InnFocus Spring 2023

GO
Green
Making The World
a Better Place
Regenerative travel is kinder, gentler, better for the environment, and a
whole new way to approach tourism. How will your property take part?
by Joanne Sasvari
Credit: Destination BC/Jordan Dyck
Barcelona, a city of 1.6 million, is inundated with 20 times that
many visitors each year; locals are so sick of the crowds that
“Tourist go home” signs are as ubiquitous as FC Barcelona ones.
It’s a similar situation in Hawaii, in Venice, at Machu Picchu and
even in tiny Tofino, where so many tourists showed up the last
couple of summers that they ended up sleeping in their cars,
camping on back roads, and leaving a trail of litter behind them.
There is no question that tourism is a great revenue
generator. But there is also no question that tourism—especially
overtourism, the problem of too many visitors in too small a
space—is destroying our favourite destinations for the people
who actually live in them.
It’s why the industry is now looking to a new model called
“regenerative travel.”
Unlike sustainable travel, which aims to reduce the impact of
tourism on our environment through, say, recycling programs
and carbon offsets, regenerative travel is all about leaving a
destination better than it was, both environmentally and socially.
It was already top of mind for many people in the travel industry
before COVID came along; the pandemic, devastating though
it was, also offered an opportunity for not just a do-over, but a
do-better. Expect to see more initiatives like the Tourism Southern
Gulf Islands’ “Nothing is the New Something” campaign that
urges visitors to show up and just do nothing. It taps into a major
wellness trend, but also aligns with islanders’ values of respecting
nature, celebrating creativity, and giving back to the community.
Regenerative tourism is all about experiences that go beyond a
traditional vacation. That often means interacting with the people
who live in the community and supporting their businesses.
And this is a terrific opportunity for hotels and other companies
to take a significant leadership role.
For instance, Pacific Sands Beach Resort in Tofino not only
provides locally made Sea Wench amenities and locally roasted
Rhino coffee in the guestrooms, it partners with organizations like
Surfrider Pacific Rim, the Coastal Restoration Society, and the
Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation to keep beaches clean and preserve
the beautiful part of the world where they all live.
The Magnolia Hotel, meanwhile, has created a series of
charming free maps that encourage guests to explore Victoria
on foot or bicycle and visit local cafés, pubs, boutiques, galleries,
and wineries.
Fairmont Hotels have for several years invested in rooftop
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