Hawaii’s Bold Step Towards Regenerative Tourism

Meet the revolutionary new concept that’s taking the travel world by storm: regenerative tourism. 

In the ever-evolving landscape of travel, regenerative tourism aims to reshape how we think about the places we visit, the people who live there and the world around us. It means leaving destinations a little better than we found them (something we can definitely get behind here at Noble) and it’s already gaining traction: Hawaii’s regenerative tourism bill is leading the way with groundbreaking legislative efforts to promote a more sustainable and community-focused tourism model. 

Let’s take a closer look at the regenerative tourism and what it means for the future of travel in the Aloha State and beyond.

What is Regenerative Tourism?

Regenerative tourism isn’t just a buzzword – it’s a paradigm shift in travel and tourism marketing that takes the concept of sustainability to new heights. 

While sustainable tourism focuses on minimizing negative impacts, regenerative tourism actively seeks to improve and restore social, cultural and environmental systems. This holistic approach reimagines  destinations as interconnected ecosystems, prioritizing the well-being of local communities and natural environments.

Key principles of regenerative tourism include:

• Restoration and improvement: Actively regenerating environments and communities rather than simply maintaining them.
• Community-centered approach: Prioritizing local residents’ wellbeing and preserving cultural heritage.
• Nature-based solutions: Drawing inspiration from natural systems to create thriving conditions.
• Long-term vision: Looking beyond short-term gains to ensure lasting positive impacts.

Across the globe, innovative regenerative tourism projects are already making waves and setting new standards for responsible travel. In Costa Rica, the Arenas del Mar resort has embarked on an ambitious reforestation initiative, planting thousands of native trees and creating wildlife corridors that enhance biodiversity. Mexico’s Xala development is pioneering a community-driven approach, integrating local culture and environmental conservation into its tourism model. In Italy, the Oasyhotel in Tuscany operates within a WWF-protected reserve, implementing strict protective measures to preserve the area’s rich biodiversity. Rwanda’s Singita Kwitonda Lodge, developed in partnership with local communities, is creating sustainable revenue streams to fund conservation efforts in Volcanoes National Park. On Vancouver Island, 4VI has redefined tourism by channeling visitor spending into projects that restore and enhance local ecosystems, ensuring the island is left in better condition than when visitors arrived.

It’s easy to see why regenerative tourism has taken root in destinations across the globe. Its dynamic foundational principles allow it to adapt to any specific location while adhering to the core tenets of restoration, community empowerment and long-term sustainability.

Aloha 2.0: Hawaii’s Visionary Regenerative Tourism Bill

In a maverick “Let’s Be Better Every Day” move that sets a new global standard for tourism legislation, Hawaii has taken a bold step into the future of regenerative  travel. 

On June 29, 2024, Governor Josh Green signed Senate Bill 2659 into law, marking a pivotal moment in the state’s journey towards regenerative tourism. This legislation goes beyond traditional sustainability measures, aiming to actively improve and restore Hawaii’s social, cultural and environmental systems through tourism.

This landmark legislation, introduced by Senators Jarrett Keohokalole and Les Ihara, Jr., garnered widespread support from diverse stakeholders, including the Native Hawaiian Caucus, the ʻĀina Aloha Economic Futures movement, and the Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA). This collaborative approach ensures that the bill addresses the needs and aspirations of Hawaii’s people while setting a new standard for responsible tourism globally.

The bill also integrates into the Hawaii State Planning Act and the state’s Tourism Functional Plan. This ensures that regenerative tourism principles are not just short term changes, but fundamental elements of Hawaii’s long-term strategic planning and day-to-day tourism operations.

Four Key Objectives of Hawaii’s New Tourism Approach

At its core, the bill focuses on four key objectives that will reshape Hawaii’s tourism landscape:

• Greening Paradise: Reducing Tourism’s Ecological Footprint. The bill aims to slash the tourism industry’s environmental impact through stricter standards for accommodations, eco-friendly transportation and low-impact activities. Visitors can anticipate more nature-based experiences that actively contribute to conservation efforts.
• Preserving the Aloha Spirit: Protecting Cultural and Natural Treasures. This legislation supports community-led protection of cultural and natural resources. It limits access to sensitive sites and encourages visitor participation in cultural education and conservation activities, fostering a deeper connection with Hawaii’s heritage and environment.
• Local Flavors: Broadening the Tourism Economic Value Chain. By engaging more local businesses, the bill aims to diversify tourism offerings. Visitors can expect a more authentic range of experiences, from locally-owned accommodations to community-led tours, providing more opportunities to directly support the local economy.
• Empowering Island Communities: Investing in Hawaii’s Workforce. The bill focuses on empowering residents through job training and education in tourism. This workforce development initiative aims to enhance service quality and distribute tourism benefits more equitably, training a  more skilled and knowledgeable local workforce.

By embracing this regenerative approach, Hawaii is not just preserving its paradise – it’s actively working to enhance it. As this visionary bill takes effect, it promises to transform Hawaii’s tourism industry into a model of sustainability and community empowerment, setting a new benchmark for destinations worldwide.

Witnessing Hawaii’s Tourism Evolution Firsthand

As someone who’s been visiting Hawaii since before I could walk, I’ve witnessed firsthand the impacts of over-tourism on the islands. Every day, my mom and brother and their families navigate the challenge of balancing tourism with local life. Over the years, I’ve watched as neighborhoods recycle residents weekly and small towns become increasingly commercialized.

Despite these challenges, I believe Hawaii is in the perfect position to create a model for responsible regenerative tourism while maintaining and rebuilding its communities. The state has already taken proactive measures, such as limiting short-term vacation rentals and focusing tourism marketing on cultural experiences. These steps, combined with the new regenerative tourism bill, demonstrate Hawaii’s commitment to preserving its unique identity while welcoming visitors.

The issues Hawaii faces resonate with me even further since I live down the road from Lake Tahoe. The parallels between sustainability in Lake Tahoe and Hawaii are striking. Each destination grapples with the dual pressures of environmental preservation and tourism-driven economics. Their experiences underscore the importance of adopting sustainable tourism practices to safeguard these beloved places for the future.

In both destinations, though, we’re learning that responsible tourism isn’t just about protecting natural resources – it’s about fostering meaningful connections between visitors and the places they explore. By focusing on regenerative principles, we can create travel experiences that enrich both the traveler and the destination.

A New Dawn for Travel: Hawaii Leads the Way

Hawaii’s bold move towards regenerative tourism sets an inspiring example for destinations worldwide. By prioritizing the well-being of local communities, preserving cultural heritage and actively improving environmental conditions, the Aloha State is charting a course towards a more sustainable and fulfilling future for tourism.

As travelers, industry professionals and global citizens, we all have roles to play in supporting and promoting regenerative tourism practices. Whether it’s choosing eco-friendly accommodations, participating in cultural exchange programs or simply being mindful of our impact as visitors, we can contribute to this positive transformation.

Hawaii’s journey reminds us that tourism, when done right, has the power to regenerate, inspire and connect. As we look to the future of travel, let’s take a cue from the Aloha spirit and strive to leave each place we visit a little better than we found it. 

In the words of a Hawaiian proverb, “Mālama i ka ‘āina, a mālama ka ‘āina ia ‘oe.” 

Take care of the land, and the land will take care of you.