REYTA applications will soon be opening and so it’s time to start thinking about the key components to include. Sustainable and regenerative tourism is recognised throughout the application as well as being a category. It’s a brilliant chance showcase all initiatives and practices behind the business and the positive impacts you’re making.

What is the difference between sustainable tourism and regenerative tourism?

Last year this category changed from the Ethical, Responsible and Sustainable tourism award to the regenerative tourism award – but what does that mean?

Sustainable tourism is aiming for ‘net zero’ and working to minimise negative impacts on the area through adapting practices and promoting travel options that reduce impact to the environment. Regenerative tourism takes it one step further to adopt practices that leave a place in better condition than it started, aiming for ‘net positive’. Regenerative tourism focuses on active restoration rather than just minimising harm.

VisitEngland have a produced a useful guide to regenerative tourism including resources on where to start and an action plan template.

Find out more about the Regenerative Tourism Guide.

Tackling Regenerative Tourism

It’s a huge topic that’s high on everyone’s agenda. Regenerative practices cover an endless list of things businesses could do to improve their green credentials which can often feel overwhelming.

This can be broken down into four main areas and it’s important that businesses tackle each area and practices are embedded throughout the company. The main areas are:

• Climate – what actions are being taken to decarbonise energy and how is the business moving towards Net Zero.
• Circular Economy- this is based on the principles of designing out waste and pollution, while keeping products and materials in use and regenerating natural systems. Businesses are responsible for ensuring resources are being used efficiently while also considering the suppliers you use.
• Biodiversity – adapting your business so it is protecting and restoring nature.
• Place based – working with communities and supporting local areas, using local suppliers and partnering with local businesses as much as possible.

Tips for your REYTA application

• Take time to reflect on your business and what you are already doing in the realm of regenerative tourism.
• Check how the work fits with each area of regenerative tourism.
• Make note of all the things the business is doing remarkably. It’s not about doing everything but showing what you are doing well.
• Show the team’s passion in the area and how it’s woven throughout the business and is a part of everyday practice.
• Start planning for the application by considering how practices relate to the four questions top qualities, recent improvements, your successes and your future plans.