Regenerative Tourism: Opportunities and Challenges | UniSC | University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia

Accessibility links

Non-production environment - edittest.usc.edu.au

Regenerative Tourism: Opportunities and Challenges

Regenerative tourism is a holistic approach to tourism that seeks to rejuvenate and enhance a destination's natural and cultural assets. It goes beyond harm reduction, striving for a net positive impact. Importantly, it's not a one-size-fits-all solution but a flexible framework that requires collaboration among various stakeholders. This paper by Bishnu Sharma and Aaron Tham stresses the need to involve diverse stakeholders, such as communities, businesses, governments, and tourists, in shaping regenerative tourism practices keeping in mind each destinations unique context.

It demands active commitment and shared responsibility and it's a proactive journey, requiring ongoing monitoring of outcomes. Regenerative tourism faces resistance to change, limited traveller awareness, and the need for substantial investments in sustainability, but the rewards should far outweigh the resistance offering improved conservation, community well-being, and enhanced tourism experiences.

Regenerative tourism is a call to action for all to commit to responsible practices, fostering a more sustainable and responsible travel sector.

Dr Bishnu Sharma and Dr Aaron Tham