Regenerative Tourism and Wellbeing

The field of regenerative tourism has emerged as a response to the profound impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the global tourism and hospitality industry. This unprecedented crisis has necessitated a re-evaluation of tourism's economic, socio-cultural, and environmental impacts, prompting a shift in traveler mindset towards more sustainable practices. The concept of "regenerative tourism" is gaining momentum, driven by the urgent need to address tourism's environmental implications and promote sustainable travel behaviors. In the post-pandemic era, the revival of the tourism industry is seen as an opportunity for regeneration, where tourists contribute positively to their destinations, leaving them in better condition. This approach transcends traditional sustainability by actively rejuvenating environments, benefiting local communities and economies. Despite its potential, research on regenerative tourism's impact on tourists, communities, and ecosystems remains in its infancy, highlighting the need for further exploration of its socio-cultural, environmental, and economic implications.

This research topic aims to explore the multifaceted dimensions of regenerative tourism and its impact on stakeholders within the tourism and hospitality industry. The primary objective is to identify best practices for regenerative tourism and understand its influence on the well-being of tourists and local communities, as well as the behavioral changes necessary for sustainable travel. By examining these aspects, the research seeks to mitigate the negative impacts of tourism and foster a positive cycle of benefits for both human and ecological systems.

To gather further insights in the exploration of regenerative tourism and its implications, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:

• Understanding and defining the conceptualization of regenerative tourism
• Regenerative tourism and sustainable behavior
• Behavioral change among tourists and host communities towards regenerative tourism
• Stakeholder behavior and intentions in regenerative tourism
• Tourist decision-making processes in regenerative tourism destinations
• Transformational experiences and their role in regenerative tourism
• Socio-cultural, economic, and environmental impacts of regenerative tourism
• Cultural stewardship and community involvement in regenerative tourism
• The relationship between regenerative and sustainable tourism
• Regenerative tourism's alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
• Planning, management, and marketing of regenerative tourism destinations
• Pro-environmental behavior and co-creation in regenerative tourism.

Keywords: regenerative tourism, wellbeing, sustainable behavior, behavior change, pro-environmental behavior, regenerative travel

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.