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This article analyzes the concept of nature-positive tourism and regenerative approaches as a strategic model for sustainable destination management. Based on case studies from Humanita and the San Vigilio Dolomites, the article clarifies tourism’s environmental impacts, the role of measurement and monitoring, and transformative solutions for achieving ecosystem regeneration goals.
Context and the Need for a Paradigm Shift in Tourism
Amidst a global crisis of climate change and severe biodiversity loss, tourism is increasingly under pressure to operate sustainably. The 2024 webinar hosted by WeNaTour focused on redefining the role of tourism in restoring nature, recommending regenerative approaches as a strategic framework to replace previous linear development thinking.
Nature-positive tourism is not a specific form of tourism, but rather a systemic model in which tourism activities not only avoid harming nature but also actively contribute to ecosystem regeneration. This necessitates a comprehensive transformation in awareness, policy design, and practical implementation.
Over 80% of the value of tourism goods and services depends directly or indirectly on natural ecosystems. However, since 1970, global wildlife populations have declined by an average of 73%. Tourism, therefore, cannot remain detached from global efforts to restore nature—especially after COP15 (2022) adopted the Global Biodiversity Framework, committing to halt and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030, and to achieve full restoration by 2050.
Environmental Impacts of Tourism through the Lens of Biodiversity
The relationship between tourism and ecological systems can be viewed through five primary drivers of biodiversity loss. These drivers not only reveal tourism’s negative externalities but also highlight its positive potential when properly governed.
- First, land and sea-use change due to tourism infrastructure development often destroys natural habitats. However, tourism can also incentivize the protection of land and marine areas, particularly through citizen science and community-based conservation models, as seen in African Parks.
- Second, resource extraction—from food to wildlife—poses major challenges, particularly in the form of waste and illegal exploitation. Yet, models such as Marine Savers in the Maldives demonstrate how tourism experiences can be paired with conservation efforts.
- Third, climate change—primarily from CO₂ emissions related to transport—is the most long-term and dangerous impact. Still, some destinations, such as San Vigilio Dolomites after Storm Vaia (2018), have invested in reforestation as a form of carbon sequestration and local climate regeneration.
- Fourth, pollution from plastics, waste, and noise can disrupt ecosystem structure. However, community campaigns such as “Gatino Clean of Days” illustrate how tourism can inspire environmentally responsible behavior.
- Fifth, invasive species are an increasing concern in high-traffic destinations. At Hope Resort, invasive alfalfa grass is actively managed with visitor participation—both educational and protective for native ecosystems.
The Role of Measurement and Monitoring in Sustainable Management
One of the prerequisites for building a nature-positive tourism strategy is measurement and monitoring capacity. Existing tools such as the Global Sustainable Tourism Criteria (GSTC), the European Tourism Indicator System (ETIS), and observatories like South Tyrol serve as guiding and benchmarking platforms. The application of information technology—from GPS data to citizen science platforms—now enables managers to better understand tourist flows and environmental hotspots.
The emergence of tools such as the “Net Positive Travel & Tourism” toolkit and supply chain benchmarking methods indicates a trend toward standardizing measurement based not only on visitor numbers but also on specific, trackable environmental indicators.
Case Studies: Humanita and San Vigilio Dolomites
The Humanita project focuses on measuring outdoor tourism impacts in protected areas. Surveys of over 600 tourists revealed that only 45% were aware their behavior could affect the environment. Data from apps like Strava Metro allows managers to identify routes that exceed carrying capacity and to apply mitigation measures. Integrating conservation guidelines into widely used apps such as Komoot is seen as a promising direction.
San Vigilio Dolomites, a mountain destination in northeastern Italy, has been certified by GSTC since 2021. Tourism accounts for 95% of its total added value. Measures include monitoring water, energy, and waste through free Excel tools for local businesses, a “sustainable passport” campaign that rewards eco-friendly behavior with tree planting, and an AI chatbot that provides tourist guidance—making it a model of “responsible destination management.”
Collaboration among local authorities, businesses, communities, and tourists is seen as a core factor of success. From combating overtourism to seasonal management, San Vigilio Dolomites demonstrates that “preserving the natural state” can be more important than developing new products.
The transition from impact-minimization tourism to regenerative tourism is a long journey that requires the coordination of all stakeholders. Nature-positive tourism cannot be implemented by a single group; it is the result of a systemic effort—from policymakers and businesses to conservation organizations and tourists.
Three levels of necessary action include: (1) minimizing negative impacts by eliminating harmful practices; (2) enhancing positive impacts by investing in nature-based solutions; and (3) shifting the paradigm of tourism performance measurement—not only by GDP, but by regenerative value and social equity.
Although complete ecosystem restoration may remain an ideal, tourism must position itself as a vanguard for catalyzing media narratives, behavioral shifts, and policy changes. The trust built through pioneering examples such as San Vigilio and Humanita shows that connecting travelers with nature is not only an environmental responsibility but also a long-term development strategy.
