Exploring the transformational potential of regenerative tourism in Southern Ontario

Tourism growth has led to unsustainable and careless practices. An emergent response disrupting such carelessness is regenerative tourism. Regenerative tourism is a transformational approach exploring ways to co-create benefits with local communities and their ecosystems while providing authentic experiences for visitors. While interest in regenerative tourism is growing there are limited studies exploring the benefits for communities in Canada. In response to this gap the aim of this study is to gain new insights about the processes required to engage, co-create, and co-design tourism with communities in Southern Ontario. Considering regenerative tourism in Ontario is particularly important given concerns regarding overtourism and easing of pandemic restrictions. The goal of the project is to explore opportunities for making regenerative tourism impacts with communities to promote flourishing communities and authentic experiences for visitors. Best practices will be shared, as well as educational resources to support other communities pursuing regenerative pathways.

Faculty Supervisor:

Karla Aileen Boluk

Student:

Partner:

Regional Tourism Organization Four Inc.

Discipline:

Sociology

Sector:

Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services; Other services (except public administration)

University:

University of Waterloo

Program: