NorReg: Regenerative Tourism

The COVID-19 pandemic exposed the fragility of the tourism sector and its close ties to communities, the environment, and external conditions. This situation sparked a call for a shift in perspective, urging tourism to take on a vital role within the interconnected framework of society and nature. While this call has diminished somewhat as the industry rebounds, many stakeholders now see the importance of adopting a fresh approach and holistic metrics for success.

“I feel we are part of something big and important for future tourism development in the North Atlantic.

Developing tools for regenerative
tourism is very important, and to be able to involve local community and test the tools, we need more time, at least 2-3 years.”

Business owner I, Faroe Islands

The concept of Regenerative Tourism has gained traction in this conversation, presenting opportunities for impactful development and engagement. It focuses on community, advocates for the empowerment of industry participants, and adopts an integrated perspective where all stakeholders contribute and influence outcomes.

In the regenerative tourism movement, place-specific solutions are paramount. The “one-size-fits-all” mentality is discarded in favor of customized approaches for each region and individual businesses. This method encourages ongoing dialogue among regenerative stakeholders to share insights and experiences. Although universal solutions and tools are not typical, there is a collective effort to build a shared knowledge base and resources, thereby strengthening each business’s contribution to its community and the environment.

Read the 2022 report here.