In recent years, regenerative travel has gained significant traction in reshaping the landscape of responsible tourism. This form of travel is the next progression in sustainable industry practices which focuses not only on minimizing harm but also on actively contributing to the restoration and regeneration of the environments and communities we choose to visit. In this way, regenerative travel takes mindfulness to the next level through conscientious, effective, empowered and impactful action. Sound familiar? It should, because Create Joy’s personal development principles and processes share many similarities to our community-minded ones.
Regeneration, in the context of travel, signifies the act of restoring, renewing, and growing the social, cultural, and ecological aspects of a destination.This a value-driven and forward-thinking approach that goes beyond merely reducing our negative impacts. The main objective and point of traveling with a regenerative approach is to leave a place better than you found it, which can be achieved through setting aligned personal goals, and doing your due diligence to research and vet companies and experiences that are truly doing the work to evolve global care and the way we take care of the planet and each other.
Lucky for you, Create Joy has already put in the time to find the kinds of partners that are not just greenwashing, but who are actually offering the sustainable and regenerative travel options that provide real, on-the-ground opportunities for you to do your part as part of your goal-oriented journey.
Why Regenerative Travel Matters?
The need for regenerative travel practices stems from the urgent call to address the environmental crisis and the social inequalities exacerbated by traditional tourism trends. The tourism sector, which once accounted for 10% of employment worldwide, has witnessed a significant downturn due to the COVID-pandemic. This kind of lull not only affects companies, but it impacts the communities who depend on tourism economically for growth and development.
However, this slower period may just be what we need to re-evaluate how we can evolve and change the way we do things, which includes planning travel experiences that are smarter, greener, and less crowded. This may also mean identifying important resources that can be protected and secured by communities so that they can utilize them in a capacity that is forward-thinking and not extractive.
Educating yourself about any community you are planning to travel to will provide a better picture of the present needs of that community. In communities with greater inequities there is likely work already being done by inside and outside actors and agencies. It is important to find out: Who are these people and what are their goals? How are they being funded and what resources do they have available to them? What strides have been made and what is the level of community participation in these initiatives? A quick assessment like this can help you determine whether your presence and involvement will benefit others.
Practicing regenerative travel involves making conscious decisions at every stage of the journey. This means choosing to support businesses that prioritize environmental conservation, community engagement, and ethical labor practices. It also entails respecting local customs and traditions, reducing waste, and contributing to local economies.
Regenerative Travel in Action
Several countries have started to incorporate the principles of regenerative travel into their tourism sector. For instance, New Zealand urges all visitors to make the ‘Tiaki promise’, a pledge to respect and protect the country’s land, sea, and culture. A similar initiative is present in the Philippines, where visitors to the island of Boracay are encouraged to take an ‘oath for a better Boracay’ to preserve the island’s pristine condition.
The hospitality industry plays a pivotal role in promoting regenerative travel. Many hotels and resorts have implemented innovative initiatives and policies aimed at reducing their environmental footprint and contributing to local community development.
While companies can have tremendous influence, innovation in policy and legislation is just as crucial in advancing regenerative practices. Some destinations, like the United States, Antarctica, Canada, and Seychelles, have adopted legislative frameworks encouraging private sector engagement in conservation strategies.
Here are some of the issues that are at the forefront of recent regenerative travel initiatives,
Decarbonization and Regenerative Travel
As the travel industry is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, the imperative to decarbonize is increasingly pressing. Regenerative travel seeks to steer the sector towards a net-zero emissions future, emphasizing the importance of measurement and benchmarking.
Regenerative Travel and Food Production
The hospitality sector can play a significant role in transforming food production, a sector that contributes to over 30% of current greenhouse gas emissions. By promoting sustainable agricultural processes and locally sourced ingredients, hotels and resorts can significantly decrease their environmental impact.
Regenerative Travel and Community Empowerment
Regenerative travel emphasizes active community engagement as a catalyst for societal transformation. By supporting initiatives that provide education, healthcare, and cultural preservation, tourists can help transform destinations into thriving ecosystems.
Travel is education. When we engage and interact with one another, we learn tolerance and gain a greater appreciation for the things that make us human. Even the smallest interactions, contributions, or exchanges can leave a giant ripple.
There is a well-known quote that says, “Don’t tell me how educated you are, tell me how much you have traveled.” An updated take on this could be: Don’t tell me you have traveled, but tell me HOW you have traveled.
The Future of Regenerative Travel
Looking ahead, the future of regenerative travel is promising. As more travelers, businesses, and destinations embrace this approach, the tourism industry can transform into a force for positive change.
We are in a new era of tourism. How will your goal-oriented travel plans contribute to the overarching concerns and issues many communities are currently facing? There are not buts about it, we are global citizens in a global world. By adopting regenerative practices, we can ensure that our love for travel contributes to creating a more sustainable and equitable world. After all, isn’t that the true spirit of travel?
Ready to be a part of something and an unforgettable regenerative experience? Schedule a call with us.
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Move Over, Sustainable Travel. Regenerative Travel Has Arrived.