Circular Economy Hub to host online event on “Regenerative Tourism: Circular Design in Travel”

Since 2021, Circular Economy Hub has held monthly sessions of “Circular X,” an online learning series that envisions the future spread of the circular economy across various industries and domains.

The theme for October 2024 is “Regenerative Tourism: Circular Design in Travel.”

With travel demand resurgent post-pandemic, projections indicate that Japan will welcome a record 35 million international tourists in 2024. The government regards tourism as both a “pillar of growth strategy” and a “key to regional revitalization,” emphasizing its continued critical role. However, the potential surge in tourism raises concerns about negative impacts such as increased CO2 emissions from travel, overtourism, and environmental degradation.

The Booking.com “Sustainable Travel Report 2023” found that 76% of global travelers (and 56% of Japanese travelers) expressed a desire for more sustainable travel practices in the coming year. Addressing these needs requires efforts in “sustainable tourism,” which aims to reduce environmental and cultural impacts while conserving local resources and heritage.

Recently, the concept of “regenerative tourism” has emerged, evolving beyond sustainable tourism. This approach encourages travelers to leave destinations in better condition than when they arrived, creating a net positive impact on local cultures and environments.

Achieving regenerative tourism calls for multifaceted initiatives at various levels—resources, accommodations, and communities. The circular economy can serve as a valuable tool in fostering this new model of tourism. Transitioning the roles of businesses, visitors, and local residents from one-way interactions to collaborative efforts can promote the regeneration of regional and natural environments.

In this Circular X session, we welcome SANU Inc., a company that implements subscription-based and co-ownership second-home models across Japan with a mission to restore nature as it expands. Through practical examples from Sanu’s regenerative tourism initiatives, we will explore how the circular economy can intersect with tourism and hospitality, helping reshape the relationship between visitors and destinations for a sustainable future.

Event Time / Date: 7:00 pm (JST) – / October 30

[Reference] “Regenerative Tourism: Circular Design in Travel” will be held on 10/30 | Circular Economy Hub (in Japanese)
[Related Site] Circular Economy Hub (in Japanese)