Regenerative Tourism

It’s not just about reducing harm—it’s about actively improving the places we visit.

Sustainable tourism is about preservation—maintaining balance so destinations remain beautiful, functional, and welcoming for generations to come. It emphasizes conservation, low-impact travel, and mindful choices that minimize environmental and cultural harm.

Regenerative tourism shares that goal, but goes one step further. It’s not just about reducing harm—it’s about actively improving the places we visit. That could mean restoring ecosystems, supporting local craftspeople and farmers, or investing in community-led projects that generate long-term well-being.

Think of regenerative tourism as a partner to sustainability, not a replacement. The two work best hand in hand—sustainability sets the foundation, and regeneration builds something even better on top.

Where Regenerative Tourism Is Taking Root 

Across the globe, regenerative tourism is reshaping how we experience travel. It’s not only a trend—it’s a philosophy grounded in respect, reciprocity, and responsibility. From major cities to remote villages, we’re seeing destinations embrace a new way forward: one where travel actively restores and uplifts.

Global Destinations Leading the Way

 Costa Rica – Globally recognized for its biodiversity efforts, Costa Rica’s eco-lodges support reforestation, local communities, and conservation-led education, creating a symbiotic relationship between traveler and terrain. 

New Zealand – Through initiatives like the Tiaki Promise, the country integrates Māori values of guardianship (kaitiakitanga) into tourism—placing care for land, people, and culture at the heart of the visitor experience. 

Iceland – Facing increased tourism pressure, Iceland has invested in renewable energy, visitor education, and nature-first policies. Regenerative hospitality efforts here often include geologically sensitive building, community funding, and zero-waste goals. 

Bhutan – The Himalayan kingdom links tourism directly to its Gross National Happiness Index, ensuring all travel experiences align with well-being, heritage protection, and environmental harmony. 

Kenya – A rising leader in regenerative tourism in Africa, Kenya is home to conservation-centered lodges that restore landscapes, protect endangered species, and directly benefit local Maasai communities. Travelers here become part of a living ecosystem of care and cooperation, where tourism funds wildlife protection, education, and reforestation.

Canada & Australia – Indigenous-led tourism in both nations is fostering meaningful cultural exchange while protecting sacred lands. Experiences shaped by traditional knowledge are reorienting how visitors engage with nature and history.

Switzerland – Switzerland is steadily advancing regenerative tourism through purposeful innovation and deep-rooted environmental values. From Alpine farms practicing circular agriculture to hotels pioneering low-impact hospitality, the country continues to integrate regeneration into its already strong sustainability framework. 

Institutions like Les Roches Global Hospitality Education are preparing future tourism leaders to integrate regeneration into operations, innovation, and strategy. Through specialized courses and partnerships with forward-thinking hospitality brands, Les Roches equips students to combine business acumen with environmental and social responsibility. Their programs in sustainable tourism, hospitality management, and environmental responsibility meet the growing demand for professionals skilled in regenerative practives. As industry evolves, Les Roches ensures the next generation embraces these principles in their work.

It’s Not Just Where You Go—It’s How You Travel 

Regenerative tourism isn’t exclusive to far-flung destinations or five-star eco-retreats. It’s a perspective—a mindset travelers carry with them wherever they go. When you choose experiences that: 

• Rebuild natural systems 

• Honor and sustain local cultures 

• Support long-term community well-being 

• Encourage thoughtful, slower travel 

—you’re participating in regeneration.

This might look like: 

• A guesthouse that grows organic food and donates surplus to neighbours 

• A walking tour developed by residents to share lesser-known stories of place 

• A reforestation initiative funded by your hotel stay 

• A craft market where your purchase supports a family tradition at risk of being lost 

Every choice has the potential to add more than it takes.

A New Era of Travel 

We’re entering a new era where travel becomes a healing act—not just for us as individuals, but for the places and people we encounter along the way. Regenerative tourism invites us to travel with deeper intention, to form relationships with the destinations we visit, and to leave a positive imprint behind.

Whether you’re hiking through Alpine meadows, walking with conservationists in Kenya, or learning ancient traditions in rural Bhutan, the opportunity is the same:

• Travel that regenerates is travel that gives back. 

• Preserve. Restore. Connect. That’s the journey ahead.

Source: Article inspired by the Sustainable Hospitality and Tourism Development Program at Les Roches, under the guidance of Prof. Nancy E. Landrum, Ph.D.

Inspired to make a difference? Explore our Sustainable Journeys site and learn how

to travel with purpose, support local communities, and contribute to regenerating the planet.

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