Sustainability is no longer enough for environmentally conscious travelers. Instead, regenerative tourism—actively restoring the ecosystems impacted by travel—is gaining traction. Hotels and resorts are moving beyond carbon neutrality to initiatives that heal local environments, such as coral reef restoration in Florida or reforestation efforts tied to resort revenues in Arizona.
The shift towards regenerative tourism reflects a growing recognition that merely reducing environmental harm does not equate to a positive impact. Travelers increasingly seek ways to contribute to the destinations they visit, ensuring that their stays leave a lasting benefit rather than a footprint of depletion. Regenerative tourism not only attracts eco-conscious travelers but also strengthens local communities, enhances biodiversity, and preserves cultural heritage.
Supporting Data
- 62% of U.S. travelers prefer brands that contribute to ecosystem restoration (Booking.com Sustainability Report, 2023).
- The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) now includes regenerative metrics in its 2025 certification criteria (GSTC, 2024).
Case Studies and Implementation
- 1 Hotels’ Partnership with Restore the Earth: 1 Hotels integrates regenerative principles by investing a percentage of guest stays into wetland restoration and carbon sequestration projects. This initiative not only offsets carbon emissions but actively contributes to restoring delicate ecosystems.
- Miraval Resort’s Reforestation Initiative: This Arizona-based wellness resort links spa revenue to local tree-planting projects, ensuring a tangible, positive impact on regional biodiversity. Guests can participate in tree-planting activities, further enhancing their sense of engagement and fulfillment.
- Carbon-Negative Resorts in the Pacific Northwest: Hotels such as The Green O and SCP Redmond utilize net-positive energy infrastructure and local ecosystem regeneration, making their properties actively beneficial to the environment rather than just reducing their footprint.
How Hotels Can Adopt Regenerative Tourism
- Align with local environmental organizations to implement conservation projects and support ecosystem restoration.
- Engage guests in restoration activities such as tree planting, coral reef rebuilding, or educational eco-tours.
- Integrate regenerative practices into operations, from sourcing sustainable materials to investing in eco-restoration initiatives that contribute positively to local communities and wildlife.