Planet, People, Purpose: The Journey Toward Regeneration
This week, we explore Regenerative Tourism which is focused on moving beyond sustainability to actively restore and enrich the destinations visited. As the tourism industry rebounds from recent global disruptions, innovative practices are redefining the sector's role in addressing environmental, social, and economic challenges. From restoring ecosystems to empowering local communities, these initiatives are reshaping the way we travel.
Our featured article spotlights Intrepid Travel, a leader in purpose-driven tourism, whose resilience during the pandemic illustrates the commercial viability of aligning business strategies with sustainability principles. This ethos is echoed across global efforts, including inspiring conservation initiatives in the Galápagos, solutions to overtourism, and cutting-edge approaches like regenerative safaris and astro-tourism. Each highlights the potential of tourism to be a force for positive change.
Additionally, this week’s Research Corner delves into the ethical questions surrounding sustainable tourism. It challenges us to critically evaluate whether these practices are genuinely transformative or simply marketing-driven responses to conscious consumers.
Join us as we delve into the stories and strategies driving the regenerative tourism movement.
Featured Article:
Responsible Tourism: Intrepid Travel’s Resilience and Impact
In the wake of significant global challenges, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, Intrepid Travel reaffirmed the viability of aligning sustainability with business resilience, which I discussed in a Forbes article about the company. As the world’s largest B Corp-certified travel company, Intrepid has demonstrated that prioritizing environmental, social, and governance principles is not only ethically sound but also commercially sustainable.
Founded in 1989, Intrepid began with a focus on small-group travel designed to benefit local communities by using local accommodations, transportation, and leadership. This ethos has grown into a comprehensive strategy to support wildlife conservation, cultural preservation, and community empowerment, with over 200 new itineraries developed in recent years. Intrepid’s initiatives address critical global issues, including gender equality, disability support, and education, while enhancing travelers' experiences with authenticity and purpose.
Read more: Responsible And Resilient: Intrepid Travel Shows Doing Good Is Also Good For Business
Essential Reads:
Inspiring Conservation Leadership
The "Galápagos, My Responsibility" project fosters environmental education for children and youth on Santa Cruz Island, promoting conservation through radio broadcasts, storytelling workshops, and community discussions. Led by Alberto Andrade with Galápagos Conservancy support, this initiative inspires active engagement and leadership to protect the Galápagos' unique ecosystem.
Read more: Empowering the Galápagos Community to Protect Their Environment
Sustainable Travel Inspiration
Explore eco-friendly destinations like the Red Sea, Amsterdam, Singapore, Taipei, Glasgow, and Basel, each championing green initiatives from renewable energy to sustainable tourism. Airlines like Etihad, KLM, and flydubai are also committing to lower emissions, alternative fuels, and conservation efforts, enabling conscientious travelers to explore the world responsibly.
Read more: Travel with a Conscience
Addressing Overtourism Challenges
Japan grapples with overtourism as 30% of foreign visitors report overcrowding issues. Despite growing awareness of sustainable tourism, actions remain limited. Encouragingly, 63% of tourists are willing to pay extra fees to protect resources, with many adopting practices like reducing single-use waste and supporting local crafts, reflecting a shift towards sustainable travel.
Read more: Japan Tackles Mounting Overtourism Problem In Popular Destinations
Celestial Sustainability Leader
Dark Sky Alqueva, the world’s first certified Starlight Tourism Destination, won the 2024 World’s Responsible Tourism Award for its commitment to preserving night skies and promoting eco-conscious travel. This Portuguese astro-tourism destination blends environmental stewardship with unique stargazing and outdoor experiences, setting a global benchmark for sustainable tourism.
Read more: Dark Sky Alqueva Wins World’s Responsible Tourism Award 2024
Queenstown's Sustainable Charm
New Zealand’s Queenstown leads in sustainable tourism with eco-conscious hotels, regenerative wineries, and low-impact activities. From reimagined luxury at Sofitel to innovative dining and eco-lodges, this stunning region inspires responsible travel while preserving its natural beauty. Experience its breathtaking landscapes, sustainable indulgences, and community-driven initiatives on a short flight from Sydney.
Read more: This underrated overseas spot is a foodie heaven, and only a 3-hour flight.
Celebrating Rural Tourism Champions
The UN Tourism’s Best Tourism Villages 2024 recognizes 55 rural communities for sustainable tourism excellence. From Argentina’s Caviahue-Copahue to Vietnam’s Tra Que Vegetable Village, these destinations showcase eco-conscious innovation, cultural preservation, and community-driven growth. This initiative empowers rural areas as key players in sustainable development and global tourism.
Regenerative Safaris: Conservation Meets Adventure
Regenerative safaris in Kenya blend thrilling wildlife encounters with impactful conservation. From anti-poaching efforts at Borana Conservancy to eco-certified lodges like Sasaab and Lengishu, these experiences champion sustainability, community engagement, and wildlife preservation. Tourists support local communities while exploring Africa's majestic landscapes responsibly.
Read more: The Rise and Rise of Regenerative Safaris
Reimagining Jasper's Tourism Future
Following devastating wildfires, Jasper faces a pivotal moment to reshape its tourism model. By prioritizing sustainability, local ownership, and climate resilience, Jasper can shift from an extractive system to one that reinvests in community recovery, ecological restoration, and visitor education, creating a regenerative tourism future.
Read more: Ashes of a Broken System: Reimagining Jasper’s Tourism Future, Post-Wildfire
Research Corner:
In the Journal of Business Ethics, Lansing and de Vries critically examine the concept of sustainable tourism, questioning whether it serves as a genuine ethical alternative to mass tourism or simply functions as a marketing strategy targeting socially conscious travelers. The authors highlight the environmental and cultural damage caused by conventional tourism and explore whether sustainable tourism practices can meaningfully address these issues. By dissecting the ethical implications and commercial motives, the article encourages practitioners and policymakers to scrutinize the authenticity of sustainability claims in the tourism industry.
Read more: Sustainable Tourism: Ethical Alternative or Marketing Ploy?
The regenerative business practices and sustainability innovations highlighted in this week's Regenerative Insights directly tackle the critical issues of corporate responsibility explored in my recent book explored in my recent book, The Profiteers: How Business Privatizes Profit and Socializes Cost.
Quick Takeaways:
Youth-led conservation: Galápagos project inspires eco-leadership among children through education and community action.
Eco-friendly travel: Destinations like Singapore and Basel champion green tourism and sustainability.
Overtourism solutions: Japan explores sustainable practices with tourists open to conservation fees.
Astro-tourism excellence: Dark Sky Alqueva leads in preserving night skies and eco-travel.
Rural tourism recognition: UN highlights villages excelling in sustainable tourism and cultural preservation.
Regenerative safaris: Kenyan safaris blend conservation with community-focused travel.
Post-crisis tourism: Jasper prioritizes sustainability and resilience after wildfires.