Summit Session: The Power of Regeneration to Transform Tourism
Learn more about the meaning of regeneration for tourism, why it has such transformative powers, and how we can not only survive but thrive with opening Keynote speakers and industry leaders Anna Pollock and Bill Reed.
Keynote Speakers:
Anna Pollock - Conscious Travel
Bill Reed - Regenesis Group
6 lessons from Anna's presentation:
Uncertainty and unpredictability are here to stay.
"We can't impose our will upon a system. But we can learn to listen to what the system tells us, and work together to bring forth something much better."
Our vulnerability and interdependence are real and intensifying.
There are limits to "carrying capacity" but left alone, nature will heal.
The other existential challenges persist.
We're not helpless or innocent victims.
Resilience precedes thriving.
Regeneration is a VERB!
Definition: "To create the fertile conditions for life to thrive/flourish and to evolve"
Regeneration is NOT about LESS but MORE of the things that matter. More health, vitality, harmony, diversity, equity, opportunity, inclusivity, productivity.
Regeneration means asking different questions: "How do we create and sustain a visitor economy that tangibly enables resident individuals, businesses and communities to thrive, flourish and be healthy in every way?”
Key Takeaway from Anna: If sustainability is doing less harm, regeneration is about developing the innate capability of a system to self-organize, thrive and evolve.
Bill's presentation focused on the key features of regenerative development and highlighted several case studies, including the Loreto Bay and Playa Viva projects in Mexico.
