While sustainable tourism aims to minimize its impact on ecosystems, regenerative tourism goes a step further by approaching nature with a purpose to repair. Sustainable tourism is about respecting the environment, whereas regenerative tourism involves ecological justice. Both share traits like awareness of the climate crisis and a commitment to caring for the planet and all its inhabitants. It could be argued that regenerative ethics is an evolution of sustainable ethics; it is also a part of it. Want to learn more about regenerative tourism, its characteristics, and how it’s applied? Interested in making a change in your travels? Read on.
What is Regenerative Tourism?
Regenerative tourism seeks to leave destinations in a better condition than they were found. Essentially, it's a movement (both abstract and progressive) that, through concrete actions, aims to restore habitats. It shouldn't be confused with community tourism, which focuses on local communities, though the two intersect when these communities interact with specific territories. The responsibility and commitment of travelers and tourism companies make a difference. For instance, in its 2030 Roadmap, Iberostar commits to improving the health of all ecosystems at its hotels. Additionally, new travel methods, like those of Generation Z, entail a more responsible approach to destinations, involving volunteering and other active plans.
Examples of Regenerative Tourism
Creation of the First Coastal Observatory in a Mediterranean Hotel
Posidonia oceanica, an endangered plant, thrives only in the Mediterranean. It grows in underwater meadows along the coasts of North Africa, Crete, Andalusia, and the Balearic Islands. In this ecosystem, numerous plants form, as well as fish and other sea animals, find shelter and food. Moreover, Posidonia protects the wellbeing of beaches and coves by acting as a barrier against erosion. Iberostar has renewed its agreement with the PosiGenome project, led by IMEDEA (Mediterranean Institute for Advanced Studies), to study Posidonia oceanica.
Moreover, the first coastal climate change observatory has been created at the Iberostar Waves Alcudia Park, a family-oriented hotel located on Playa de Muro in Mallorca, known for its ecological balance and sustainability. From this resort, there is active collaboration with the SOCIB (Coastal Forecasting and Observation System of the Balearic Islands). The hotel also features facilities to rent, store, and repair bicycles. This allows cycling enthusiast to discover routes that cross Mallorcan landscapes in an environmentally respectful manner.
Reforestation with Mangroves in Tropical Areas
Mangroves are a wondrous ecosystem with multiple functions that contribute to the balance of life on Earth. Like Posidonia, they protect coasts (in this case, from storms and hurricanes) and support numerous animal and plant species. They filter water and, as a type of green forest, act as carbon sinks. A prime example of regenerative tourism in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, involves reforestation with mangroves.
In its green zone regeneration plans, Iberostar has planted more than 16,000 red, button, and white mangroves in its resorts and 3,000 additional specimens throughout the country. Efforts also focus on raising awareness among guests and locals. These actions extend to other destinations, such as the Riviera Maya, Mexico. At JOIA Bávaro by Iberostar, a luxury hotel that combines luxury, art, and sustainable vacations, you can stay near the mangroves and opposite a paradisiacal beach. The rooms are suites and some offer butler and concierge services 24 hours a day.
Investing in Coral Laboratories in the Caribbean
Without leaving the Caribbean, you can witness another regenerative tourism initiative, with distinctive features focused on restoring coral reefs. Corals, listed as endangered species in Mexico, are delicate yet resilient creatures. Reefs ensure the health of coasts by filtering waste from water, absorbing wave impacts, and creating natural barriers. The biodiversity they support is impressive: up to 25% of marine life depends on them. Moreover, 500 million people worldwide rely on corals for food or from economic activity in the tourism and fishing sectors.
Iberostar has its own coral nurseries at its complexes in Playa Bávaro, Puerto Plata, and Iberostar Selection Hacienda Dominicus in the Dominican Republic; and also at the resorts in Playa Paraíso in Riviera Maya and Iberostar Waves Cozumel in Mexico. In these spaces, new paths are explored to regenerate reefs and their capacity to reverse the climate crisis is studied. During your stay, you can explore the coral universe by diving into magical spots and ethically observing fascinating aquatic creatures, all while staying in hotels located in unique settings where nature is also part of the experience.
Dune Recovery in Coastal Destinations
Following this map for coastal health, you'll reach dune ecosystems. The determination to recover them materializes in another example of regenerative tourism with seaside views. Dunes (aided by a rich and diverse flora) help minimize the onslaught of waves and wind, attract protected wildlife such as sea turtles, and generally enhance the ecological diversity of the beaches where they are located. Thus, 10,000 specimens of native plant species will be planted around Iberostar hotels in Mexico. Conservation plans in collaboration with local communities and government agencies will complete the project.
Now that you understand what regenerative tourism is and how you can join this transformation from Iberostar hotels worldwide, the next step is to start planning your next mindful trip to one of these destinations. You'll connect with nature and with that deep part of you that, like mangroves or coral reefs, recognizes itself in the totality of life on Earth.
