Regenerative Tourism Definition

Project Regenerative Tourism

The Regenerative Tourism Model proposes the integration of all components of a social-ecological system into a cohesive and self-organizing structure that embraces uncertainty and adapts to global shocks and emerging trends. It acknowledges the interconnectedness of social and environmental factors and emphasizes the need for regenerative practices in tourism. Additionally, the model has established a set of indicators to assess the extent to which a tourism product or service contributes to regeneration and sustainability.

The Regenerative Tourism Framework serves as a roadmap for achieving regenerative tourism by prioritizing destinations and people in the policymaking process. This framework incorporates indicators of regenerative tourism from both the supply and demand sides, encompassing overarching characteristics that should be present. To evaluate the degree of regenerativeness of a tourism product, a Likert scale (ranging from 1 to 10) is utilized, offering a quantitative measure.

One of the key recommendations of the project is the holistic appreciation of indigenous knowledge. Rather than cherry-picking specific elements that align with current tourism discussions while neglecting the broader context, the project advocates for a comprehensive understanding of indigenous knowledge. Indigenous knowledge encompasses a way of life that involves dynamic decision-making processes, continuously adapting to cycles of growth, accumulation, restructuring, and renewal of resources. Indigenous wisdom stems from an intricate understanding of specific contexts and times, acting as a steward for the physical, social, and historical environments.

Selected Publications on Regenerative Tourism