How can we build and give back at the same time?

Recreational home development affects nature, climate and local communities – often negatively through the destruction of natural areas, increased greenhouse gas emissions and strain on infrastructure. At the same time, recreational home development is an important part of tourism in the district - one of Norway's most important industries, with the potential to create vibrant local communities and attractive places to live and visit.


The challenge is that current developments often lack holistic approaches that balance economic, social and environmental considerations. Regenerative tourism offers a new direction: projects that strengthen nature and local communities through nature restoration, lower climate footprint, social inclusion and local value creation.

Concepts related to tourism and community development

  • A holistic, place-based method that rebuilds and strengthens nature and local communities, based on local resources and needs.

  • Travel that gives back more than it takes, by combining nature restoration, social justice and local value creation.

  • The interconnection between natural ecosystems and human societies.

Three focus areas for regenerative recreational home development

1. Nature

  • Restoring nature and increasing biodiversity

  • Using nature-based solutions and strengthening ecosystem services

  • Managing natural resources with a long-term perspective

2. Climate and built environment

  • Reducing climate footprint in construction, operations and experiences

  • Creating circular value chains and local resource flows

  • Choose robust and durable solutions adapted to the local climate

3. Society

  • Strengthening local identity and cultural heritage

  • Creating robust communities with broad participation

  • Ensuring local value creation and social justice

  • Quality of life and health

  • Loretta Bellato, Niki Frantzeskaki & Christian A. Nygaard (2023) Regenerative tourism: a conceptual framework leveraging theory and practice, Tourism Geographies, 25:4, 1026-1046, DOI: 10.1080/14616688.2022.2044376

    Loretta Bellato, Niki Frantzeskaki, tebrakunna country and, Emma Lee, Joseph M. Cheer & Andrew Peters (2023): Transformative epistemologies for regenerative tourism: towards a decolonial paradigm in science and practice? Journal of Sustainable Tourism, DOI: 10.1080/09669582.2023.2208310

    Buckton et al. – (2023) - The Regenerative Lens A conceptual framework for regenerative social-ecological systems. One Earth, Published by Elsevier Inc. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.oneear.2023.06.006

    Natasha Chassagne & Phoebe Everingham (2019) Buen Vivir: Degrowing extractivism and growing wellbeing through tourism, Journal of Sustainable Tourism, 27:12, 1909-1925, DOI: 10.1080/09669582.2019.1660668

    Craft, W.; Ding, L.; Prasad, D. (2021) Developing a Decision-Making Framework for Regenerative Precinct Development. Sustainability 2021, 13, 12604. https://doi.org/10.3390/ su132212604

    Dredge, Dianne (2022) Regenerative tourism transforming mindsets, systems and practices. Journal of Tourism Futures. DOI: 10.1108/JTF-01-2022-0015

    King, Chloe, (2022). "Beyond Sustainability: A Global Study of Nature-based Solutions in Regenerative Tourism" TravelandTourismResearchAssociation:AdvancingTourismResearchGlobally. 38. https://scholarworks.umass.edu/ttra/2022/researchabstract/38

    Pamela Mang & Bill Reed (2012) Designing from place: a regenerative framework and methodology, Building Research & Information, 40:1, 23-38, DOI: 10.1080/09613218.2012.621341

    Mathisen et al. - 2022 - The reciprocity of soil, soul and society the heart of developing regenerative tourism activities. Journal of Tourism Futures. Published by Emerald Publishing Limited. DOI 10.1108/JTF-11-2021-0249

    Roggema, Rob (2022) Design for Regenerative Cities and Landscapes Rebalancing Human Impact and Natural Environment. Springer International Publishing. DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-97023-9

    Destination Canada. (2022). A regenerative approach to tourism in Canada . https://www.destinationcanada.com

How to get started with the work

Regenerative tourism is about creating places that grow in value – environmentally, socially and economically – for each generation.

It is about repairing and rebuilding local ecosystems, while strengthening local communities by creating attractive environments for both locals and visitors with a long-term perspective.

Recreational home development can be a powerful driver for this, if we plan and build with a holistic view and local roots.

  1. Map the potential – use a set of criteria covering nature, climate and society to identify opportunities.

  2. Involve the local community – ensure that planning is based on local needs and values.

  3. Choose regenerative activities – prioritize measures that restore nature, reduce climate footprint and strengthen social justice.

  4. Measure and adjust – monitor results over time and adapt your strategy.

Learn more

Benefits for municipalities and businesses

  • Vibrant local communities and stronger local identity

  • Reduced environmental and climate impact

  • New business opportunities through sustainable and meaningful experiences

  • Increased attractiveness for visitors and part-time residents