You’ve likely heard the terms sustainable tourism and regenerative tourism. What’s the difference between the two? Sustainable development is defined as providing for the social and economic needs of the current generation without jeopardizing the ability of future generations to care for their own needs. Similarly, sustainable tourism aims to ensure that tourism thrives in the present without harming ecosystems and communities and jeopardizing the potential for those places and the people living there to thrive in the future.
Regeneration, on the other hand, is fundamentally restorative. Regenerative tourism not only avoids harm, it also seeks to create the conditions for life to thrive. It preserves the wellness of residents, the authenticity of cultures, and the beauty of natural spaces. It is a transformative approach that prioritizes the healing of damaged systems, both natural and social. It seeks to leave things better than they were found, creating a net-positive impact.
The BC Tourism Sustainability Network guide to sustainable and regenerative tourism covers several topics, including:
- Sustainable business profiles
- The business case for sustainable and regenerative tourism
- The sustainability management process
- Telling your sustainability story
- The role and value of sustainable tourism certification
Want to learn more? Click the buttons above to download BCTSN Guide 1 on Sustainable and Regenerative Tourism and the supporting resources.
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