Regenerative Tourism: how experience design can transform communities and ecosystems

Between the September 5 and 7, 2025we participated in the Regenerative Tourism Experiences Design Workshopmade in Tuxtla Gutiérrez, Chiapas and organized by Malinali Travelthe Municipal Tourism Bureau of Tuxtla Gutiérrez and the Global Initiative for Regenerative Tourism (GITR).

For three days, entrepreneurs, communities and professionals from Mexico and Guatemala explored how tourism can become a regenerative force for territories and people. More than a training space, it was a co-creation experience that demonstrated that tourism can leave places and communities better than they were before the visit.

Key learnings: from concept to practice

The workshop was held in local settings such as the Rancho Monserrat and the Joyyo Mayu ParkThe program allows to connect theory with practice. Among the most valuable lessons learned are:

• Integral design of experiencesRecognizing that each trip can have a positive impact on the lives of communities and ecosystems.
• Ethics and aesthetics as fundamentalsbeauty and care are not accessories, but regenerative principles.
• Community collaborationThe key to authentic and transformative experiences is to listen to and put at the center those who live in the territories.
• Cultural and ecological regenerationDesigning tourism that strengthens local identity and, at the same time, regenerates natural landscapes.

RTGS: a global movement for regeneration

The Global Initiative for Regenerative Tourism (GITR) a new vision of tourism: a model based on the life intelligencethe good living and the holistic thinking. Its objective is not only to reduce negative impacts, but also to creating conditions for life to flourish.

Through training programs such as this workshop, the RTGS strengthens schools and local actors in different countries, promoting methodologies that help redesign tourism practice towards regenerative models.

Reserva Natura and Market Ready: our practical application

At La Mano del Mono, connecting this learning to our initiatives is fundamental:

• Reserva Natura to ensure that every tourism experience contributes to the conservation and regeneration of natural areasgenerating both environmental and community benefits.
• Market Ready Tourism supports community enterprises to become competitive in the market, without losing sight of sustainability and regenerative commitment.

Both projects reflect what we learned in Tuxtla: regeneration is possible when we combine strategic vision, collaboration and local action.

Training to transform: the power of preparation

Attending this workshop made it clear to us that regenerative tourism is not a fad, but rather a urgent need and a transformative opportunity. Continuing to prepare allows us to:

1. Apply specific methodologies to design regenerative experiences.
2. Connecting to an international network of professionals and communities.
3. Aligning local projects with a global movement growing.
4. Responding with innovation to today's environmental and social challenges.
5. Inspire other stakeholders to join in the change from its own territory.

Sowing the future through tourism

The Regenerative Tourism Experiences Design Workshop confirmed to us that tourism can be more than sustainability: it can be regeneration. A tourism that not only minimizes damages, but that strengthens communities, revitalizes ecosystems and sows future.

From our trench, through Reserva Natura y Market Ready Tourismwe remain committed to designing experiences that reflect this new paradigm. Because tourism, when it is lived and designed from regeneration, becomes a powerful tool for caring for life, culture and the territories we inhabit.