A new scientific paper calls for the tourism industry to go beyond environmental sustainability and adopt regenerative tourism as the new paradigm for the industry – a tourism development model designed to leave destinations in a better condition than they were found, benefitting both people and the planet.
The paper was published by Professor Carlos Duarte, a leading expert in marine sustainability at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Aradhana Khowala, CEO and Founder of Aptamind Partners, Dr Maryam Ficociello, Group Chief Governance Officer at Red Sea Global, Ivor Williams, Senior Director of Marine Enrichment, and Rebecca Cousins, Senior Director of Corporate Affairs.
The paper highlights the urgent need for a shift to the industry’s approach to regenerative tourism. As climate change and biodiversity loss accelerate, the authors note that the current ‘sustainable tourism’ model is no longer sufficient, and that regenerative goals should replace those of minimising damage.
Tourism’s Role in the Climate Crisis
The report highlights that the tourism industry, while a key driver of the global economy, is also responsible for 8-11 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions. This makes it a major contributor to the climate crisis and underlines why ‘sustainability’ measures are not enough to reverse the damage.
Instead, the report positions regenerative tourism as a net-positive approach that aligns with the Paris Agreement, Sustainable Development Goals, and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework by actively enhancing ecosystems and contributing to global climate and biodiversity goals.
A Roadmap for Regeneration
The report outlines a clear pathway for transitioning to regenerative tourism, focussing on five key domains of action:
- Social engagement: Involving local communities in all aspects of tourism development and operation, ensuring that tourism benefits are shared equitably, local cultures and traditions are respected and strengthened, and tourism does not contribute to social or economic displacement. Tourism has the power to increase female participation in the workforce through the creation of new roles and providing opportunities to develop skills of the local population.
- Consumption of manufactured products: Regenerative tourism promotes responsible consumption and production patterns, including minimising waste, reducing reliance on single-use plastic, activating circular economies and supporting local suppliers.
- Food: Promoting sustainable food systems that support local farmers, reduce food waste, and minimise the environmental impacts of food production and consumption.
- Energy: Transitioning to renewable energy sources, improving energy efficiency and reducing the carbon footprint of tourism activities.
A New Approach for Resilient Business and Thriving Communities
The report also makes the business case for regenerative tourism, urging tourism operators to invest in the health and resilience of their destinations. “Regenerative tourism is not just about protecting nature, it’s about building long-term business resilience”, said Professor Duarte.
“By investing in ecosystems and communities, businesses can weather future disruptions, attract eco-conscious travellers, investors and business partners, and ultimately contribute to global sustainability goals.”
The approach also leads to a stronger hospitality product offering that meets the growing expectations of a more conscious traveller. “Regenerative tourism enhances hospitality in a positive way, by balancing economic growth with environmental and social restoration”, said Aradhana Khowala.
“The biggest opportunity is to translate principles of regeneration into tangible experiences and itineraries, and communicate your regenerative initiatives with effective storytelling such that a tourism model that revitalises, nurtures and restores becomes possible for everyone.”
Red Sea Global Leading the Way
Red Sea Global (RSG), the developer behind regenerative tourism destinations AMAALA and The Red Sea, is at the forefront of implementing the concept on Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coast. Data shared in the paper shows that the global conversation on regenerative tourism is rooted in Saudi Arabia, with John Pagano, the group CEO of RSG as the leading voice promoting this approach.
Key Initiatives Include:
- Coral reef programmes that use innovative techniques to enhance understanding and monitoring of the region’s unique marine ecosystems. Scientists employ 3D photogrammetry, robotics and machine learning for effective coral monitoring and management, and have conducted over 180 surveys of coral reef sites to generate thousands of images. CoralNet, an artificial intelligence tool, images are assessed to gain insights from a huge amount of data, and comprehensive maps of underwater habitats are created.
- Creation of new facilities like a Marine Life Operations Facility (MLOF) at AMAALA, a Coral Regeneration Lab and nurseries for plants, shrubs and trees.
- A commitment to 100 per cent renewable energy for all operations, including solar-powered hotels, and eco-friendly transport systems at both destinations. The Red Sea is home to one of the world’s largest battery storage facilities, and is off-grid powered solely by sunlight.
- Collaborating with local communities, contributing to the economy, tackling social inequality, celebrating their cultural traditions and practices, and providing long-term job opportunities underpinned by comprehensive educational and vocational training programmes.
“Governance often falls short, even with sustainable tourism”, said Dr Maryam Ficociello. “Regenerative tourism demands more – it requires inclusivity, equity, and strong partnerships between communities, governments and businesses.”
“This paper calls on the tourism industry to embrace not just a new framework, but a new mindset that prioritises building net-positive benefits for people and the planet.”