What is Regenerative Tourism And Why Your Boutique Hotel Should Talk About It
The phrase regenerative tourism is popping up more and more. But what does it mean?!?
Let’s dive-in and discuss. ☺️
What is Regenerative Tourism?
First of all, what even does the word regeneration mean?
Via Google
And Regenerative tourism, specifically, is all about the idea that the act of tourism can leave a place better than it found it. Nurture land, culture, and community instead of deplete them.
At its core, regenerative tourism asks travelers and the spaces who host them to look beyond sustainability. It’s not just about preserving what’s around. It’s about contributing to the growth and well-being of the place and people. Seeing a whole system flourish.
If you’re a boutique hotel, you’re likely already a part of the regenerative tourism movement! A lot of boutique hospitality brands are already operating with regenerative values and choices at the forefront of who they are and what they do.
Regenerative Tourism looks like:
Hiring local, not outsourcing.
Sourcing building materials, furniture, coffee, soap, and art from small businesses in your own town.
Sharing and supporting the local community of the place you’re in.
Hosting guests in a way that prioritizes sustainability, not just convenience.
Why are we talking about regenerative tourism as a marketing firm?
Because your guests want to know about it! We want to feel good about our purchases. For the majority, us humans naturally want to feel like we’re making a difference and are a part of something bigger, even while we’re traveling.
83% of global travelers consider sustainable travel important. Statistia
81% of travelers plan to choose sustainable accommodations in the coming year. HTR
88% of travelers factor sustainability into their hotel booking decisions. CTW
45% of travelers are more likely to book accommodations with sustainability certifications. GSTC
These statistics highlight the growing importance for hotels to adopt and communicate sustainable practices to meet our expectations.
More and more travelers are choosing boutique stays because they want their trip to be meaningful. They want their money to support a real family, a real town, a real story. Not a faceless corporation. Just in case you needed the budge, here’s full permission to share your boutique-ness.
How to share your regenerative story
Telling your story doesn’t need to be overwhelming or polished. In fact, the more real, the better.
This cutie mug is from Back Alley, handmade by Duluth Pottery. And this book was purchased from a local book store.
Here are a few ideas for how to share the sweet details of how your hospitality business helps the whole system around it flourish:
Share the story of where your mugs, sheets, towels, touchable/tactile aspects of your spaces came from.
Post about your team. Share why they love working there, and what they love about the area.
Show behind-the-scenes decisions that prioritize community. Like partnering with a local guide for guest experiences, or a local wellness business.
Create a simple page on your website dedicated to “How We Give Back.”
Being small, intentional and “boutique” can be your superpower.
Especially in an industry full of flashy disposable amenities and templated luxury, realness is what stands out. Guests want to feel like their stay matters. You get to show them that it really does. ☺️
And if you need help telling that story, we’re here for it.
At Brosy Studio, we help boutique hospitality brands turn their purpose into powerful marketing.
Let’s build your story together.