Tourism has the potential to create positive change, but for it to be truly sustainable, it must benefit both the local communities and the environment. Regenerative tourism is a growing movement that focuses on giving back to the ecosystems and people that make travel experiences so memorable. In this article, we highlight six regenerative tourism projects that are leading the way in creating a more sustainable, equitable, and eco-conscious travel industry.
1- Playa Viva Hotel. Mexico.
Maybe is one of the most well-known examples of regenerative tourism. Located on the Pacific coast of Mexico, Playa Viva is a boutique eco-resort that combines sustainable development, community involvement, and a deep respect for the natural environment.
The story of Playa Viva begins with a vision in 2005. The land, which is located on a beautiful, undeveloped stretch of beach, was initially a small, local farm. Sandra Kahn and David Leventhal, the owners, were passionate about sustainability and the environment and purchased the property with the intention of creating something special — a hotel that would honour the land and the local community while offering a luxurious, yet eco-conscious, escape for guests.
In 2007, the founders saw the opportunity to create a resort that would be both a peaceful retreat and a model for sustainable tourism. The project was meant to showcase how development could occur in harmony with nature, rather than at its expense. Their goal was to create a place where people could reconnect with nature, support local culture, and participate in eco-friendly practices, while also generating economic opportunities for the surrounding community.
Other inspiring regenerative practices of the project:
- It is 100% self-sustaining
- The building materials are locally harvested wood (renewable) and design elements from local artisans.
- They have their own permaculture-based garden with which they supply the restaurant
- Edible landscape
- The staff is local and not only are they paid a fair price but they are given training, health and economic development.
- They have a sea turtle conservation project on their own beach.
- 2% of the benefit goes to projects for the regeneration of local ecosystems.
2- Rewa Ecolodge. Guyana
Across Guyana, several indigenous communities own and operate their own eco-lodges. Rewa Village is one of them. Tourism benefits all members of the community economically and enables the community to protect the ecosystem on which it depends, which has a local and global benefit. This community, which is home to over 300 inhabitants, also manages a large conservation area of 350 square kilometres (271 square miles).
This is an example that illustrates how travel can generate positive net benefits for the community and the environment.
The lodge was founded in 2005 with the support of Conservation International and was born from a desire to protect their land for future generations. By transforming their approach to conservation, they shifted from hunting to preserving the incredible biodiversity of their region. Today, they welcome travelers from around the world to experience the wonders of the rainforest while supporting conservation and the livelihoods of the Rewa community.
Activities you can do during your visit include bird watching, fishing, boat tours, cultural traditions experiences, campsite, wildlife watching and meaningful conservation project participation.
3- Fogo Island Inn
Fogo Island in Canada is a 25km long island with an extreme natural landscape and a strong culture of its own. However, as in other places in the world, employment opportunities were difficult. At a community meeting in 2004, where training programs for islanders were being discussed, a woman stood up and asked, «It’s great what you’re doing here, but you’re training people for jobs that don’t exist on the island. Why not create jobs here?»
And here began a community revitalization project that included the construction of a hotel. With the hotel came carpentry, a local pottery workshop, and another about patchwork recovering practices native to the place, which are sold and included in traveller experiences.
This is an example of community regeneration. A flourishing community will always be happy to welcome people who come from outside.
4- G Adventures
G Adventures is a global travel company that specializes in small-group tours to a wide range of destinations around the world. Founded in 1990, the company focuses on offering unique, immersive travel experiences that highlight local culture, wildlife, and adventure. G Adventures operates with a commitment to sustainable tourism, working closely with local communities and supporting conservation efforts.
With a focus on social impact, G Adventures strives to provide meaningful experiences – from more active adventure trips to cultural and family-friendly tours while promoting responsible travel practices.
The company is also known for its use of local guides and its efforts to support local economies and promote ethical tourism. They choose their providers taking into account that the enterprise is owned by a minimum of 50% by a local.
5- Lokal Travel
Lokal Travel is a sustainable travel company that offers personalized, off-the-beaten-path experiences in Southeast Asia. The company focuses on providing authentic, community-based travel experiences that support local cultures, artisans, and conservation efforts.
Lokal Travel curates small-group and custom tours that emphasize responsible travel and direct connections with local communities, helping travellers discover hidden gems and meaningful experiences. By working closely with local guides and suppliers, Lokal Travel ensures that its tours contribute positively to the economy and environment.
The company’s mission is to make travel more impactful by fostering cultural exchange and promoting sustainable tourism practices.
Watch the film they did called ‘2.5% — The Osa Peninsula’ that follows the stories of Xinia, Johnson, and Carlos, three Osa residents who are fighting to protect their land and build a sustainable tourism industry that benefits both the environment and local communities. An inspiring story.
6- Rotorua Canopy Tours
Canopy Tours is an adventure tourism company based in New Zealand, offering eco-friendly and adrenaline-pumping experiences in some of the country’s most beautiful forests. Known for its unique tree-top zipline tours, Canopy Tours provides visitors with the chance to explore New Zealand’s native rainforests from high above the ground, while learning about the region’s biodiversity and conservation efforts.
The company combines adventure with environmental education, allowing guests to see the forest from a new perspective while promoting eco-conscious tourism. Canopy Tours is committed to sustainability and supports reforestation initiatives and conservation programs to protect New Zealand’s natural ecosystems. It’s a perfect blend of adventure, nature, and environmental stewardship.
They are part of the Predator Free New Zealand 2050 vision, every time someone goes on a zipline or canopy walk they are contributing to a predator-free New Zealand and actually restoring the native forest to its natural habitat.
More projects coming!! Do you know any that you want to give visibility to? Send me the information and I will check it out!
If you are interested in regeneration or regenerative design check this article on Books for Understanding Regeneration/Regenerative Design or this about how to look at retail from a regenerative approach.
