Regenerative Tourism Podcast

Sustainability and Resilience Institute New Zealand

Welcome to the Regenerative Tourism Podcast, an initiative by the Sustainability and Resilience Institute New Zealand. This podcast series is dedicated to creating awareness about regenerative tourism, drawing on global research and innovative practices that demonstrate how tourism can actively restore and revitalise our environment, communities, and cultures to deliver thoughtful and engaging conversations. Subscribe to our weekly podcast for the latest research and case studies on regenerative tourism. Disclaimer: The podcasts uses AI tools. Listeners are encouraged to check original sources before acting on the content. Visit the podcast page on www.sustainabilityandresilience.co.nz

  1. 4d ago

    Beyond Sustainability: The Rise of Regenerative Tourism Development

    The provided text outlines the conceptual evolution of regenerative tourism, presenting it as a transformative paradigm shift from traditional sustainability. While sustainable tourism focuses on minimising damage, the regenerative approach seeks to actively restore and enhance social-ecological systems. This framework is deeply rooted in diverse fields such as regenerative agriculture, permaculture, and living systems thinking, which prioritise the long-term flourishing of nature and local communities. The authors argue that this transition requires a fundamental mindset change, moving away from extractive capitalistic models toward a holistic, integrated worldview. Ultimately, the sources highlight that regenerative tourism aims to leave destinations in a better state than they were found by fostering reciprocal relationships between visitors and hosts. Read more

    21 min

  2. Jun 11

    Regenerative Marine Tourism Paradigms in the Coral Triangle

    This academic study examines the transition of marine tourism within the Coral Triangle from an extractive model toward a regenerative paradigm that actively restores ecosystems. By investigating sites in Indonesia and the wider region, the authors introduce the Regenerative Marine Tourism Continuum (RMTC) to categorise different levels of environmental impact and operational intent. The research highlights that while mitigation-focused practices are now common, true regeneration is rare and remains dependent on the integration of customary marine governance. Key findings suggest that structural enablers, such as revenue circulation to local communities and aggregate-flow management, are essential to move beyond merely minimising harm. Ultimately, the paper argues that ecological recovery requires a fundamental shift in how tourism interacts with indigenous legal frameworks and biological limits. Direct link for the paper: https://harmonijournal.com/index.php/harmoni/article/view/9

    20 min

  3. Jun 5

    Critical Regenerative Tourism: Rethinking the Future of Travel

    This research note evaluates the connection between critical theory and the emerging concept of regenerative tourism through a systematic review of existing academic literature. The authors observe that while both fields share a desire to challenge capitalist structures and promote social justice, very few studies currently integrate these two perspectives. The text highlights a significant lack of Indigenous voices and non-Western methodologies in contemporary research, which often relies on traditional management frameworks. To address these gaps, the authors propose a new "critical regenerative tourism" model that advocates for power decentralisation, ethical responsibility, and the genuine restoration of ecosystems. By moving beyond basic sustainability, this approach seeks to transform the industry into a socio-cultural force that prioritises community well-being and decolonial practices. Read More

    20 min

  4. May 29

    Destination Marketing Organisations: A Regenerative Operating Model

    This academic study examines the necessary transformation of Destination Marketing Organisations (DMOs) from traditional, growth-centric entities into stewardship-driven agents of regenerative tourism. Utilizing a Three-Horizons framework and participatory workshops with European DMO managers, the research identifies a critical disconnect between current marketing-heavy operations and the urgent need to address climate change, overtourism, and social inequality. The findings propose a new operating model that shifts the definition of success from visitor volume to the restoration of ecological and community health. While advocating for this systemic change, the authors emphasize retaining core competencies like data collection and strategic communication to facilitate a smoother transition. Ultimately, the text offers a manifesto of actionable pathways for policymakers to bridge the gap between theoretical sustainability and real-world regenerative practice. Read more

    22 min

  5. May 22

    A Critique of Regenerative Tourism’s Moral Imperative

    The provided text is a scholarly commentary by Jim Butcher that explores the rising concept of regenerative tourism, which seeks to actively improve rather than just maintain environments and communities. The author distinguishes between the term's use as a practical policy tool for rural development and its more controversial role as a deeply moral philosophy. Butcher argues that current academic advocacy often frames the concept as a moral imperative that critiques modern science, economic growth, and mass travel. He challenges these categorical claims by presenting counter-arguments that defend the democratising benefits of mass tourism and human progress. Ultimately, the source serves to prompt a critical debate regarding the perceived elitism and philosophical assumptions underpinning the regenerative movement.

    20 min

  6. May 14

    Saving the Galápagos with clay models

    This academic paper investigates the rising challenge of overtourism in the Galápagos Islands and proposes a shift toward regenerative tourism. Using a methodology called "dancing with systems," researchers employed participatory 3D mapping and interviews to help local stakeholders visualise the complex forces driving unsustainable growth. The study utilizes the iceberg model to reveal how visible problems, such as infrastructure strain, are rooted in deeper system structures and mental models. By identifying these hidden layers, the authors highlight key leverage points—including better collaboration and transparency—to move beyond a purely economic growth paradigm. Ultimately, the source demonstrates how creative systems-thinking can empower communities to co-imagine and enact a more ecologically and socially balanced future.

    20 min

  7. May 7

    The Paradox of Inclusivity in Regenerative Tourism Planning: The moral gatekeeping of regenerative tourism

    This academic research investigates how regenerative tourism planning in New Zealand impacts the role of the visitor through a diversity, equity, and inclusion lens. While the regenerative paradigm conceptually promotes interconnectedness and collective transformation, an analysis of regional destination management plans suggests that tourists are often deprioritised or subjected to exclusionary value judgements. Planners frequently target a specific "high-value" tourist, defined either by their economic contribution or a pre-existing alignment with local environmental values. This selective approach creates a paradoxical exclusion of those deemed the wrong "fit," potentially alienating diverse groups from participating in sustainable change. The authors argue that for tourism to be truly regenerative, it must function as an inclusive learning system that welcomes all visitors rather than just those who already meet an idealised standard. Ultimately, the study advocates for a shift toward capacity-building and empowered participation to ensure a more equitable and effective transition for the industry.

    20 min

  8. May 1

    Regenerative tourism futures a case study of Aotearoa New Zealand

    This research explores the transition from traditional, extractive travel to a regenerative tourism model in Aotearoa New Zealand following the disruptions of the pandemic. The authors argue that the industry must move beyond capitalist growth to focus on the long-term well-being of local communities, ecosystems, and cultural heritage. Central to this transformation is the integration of indigenous Māori values, such as guardianship and respect, which encourage visitors to act as protectors of the environment. By adopting a holistic systems approach, the country aims to build a more resilient visitor economy that enriches both the guest and the host. Ultimately, the source advocates for a conscious reset of tourism practices to ensure the preservation of natural and socio-cultural landscapes for future generations.

    20 min
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About

Welcome to the Regenerative Tourism Podcast, an initiative by the Sustainability and Resilience Institute New Zealand. This podcast series is dedicated to creating awareness about regenerative tourism, drawing on global research and innovative practices that demonstrate how tourism can actively restore and revitalise our environment, communities, and cultures to deliver thoughtful and engaging conversations. Subscribe to our weekly podcast for the latest research and case studies on regenerative tourism. Disclaimer: The podcasts uses AI tools. Listeners are encouraged to check original sources before acting on the content. Visit the podcast page on www.sustainabilityandresilience.co.nz

Information

  • Creator
    Sustainability and Resilience Institute New Zealand
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    24
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Sustainability and Resilience Institute New Zealand
  • Show Website
    Regenerative Tourism Podcast