Regenerative tourism appears to be the new mantra that is being chanted by Goa Tourism, that is giving them much media coverage across the nation. The state is emerging as the pioneer in this and all eyes could soon be on Goa.
But, does the state have what it takes to go beyond making statements and plans?
We’ve heard of sustainable tourism for long and Goa is still struggling with it. So, what’s regenerative tourism?
The Goa Tourism website kind of answers this question by stating that while sustainable tourism and regenerative tourism share the overarching goal of minimising the negative impacts of tourism on the environment, local communities, and cultures, they differ in their specific approaches and ultimate objectives.
It goes on further to differentiate between the two, stating that sustainable tourism seeks to maintain the status quo by balancing economic, social and environmental considerations.
It also aims to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs, and focuses on minimising negative impacts, often involving conservation, responsible resource use and community engagement.
On the other hand, regenerative tourism, the website says, goes beyond sustainability by actively seeking to improve and restore ecosystems, communities and cultures.
It explains that the regenerative approach aims to leave a positive impact, contributing to the well-being of destinations and fostering resilience, emphasises on the restoration and revitalization of natural and cultural assets.
‘Tourism has long been a double-edged sword, contributing to economic development while often causing environmental degradation and cultural erosion.’
While it is nice to learn what regenerative tourism is, a quick surfing of the net led to a better understanding of it from the Goa Tourism website itself, which states: ‘Tourism has long been a double-edged sword, contributing to economic development while often causing environmental degradation and cultural erosion.’
It continues: ‘In recent years, a paradigm shift towards more sustainable practices has emerged, and one such approach gaining prominence is regenerative tourism. Unlike conventional tourism, which may exploit natural resources and local cultures, regenerative tourism seeks to restore and revitalize destinations, leaving them better off than before.’
Essentially, what regenerative tourism aims for – and what is understandable by the very term regenerate – is that it leaves the destination in an improved condition.
Nobody can, or would want to, argue against that. In fact, it is the best way forward for Goa, especially as its coastal areas have for long borne the brunt of tourism excesses as well as overtourism.
While Goa is among the first in India to take this route, there are many countries that are well on the path of regenerative tourism, and New Zealand in fact is being viewed as a leader in this.
Travellers to New Zealand’s Aotearoa island take a pledge to care for the land, sea and nature, but it goes beyond a pledge for it involves keeping the place clean by never littering, disposing of all waste properly and leaving no trace when camping. Can Goa follow something like this?
Here’s more on what the Goa tourism website says, that is pertinent: ‘While regenerative tourism presents a promising path towards sustainable travel, challenges such as resistance to change, lack of awareness, and the need for coordinated efforts among stakeholders remain.’
It further states: ‘Governments, businesses, and tourists alike must actively participate in fostering a regenerative approach to tourism. The future of travel lies in our ability to prioritise regenerative practices, creating a harmonious balance between economic development and environmental and cultural preservation.’
Goa Tourism’s shift towards regenerative tourism should bring some hope that the government is moving in the right direction.
The key words here are governments, businesses and tourists must actively participate.
Against the background of the planned seafood festival on Miramar beach being differed following a case filed in the high court earlier this month, Goa Tourism’s shift towards regenerative tourism should bring some hope that the government is moving in the right direction.
Yet, one can ask the question that if the same department could not defend its decision to have a seafood festival on a beach for three days, is it serious about regenerative tourism, or is it merely an exercise in public relations?
Goa’s efforts at sustainable tourism are still not worthy to be enumerated. As it steps into the realm of regenerative tourism, it should do so with a purpose of achieving it and not let it be merely a slogan to bandy about.
We need to see it happen and make a change, only then can it be said that it has been a success.