Tourism seems inherently counter-productive to sustainability efforts. After all
, transportation is an integral part of the tourism industry because it facilitates movement of tourists but is also a major culprit of greenhouse gas emissions. However, that is a very singular view of the topic. Tourism can be the catalyst through which we can regenerate our wild spaces, enhance culture and empower communities. The United Nations defines sustainable tourism as that which “takes full account of its current and future economic, social and environmental impacts, addressing the needs of visitors, the industry, the environment and host communities”.
Yet, there is growing consensus that we need to do more than just “sustain” when it comes to tourism. Scientists and advocates are calling on nations to rewild their natural spaces, foster animal repopulation, nurture Indigenous cultures and knowledge, and transform energy production to renewables. Regenerative tourism is the tool to achieve all of those things. The aim of regenerative tourism is to leave a place better than a traveller found it, by providing benefits to destination communities, incentives for the protection of nature and culture, and enrichment for travellers.
A fantastic example of domestic regenerative tourism is a company called The Prince of Whales Whale & Marine Wildlife Adventures in Victoria on Vancouver Island. They provide a lot more than simple trips to see whales. The company employs scientists and guides year-round, even in the off-season, to provide steady employment. The tours not only show whales, but teach visitors the importance of protecting marine environments. The company is committed to offsetting its GHG emissions by 110% through reductions and offsets. Its carbon offsets support the Great Bear Forest Carbon Project, which is a forest management partnership with Coastal First Nations and the Province of B.C. The company works hard to protect whales and their marine environment and has adopted orcas from the Vancouver Aquarium. Which means it pays fees to support research and conservation of Southern Resident Killer Whales. The Prince of Whales also shares its knowledge by participating in the BC Cetacean Sightings Network to protect at-risk species and is a founding member of the Pacific Whale Watch Association. In summary, the company does not simply operate a whale watching tour. It is actively involved in enhancing whale habitats and protecting the species, which is regenerative tourism in action.
The Pillars of Regenerative Tourism Explained
Regenerative Tourism has four pillars. The Price of Whales’ work to protect whales is an example of contributions towards the Environmental Pillar. Their dedication to providing steady full time employment is an example of contributions to the Economic Pillar, which is also satisfied by the fact that tourism dollars remain in the community in which they were spent. The company’s partnerships with First Nations is an example of contribution towards the Social & Cultural Pillar. Finally, the Governance Pillar is checked off by the existence of a sustainability strategy, transparency in reporting, and active partnerships with First Nations.
Our goal at Bridge Sustainability is to work with Canadian owned tourism operators to reimagine their operations and help design enterprises that are leaders in sustainable and regenerative tourism.
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