The concept of regenerative travel, which has roots predating its formal definition, is gaining traction as a new and innovative approach to tourism. It is a multifaceted concept that asks travelers and businesses to consider how their actions can contribute to the restoration and renewal of ecosystems, cultures, and communities. Amanda Ho, co-founder of the travel platform Regenerative Travel, defines it as “a type of travel that is an act of restoring, replenishing and renewing the environment and community. It’s a reciprocity of how the destination and hotel provider really looks to actually contribute to a positive impact. It’s the restoration of the bond that we have with communities and nature.”
O’Shannon Burns, Program Manager of Cornell University’s Sustainable Tourism Asset Management Program, explains that regeneration is an aspirational concept. “If you are truly trying to embody regeneration, you’re constantly striving to add further value.”
The principles of regenerative travel align with those of sustainable travel in aiming to minimize the negative impacts of tourism and promote positive outcomes for the environment and local communities. However, the key difference lies in their approach and scope. Sustainable travel focuses on maintaining the status quo, while regenerative travel actively seeks to restore and regenerate the environment and communities impacted by tourism. Regenerative travel aims to leave a destination better than it was found, promoting biodiversity, supporting local economies, and fostering cultural exchange and understanding.
Regenerative travel is gaining momentum as travelers and businesses become more aware of the need to go beyond sustainability. It satisfies requests from travelers seeking more immersive and authentic experiences in remote and lightly visited locations. Legislation, such as the Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism, is also shaping the future of regenerative travel by committing signees to ambitious goals like halving emissions by 2030 and achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.
In Hawaii, where legislation now mandates LEED certification for new buildings and offers grants to support regenerative tourism initiatives, the commitment to sustainable practices is clear. This proactive approach not only benefits the environment but also creates opportunities for innovation and entrepreneurship in the tourism industry.
As summer travel approaches, there are several compelling destinations that offer transformative regenerative travel experiences. Songsaa Private Island and Resort in the Cambodian Archipelago is a living initiative that revitalized a once-polluted island into a marine protected area. Emboo Camp in the heart of the Maasai Mara offers a carbon-neutral safari experience with a focus on leaving no trace. Andaz Maui at Wailea is a LEED-certified silver hotel that incorporates sustainable practices such as solar energy, waste reduction, and free bicycles for guests.
For more information on regenerative travel, O’Shannon Burns recommends two additional platforms: The Long Run and El Camino. She and Amando Ho are also offering a certification on this subject through the Regenerative Travel platform.
Regenerative travel is a paradigm shift in sustainable tourism, offering travelers the opportunity to experience destinations while actively contributing to their well-being. As the industry embraces this new concept, we can expect to see more innovative and transformative travel experiences that not only preserve but enhance the places we visit.
