“A Force for Good” is a vision by the Dalai Lama, inspired by a genuine concern for others. This concept ubiquitously manifests the natural maturation of sustainability, where the business purpose shifts from “doing less harm” by stakeholders to achieving a “net positive impact” for the entire community.
So, what does this mean for our travel industry? How can we plant the seed of kindness and reimagine a brighter shared future for humanity and nature?
Explore the Why, What, and How you need to turn tourism into “A Force for Good,” starting with a multi-layered travel design.
Regeneration and Attributes for a Successful Living System
Regenerative tourism might sound strange and trendy, but at its core, regeneration is about creating fertile conditions for life to thrive. This is based on the understanding that our cells, tourism destinations, host communities, forests, businesses, etc. are all living systems that constantly adapt, change, and evolve. Regeneration also has a non-material, aspirational dimension, focusing on self-actualization and collective inter-being.
How can we make sure that our travel industry and hosting communities thrive and flourish in the future? Let’s look at a few attributes of a successful living system in nature, as identified by Anna Pollock in her research, “Regenerative Tourism: The Natural Maturation of Sustainability”
- It’s Alive: Vitality, robustness, or even anti-fragility.
- Self-Organizing: It has the ability to self-regulate and maintain equilibrium.
- Creates Conditions for Other Life to Exist: It fosters an environment conducive to diverse life forms.
- Adaptable: It is constantly changing and learning.
- Generates Abundance: It produces more than it consumes.
- Efficient – Zero waste; Circularity
- It’s evolving – greater order, complexity, beauty – dynamic equilibrium
- Unique, distinctive
- Balance with all other parts – harmony
- Contributes to the Larger System’s Well-Being: It benefits the broader ecosystem it is part of.
There are various tourism concepts that catalyze regeneration, such as ecotourism, responsible tourism, meaningful travel and purposeful travel, which may cross at one point: a multi-layered travel design.
The power of multi-layered travel design for greater well-being of the tourism ecosystem
When considering a potential tourism destination, our goal is not just to create an viable tour but to craft a multi-layered immersion that engages tourists on multiple levels, including cultural, historical, social, and personal dimensions.
Let’s explore how Slow Travel Hue envisions tourism as a “force for good” through three core processes:
1. Understand Holistically
First, Research and Understand the destination. This involves exploring various spots, listening to local inhabitants, and conducting interviews to gather insights into the history, culture, and traditions of the destination.
2. Design Thematically
Travel design goes beyond the technical and logistical details of where, when, and what. More importantly, it incorporates the Why and How, meaning we design thematic layers that gradually reveal cultural, historical, social, and personal aspects. There’s also room to customize the immersion based on customers’ interests, wellness preferences, and suitable adventure activities.
For example, to guide guests through a journey of transformation, the thematic setting and dining experience engage all five senses. We rehabilitate an old wooden house into a charming and welcoming space, with inspirational quotes placed at various touchpoints. Medicinal plants are used in healthy dishes.
3. Curate Authentically
In execution, our strength lies in how we Curate Authentic Experiences. We involve expert guides to provide authentic and insightful explorations. We organize workshops where tourists can learn local crafts, cooking, and farming techniques. Our guides also ensure tourists experience local festivals and events to fully embrace the vibrant cultural atmosphere.
From maximizing Visitor Economy to Hosting Regeneration
Overtourism and conflicts between visitors and host communities in western tourism destinations do not necessarily mean people should stop traveling or the tourism industry should collapse. What’s important is how we travel and “How regenerative tourism depends on caring hosts willing to ensure their destination remains full of life” (Anna Pollock).
As a tourism professional, you could stop searching for cost-efficient land tours and start integrating “net positive impact”, multi-layered travel design. It’s like planting a seed to light up a brighter future.
Slow Travel Hue team and proudly involved communities are here to part of your journey of regeneration.
