Debate on Regenerative Tourism
Munster Technological University, March 2024
I took part in an online debate a little while back with Debbie Clarke, Director of Regenerative Development, The Centre for Good Travel Circular Economy. It was organised by the Regenerative Tourism team at Munster Technological University in Ireland - terrific hosts.
There is an article on this blog on the topic, and more to come I hope.
My general take on it is that regenerative agriculture has an important role in some places, alongside, not against (as some argue), technology and modern methods. Tourism in support of that, and also in support of the priorities of local communities, can be a good thing. So in that ‘policy’ sense, what some may call regenerative tourism can be a sound idea.
But regenerative tourism (like ecotourism, volunteer tourism etc) has become mired in claims to be some sort of morally superior form of leisure travel, or a partial antidote to mass tourism. That’s where I part company with some others. We should celebrate and conserve the countryside. Equally, the resort brings conviviality and warm seas, and the city, culture and excitement. These are human pleasures, not categories to rank on a ‘worthy tourism’ scale.
Having said that, I’d love to travel to Ireland, and will hopefully get the time to cycle aimlessly around beautiful Munster enjoying the local food and drink !