the difference between sustainable and regenerative tourism lies in understanding several points in which these paradigms differ.
These include:
Mitigation shifts to restoration
Sustainable tourism has long focused on reducing the negative impact of human action on the environment through measures like waste reduction and the zero-emissions initiative.
Regenerative tourism, on the other hand, seeks to deliver positive impact through measures that help bring stricken areas back to life like reforestation or the preservation of local indigenous traditions.
In doing so, proponents of regenerative tourism seek to leave destinations better than they were when found.
Active participation is key
Regenerative initiatives are active rather than passive.
This can be seen in activities where tourists and other stakeholders can help restore ecosystems as opposed to simply preventing further damage.
In this context, we see activities like beach clean-up drives, the removal of invasive species from local habitats, as well as mangrove planting in coastal areas.
It’s all about the community
For measures to be regenerative, they need to involve the locals in every aspect of tourism operations.
By doing so, stakeholders like hospitality providers or tour companies are able to generate employment for locals, encourage local craftsmanship, and foster cultural exchange.
By doing so, communities - especially indigenous communities - thrive and their traditions live on.
Revitalising cultures
Furthermore, regenerative tourism models prioritise the protection and active restoration of heritage sites.
Through community-driven projects and cultural exchanges, related initiatives enhance the cultural vitality of the destination.
Note, however, that this also means that locals are more than just human backdrops for tourist selfies, but more like guides and teachers showing the world a different way of life, as well as a different way of thinking.
