What is Regenerative tourism ?
Last changed: 14 January 2025
REGENERATIVE TOURISM:
One form of transformative tourism* that has positive effects on the surrounding world; to culture, environment, people and society.
Although the phenomenon is actualized via individuals, so-called individual outcomes are not the main focus – this is the main difference between regenerative tourism and the common outlooks of transformative tourism. In regenerative tourism the aim is not solely to minimize the negative effects of tourism, but to maximize the positive ones (“net positive benefit”).
* Transformative tourism deals with the issue of how travel and tourism can change human behaviour and have a positive impact on the world.
EXAMPLES OF REGENERATIVE NATURE TOURISM
UrNatur, Sweden
The main mission of UrNatur is to be producers of biodiversity.
Here, visitors can stay in log cabins on the ground or treehouses built from timber harvested from the farm's own forest, enjoy meals made with produce grown on the farm, and experience the peace and tranquility of the surroundings.
For 17 years, tourism has financed a significant part of their work with the farm and the forest, restoring the land and enhancing biodiversity while informing and, above all, inspiring visitors to greater understanding and engagement with biodiversity.
The company collaborates with authorities on various biodiversity projects.
Hawkhill Cottage Resort, Finland
Everything at the resort is designed to have a positive impact on the environment and the community. The cabins are powered by fossil-free electricity, and disposable utensils are prohibited. Guests are encouraged to conserve water and recycle waste, and they are invited to participate in removing invasive species and building insect hotels.
With the help of experts, Hawkhill has rehabilitated a six-hectare peatland to offset their emissions. Peatlands are highly effective carbon sinks and vital for biodiversity.
Collaboration with the local community is a significant part of the regenerative approach. Together with a local water protection association, Hawkhill helps remove unwanted fish species and explores ways to engage guests in these efforts.
Web: Hawkhill Cottage Resort - Hawkhill Luxury cottages Finland
Malama Hawaii
Hawaii's tourism delegation has launched a new voluntourism initiative called Malama Hawaii, which encourages travellers to "give back" and leave the island in a better condition than when they arrived. Participating hotels on each island partner with local non-profit organizations to offer, for example, beach cleanups through the Pacific Whale Foundation or tree planting in collaboration with the Hawaiian Legacy Reforestation Initiative.
Playa Viva in Mexico
The Playa Viva resort in Mexico is a regenerative resort powered entirely by solar energy and focused on empowering the local community. For each stay, which strikes a middle ground between enriching tourism, environmental protection and community awareness, a 2% fee is charged to a fund that invests in community development, and guests are encouraged to participate in activities such as volunteering at a turtle sanctuary or to purchase items made by local craftsman. In this way, regenerative travel benefits local communities, as their needs are the focus of the tourism industry – but it is also an added benefit for travellers, who gain meaningful memories and experiences.
InOut Hostel in Barcelona
INOUT Hostel is a Special Employment Center for hospitality and catering opened in 2004 by Icaria Social Initiatives, a non-profit entity. It was the first hospitality service in Europe with 90% of workers with disabilities on the staff. Situated in the National Park of Collcerola, it follows strong guidelines regarding accessibility, social and environmental sustainability and cultural heritage. IT aims to be self-sufficient in energy and water.
Web: Home | Inout (inouthostel.com)
The Lost Gardens of Heligan, England
Based on the restoration of Victorian productive and ornamental gardens, their mission is today to “restore lost connections with nature, ourselves and each other”. The gardens are open to public all year round and the money coming in through visitors goes to different regenerative projects: regenerative farming on site, donations to the Prickles and Paws Hedgehog Rescue, reintroduction of beavers in the area in order to reduce flood risks and more.
