Tourism when the destination takes centre stage

Sustainable tourism

The World Tourism Organization and the UN Environment Programme define sustainable tourism like this:

“Tourism that takes full account of its current and future economic, social and environmental impacts, addressing the needs of visitors, the industry, the environment and host communities.” 

According to the Swedish Agency for Economic and Regional Growth, sustainable tourism is an important part of the Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development. 

Regenerative tourism

The term regenerative tourism turns the traditional approach on its head. The main focus is on the destination itself, and visitors are expected to contribute to it. 

Skåne’s regional destination company Visit Skåne AB uses this definition: 

”Regenerative tourism is a sustainability-focused form of tourism that goes beyond merely minimising negative impacts. Instead, it focuses on improving and restoring the natural, cultural, and social environments affected by tourism. The concept is based on the principle that tourism can positively contribute to the destinations visited, creating a net benefit for both the environment and the community.”