Aideen Mc Grade’s Post

Regenerative Tourism - is it really a new concept? Or, is it just something that businesses, organisations and groups like to talk about. Think6 have always been involved in tourism experience development, tourism marketing and this is the new-ish way to elevate and market tourism. It is not just a tourism marketing strategy, it is a whole switch in the way we view our tourism industry and it is essential to get on board.  Lots of words, and lots of inaction won't cut it any more. It is now imperative for people to embrace regeneration and for us especially, the regeneration of rural communities. Have a look at our recent blog, and why not have a go at answering the 6 questions. If you want to make a conscious effort to build a sustainable and regenerative tourism offering (or any business, organisation or group in general).   #regenerativetourism  #communitydevelopment  #communitytourism  #ruraltourism  #sustainabletourism

Point of View: An enlightening Day 1 of the The Tourism CoLab Summit on #regenerativetourism. The conversation began by outlining the #polycrisis we face, and how tourism, dependent on #nature and #community to survive, plays a critical role. In response, our group began discussing how we can begin to move away from standardized mass products of tourism towards more #localized, specialized, and #regenerative tourism models. Previously, these standardized products ensured a strong return on investment. Now? It threatens the very existence of our industry. One of my main takeaways? Travelers long for a real sense of meaning and purpose, for experiences that are different and unique. As Anna shared, the future of tourism lies in the revitalization of community in places - a community-led, place-based, and localized approach. Not only does uplifting nature and community build business resiliency, it differentiates tourism products, and allows for the deepening of connection that tourists crave. By putting nature and community at the center of tourism, we make a reverberating impact.

Per regenerative tourism labeling. Having helped to create and develop the field of ecotourism I can say measuring performance is what matters. The label has to have performance indicators. It took us years to create those, and it was done through international meetings, academic review, endless stakeholder input, guidelines and local certifications with on the scene monitoring. There were many well documented successes, and many failures. For the regenerative tourism field, this will be necessary too. Labels do matter, if they are only aspirational it is harmful. If there is a global movement that is backing things up, cool! I can say it should not be taken lightly or just used as the hottest new label. We should support what has clear performance based on metrics. Let’s see em! Businesses and academics and governments must all be involved and clear on why, how and with what impact this is being carried out. And don’t assume it is an improvement, it is simply a new way of defining performance. Let’s see.

“You don’t want to work with businesses focused on regenerative tourism, right?” 🤷♀️   Someone asked me this during the ITB tourism trade show in Berlin earlier this month. Wait what? 👀   It took me by surprise, but I immediately knew where this question came from. A few months ago, I posted on LinkedIn I’m not a fan of the regenerative tourism movement.   But let’s set the record straight: I’m not against regenerative tourism. 😌   What I’m against is the idea that some early adopters of regenerative tourism, claim to do better than those ‘simply' working on sustainable tourism.   They claim regenerative tourism is the next level, thereby dismissing all sustainable businesses who are doing so well for people, planet, and profit. 🌿   In reality, I believe we’re all on the same page. We all envision a tourism industry that’s better, fairer, and greener. A tourism industry where 👇   🌿 Locals directly benefit from tourism and thrive 🌿 Destinations and wildlife are protected and preserved 🌿 Travellers leave a positive impact and contribute 🌿 Travel businesses profit from positive impact   I’m all about collaborating with businesses ready to roll up their sleeves and turn intentions to actions – to truly make a difference in the travel industry.   On the flip side, I prefer not to engage with businesses that are fine with just talking. It’s essential for me that if you talk the talk, you must also walk the walk. 🙌 🤝   How do you feel about this and how important do you find the labelling of practices? Share your thoughts in the comments! 🤗 // #goodtourism #futureoftourism #regenerativetourism #sustainabletourism #successstrategy #walkthetalk #takeaction #travelbusiness #peopleplanetprofit

We often equate the positive impact that tourism brings to the local economy with the revenue generated through tourism. While true, these figures provide a one-sided view of tourism’s impact on local economies. The traditional model of tourism management has predominantly focused on demand-side factors such as visitation trends and market growth, often overlooking critical supply-side considerations such as resource consumption, infrastructure utilization, and asset management. The Invisible Costs of tourism development include the costs to cover the infrastructure required to transport, feed and house, provide energy and water, and manage waste and wastewater for the growing numbers of visitors and tourism workers in each destination. Most of this cost remains unaccounted for when we speak of tourism gains. This gives rise to some key questions.   Do we understand the costs and benefits per tourist and the marginal cost as visitor numbers grow? What is the water and energy consumption per tourist? How does this vary as compared to the consumption per resident? How do we reduce the variance? How can we capture and track data on the utility consumption of tourists? Do we need to invest in infrastructure to meet peak season tourist demand? If yes, who bears the cost of it? How much of the investment can be offset through a rise in tourism revenue? Who absorbs the underutilized capacity of additional investment in infrastructure during the offseason? Do we have enough data for informed decision-making? How can we start tracking all of this? #TourismDevelopment #TourismEconomy

🌍Did you know that the #SustainableTourism Partnership is composed of 29 members, including 9 cities, 3 regions, and one national authority?🌍   These partners work together to advocate for sustainable tourism practices by raising awareness and educating stakeholders, citizens, and policymakers about both its benefits and challenges👍🚲⛴ ➡The partnership aims to capitalize on the economic, social, and environmental opportunities presented by sustainable tourism to foster a balanced and resilient recovery, promote inclusivity, and drive innovation 🏙🌿🤝   ➡ To reach their goal, the partners have developed a draft Action Plan consisting of six actions addressing key challenges 👇 1️⃣ Guidelines for Enabling Climate-Friendly and Resilient Urban Destinations 2️⃣ Support for Destinations to Enable the Use of Sustainability Certifications for SMEs Tourism Transition 3️⃣ Developing Competences for Tourism Professionals and Local & Regional Authorities in Digital Touristic Services & Products 4️⃣ More Resilient and Sustainable Destinations through Diversification of Tourism Offer 5️⃣ Destinations Accessible for All 6️⃣ Strategies on Protection of Local Retail as an Asset for Tourism   Now the partnership needs you help! Are you a local, regional, or national authority working on the topic of tourism? Are you working for a research institution, NGO or a Destination Management Organisation? Do you or someone you know have valuable insights and feedback to share? 🗣 If yes, check out how you can contribute in the #Public #Consultation📢 👉 https://lnkd.in/eh_CNYsz European Urban Initiative #SustainableTourism #UrbanAgendaforEU #Cities #TourismInnovation #Tourism #InclusiveTourism #EnvironmentalSustainability #TourismAwareness #CommunityEngagement #Sustainability #SustainableDevelopment #PublicConsultation

🌍 Welcome to a transformative journey into sustainable tourism! 🌍   This module is a catalyst for cultivating sustainable thinking and behaviour in participants. Our aim is to foster a conscious understanding of the imperative need for sustainability throughout the tourism value chain. 🚀   🔍 Discover the integral role sustainability plays in enhancing business competitiveness while exploring every facet of the tourism circuit. Dive into the interconnected realms of environmental, social, cultural, and economic impacts, that demand critical thinking in the analysis of tourism actions.   📚 Topics Covered in Module 3: 👉🏻 Sustainability - Why should you be sustainable; 👉🏻 The environmental impact of tourism; 👉🏻 Challenges and opportunities of Sustainable Tourism Development; 👉🏻 Case Studies and Best Practices across Europe.   Don't wait any longer! 🚀   📌 Click the link in comments to access the Erudire Platform and begin your transformation!   #Start #erasmusplusproject #ErasmusPlus #vet #IFP #sustainable #technological #RethinkTourism #elearing #elearningcourse #trainingmodule

During Tina's TED Talk in 2021, we were reminded that tourism isn't just "on the line" — it's at the forefront of transformative change. Even though much has evolved since then, one thing remains clear: we're on a journey to redefine the way we approach tourism, from attracting visitors to fostering sustainable growth in our destinations. In our latest blog post, we delve into the crucial concept of shifting paradigms for sustainable tourism growth. From empowering communities to preserving natural resources, each theme holds the key to creating a brighter, more resilient future for tourism. However, we can no longer be observers; we need to be catalysts for change. It's up to us to take the lessons learned and translate them into actionable strategies that drive meaningful impact in our communities, which is the emphasis of our 12-week certificate programme for Tourism Destinations. 𝗛𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗮 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗼𝗳 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗯𝗹𝗼𝗴 𝗽𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲. https://www.rfr.bz/llaafi5 #SustainableTourism #RegenerativeTourism #ParadigmShift #TourismInnovation #CommunityEmpowerment #Collaboration

🌟 Reflections on My Consultancy Project: Unveiling the Hidden Gem of Naryn Tourism 🌟 As my consultancy project in Naryn beginning, I'm inspired to share some insights that have profoundly impacted my perspective on tourism and regional development. 🔍 The Underestimated Value of Naryn's Tourism Throughout this journey, I've discovered that Naryn is not just a region, but a treasure trove of cultural and natural wonders, significantly underestimated in the tourism industry. This area, with its breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage, offers an unparalleled experience for the adventurous and the curious. 🚀 Why Naryn Deserves More Attention - Unique Natural Beauty: Naryn's stunning vistas and unspoiled natural beauty are a haven for nature lovers and adventure seekers. - Rich Cultural Heritage: The region's deep-rooted history and vibrant cultural tapestry offer an immersive experience into a unique way of life. - Potential for Sustainable Tourism: Naryn has the potential to develop into a model for sustainable tourism, benefiting local communities and preserving its pristine environment. 📈 Moving Forward: The Path to Recognition My project focused on developing strategies to promote Naryn as a must-visit destination. We've worked on enhancing local infrastructure, collaborating with community leaders, and creating marketing campaigns that truly reflect the essence of Naryn. 💡 A Call to Action for Industry Leaders I urge tourism industry leaders, influencers, and enthusiasts to turn their gaze towards Naryn. Together, we can elevate this hidden gem to its deserved stature on the global tourism map. 🔗 Join the Conversation Have you experienced the magic of Naryn? Share your stories and thoughts. Let's bring the spotlight to this incredible region! #NarynTourism #HiddenGems #SustainableTourism #TravelConsultancy #DiscoverNaryn

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