Regenerative tourism is about positive mentality of tourists, prioritizing support to the local communities to boost their livelihood and ensuring their economic and social growth from tourism. Local communities play a key role in tourism. In regenerative tourism the government and local community together plan, develop and manage tourism. Thisapproach fosters a sense of ownership among residents, leading to more responsible tourism practices.
In India, Goa has become first state to launch Regenerative Tourism. On the sixty-second anniversary of the Liberation of Goa December 19, 2023, the most preferred tourist state Goa Tourism is thrilled to announce the launch of a revolutionary model for regenerative tourism. The government has invested in infrastructure development to improve accessibility and connectivity to various tourist destinations in Goa. This includes improving roads, public transportation, and airport facilities. The Goan model of regenerative tourism emphasizes on promoting environmental restoration, cultural preservation, and community empowerment through four paths: spirituality, indigeneity, civilizational and cultural nationalism, and conscious tourism.
Goa support cultural heritage. It protects and celebrate local cultures, traditions, and unique identities. Major tourist attractions include Bom Jesus Basilica, Fort Aguada, a wax museum on Indian culture, and a heritage museum. Seven Churches and Convents of Goa have been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The culture of Goa is a melting pot of Indian and Portuguese culture. The long Portuguese rule has influenced the culture in more ways than one and many of the Portuguese traditions are reflected in the Goan culture even today. The crafts and arts of Goa also reflect Hindu, Muslim and Christian origins.
In February 2024, Government of Goa and Indian travel major MakeMyTrip (MMT) inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), to further turn Goa in a year-round destination, moving beyond its iconic sun, sand, and beaches. The one-of-a-kind public-private partnership aims to outline a series of innovative initiatives to showcase Goa’s lesser-known inland treasures, its rich cultural heritage and mouthwatering culinary traditions, is the next step ahead.
Regenerative tourism transforms the approach to travel, and it has begun to take root around the globe. By focusing on practices that restore and renew ecosystems, economies, and communities, several destinations are setting powerful examples of how tourism can be a force for positive change.
A great example of living up to these principles is New Zealand, originally known as “Aotearoa” which translates from Maori as the “land of the long white cloud.” New Zealand always practiced regenerative tourism that includes people, places, and practices can be found in the country. This small country realised long back that the key to success is in understanding and implementing regenerative travel practices.
Preserving historical sites plays a crucial role in the development of cultural tourism by enhancing visitor experiences and promoting sustainable development. Engaging local communities in activities at historical sites fosters a sense of attachment, leading to continued preservation efforts. In structural conservation technique, reinforcement work is carried out on foundations, repairs are carried out on walls, ceilings and removal of weeds from the buildings. Protects the monuments from organic and inorganic gases. Helps to eliminate moss, algae, lichens (plant like living things).
India is facing a particular challenge, as it has one of the most rapidly emerging outbound travel markets in the world, as well as a significant inbound tourism sector. Indians want to travel both domestically and internationally in ever growing numbers. And tourists want to visit India to experience its incredible cultures, histories, food and landscapes. This growth is an exciting prospect, but it comes with the need for greater accountability and action.
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), under the Ministry of Culture, is the premier organization for the archaeological research and protection of the cultural heritage of the nation. Maintenance of ancient monuments and archaeological sites and remains of national importance is the prime concern of the ASI. The ASI manages and maintains historical monuments and sites and regulates the use of these sites for tourism and other purposes. It works closely with state governments and other organisations to ensure the proper management of these sites. ASI subtly helps regenerative travel in India. Archaeological sites represent relationship with a culture or civilization that exists or has disappeared. It represents transition in architecture or technology over a span of time
The Ministry of Environment and Forest Law is responsible for implementation of policies and programmes relating to conservation of the country’s natural resources including its lakes and rivers, its biodiversity, forests and wildlife. Ministry of Environment is responsible for framing laws and regulations for environment and forests and has a key role in development of sustainable tourism. The Ministry can provide valuable guidance and direction for utilizing natural resources for sustainable and responsible tourism.
Ministry of Culture is responsible to preserve, promote and disseminate all forms of art and culture in the Country and has many Institutions and organization involved in the field of art and culture. The Ministry can contribute to the promotion of culture and heritage in a sustainable and responsible manner.
Some examples of regenerative tourism include:
Chumbe Island Coral Park in Zanzibar
This is an incredible tropical paradise on Chumbe Island, located 8 km west of Unguja in Zanzibar. This fully protected island is home to a stunning Coral Reef Sanctuary and Forest Reserve that is entirely funded through ecotourism revenue. This is a unique place of biodiversity with rare species and abundant marine and forest life at this one-of-a-kind, multi-award-winning destination.
Grootbos Private Nature Reserve in South Africa
At Grootbos, the management goes beyond simply conserving the pristine wilderness which they call home. They constantly research, innovate, and establish new ways of doing things to transform the lives of community members as well as preserve 3500 hectares of botanical and wildlife treasures.
CBT township in Myaing, Myanmar
Deep into the country’s arid, central Magway region, along the sacred Irrawaddy River lies the tiny township of Myaing. It is one of the poorest and least developed regions of Myanmar. Ironically, it is only a two-hour drive from Myanmar’s tourism superhighway, the ancient city of Bagan. But this quiet farming community is home to something innovative in its own way. It is Myanmar’s first-ever Community Based Tourism (CBT) project. CBT enables travellers to experience the local culture, local cuisine, local handicraft, it is anything from a wildlife safari to a cooking or basket-weaving class. The locals emphasize on preserving their natural and cultural heritage. For travellers, it means a more authentic experience; and for locals, it leads to an upskilled workforce, and increased employment. No matter the experience, it’s about using travel for good.
Conclusion
I think of regenerative travel as the next step in our sustainable travel journey. Sustainability is about making sure that the resources we enjoy today will still be available for the generations that follow; regeneration is about making sure that what we do now feeds back into the system from which we benefit. It’s about being proactive and intentional.
