What is Regenerative Destination Management?
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If sustainable tourism aims to maintain existing systems, without causing further harm, regenerative tourism goes further in aiming to actively rejuvenate and restore the vitality of ecosystems, communities, and cultural heritage in destinations. By doing so, it promotes positive transformation and leaves a beneficial footprint.
Regenerative Destination Management
Regenerative Destination Management therefore aims to enhance the environment and communities within the tourism sector, engaging those involved in tourism activities to work together to develop practices that bolster local culture, economy, and natural habitats.
It represents a shift from traditional, linear models of tourism, towards more resilient and inclusive systems, which address key environmental, social, and economic challenges.
How is this different to sustainability?
While sustainability focuses on balancing today’s needs without compromising the future, regenerative tourism goes further by creating benefits and shared value for local communities, businesses, the environment, and visitors. Sustainability is the essential first step, but regenerative tourism challenges us to ensure this sector not only sustains but thrives.
Benefits and opportunities of this approach
Regenerative tourism offers new avenues for enhancing destinations, leading to increased visitor satisfaction and more enriching experiences that appeal to conscientious travellers.
This approach not only makes destinations more attractive and ecologically healthy, but can also create new jobs, preserve cultural heritage, and enhance the quality of life locally.
The results foster a sense of pride and active engagement among local communities in the development of tourism.
