Regenerative tourism: how destinations can go beyond sustainability

Rethinking the system: regenerative tourism in action

As climate challenges intensify and tourism rebounds globally, more destinations are looking beyond sustainability, toward regeneration. For Guy Bigwood, CEO and Chief Changemaker at the GDS-Movement, the future of tourism must be regenerative: tourism that actively restores ecosystems, empowers communities, and strengthens local economies.

Working with over 100 cities and destinations each year, the GDS-Movement helps governments and tourism leaders embed regeneration into the core of destination planning. It’s a shift from reducing harm to creating positive impact.

Examples from Helsinki, Copenhagen, and Singapore show what’s possible when regeneration is built into tourism policy. Even destinations once viewed as unsustainable, like Dubai, are evolving to become part of the solution.

What is regenerative tourism?

Regenerative tourism goes beyond being sustainable. It’s about tourism that gives back — restoring nature, supporting local people, and building resilient destinations.

How does the GDS-Movement support regeneration?

By co-creating strategies that focus on climate action, circular economies, and community-led tourism, the GDS-Movement equips destinations to thrive while healing people and the planet.