The exponential growth of international tourism necessitates a shift towards more sustainable and holistic development strategies. This thesis explores the concept of regenerative tourism, focusing on Hawai’i - a popular tourist destination renowned for its natural beauty yet facing significant environmental and social impacts from tourism. This thesis explores the paradox of balancing the economic necessity of tourism while preserving local communities and the environment. This study aims to investigate the implementation of regenerative tourism in Hawai’i, focusing on its interaction with local communities to address environmental and social well-being. Through interviews with Native Hawaiians, local communities, tourism industry employees, and tourists, the study explores perceptions and collaborations within the tourism industry. The research employed the theoretical frameworks of Regenerative Development, Communities of Practice and Transformational Leadership to deepen the analysis of the current implementation and effectiveness of regenerative practices in Hawai’i. Findings reveal that while there is an awareness of the need for inclusion in regenerative practices, increased efforts are necessary to include Indigenous voices and ensure economic sustainability for local communities. The recommendations of this study highlight the importance of respect, inclusion, and empowerment of Native Hawaiians, advocating for active engagement with local communities to form reciprocal relationships that promote learning and growth. The theoretical lens offers practical tools and applications to address the expressed needs of community members. Effective implementation of these regenerative practices has the potential to transform Hawai’i into a destination where tourism not only benefits the economy but also enriches the environment and local communities. This transformation promises a unique travel experience, allowing tourists to gain a deeper appreciation of the natural world and contribute positively to the islands, perpetuating a cycle of reciprocity and regenerative development.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:UPSALLA1/oai:DiVA.org:mau-67743 |
| Date | January 2024 |
| Creators | Farabaugh, Samantha, Arreola Castillo, Iliana |
| Publisher | Malmö universitet, Institutionen för Urbana Studier (US) |
| Source Sets | DiVA Archive at Upsalla University |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Student thesis, info:eu-repo/semantics/bachelorThesis, text |
| Format | application/pdf |
| Rights | info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess |
Page generated in 0.0031 seconds