Regenerative transformation pou
The TDLG’s Interim Action Plan identified this pou as a priority near-term recommendation.
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Initial work is being led by the TDLG, with input from global sustainability thought leaders (some of whom are doing similar work led by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) in Europe). Preliminary design of an enduring monitoring framework considerate of both sustainable and regenerative tourism is seen as critical by the TDLG and many parts of the sector.
Early design work is already being seen as having the potential to be world leading. Designing a monitoring framework for sustainable tourism is a well-advanced notion; sector engagement on this component of the framework will occur early in 2024. Further thinking and work is required to understand how, and whether, it is possible to measure regenerative tourism (the broader positive environmental, social, and socio-cultural impacts of tourism).
Following the development of the framework, a number of data needs (ranging from national to at place) will be identified and recommended by the TDLG as priorities for design and implementation (a small amount of funds is proposed to be available to support this). In the future it is possible that more datasets could be recommended as core, while others may be one-off to support the evaluation of a policy or initiative. Better storytelling at place (e.g., establishing and reporting on carrying-capacity), or within a sector (e.g., use of case studies) may also be enabled.
One key recommended data source within this workstream is a Community Sentiment Survey. Identified as a priority in the TDLG’s Interim Action Plan, procurement of this data was planned to begin in late 2023, however work was paused to ensure the work aligns with the priorities of the incoming Government. In February 2024, this work was endorsed by the Minister for Tourism and Hospitality. It will begin in March 2024. While similar work has been undertaken for a number of years, the TDLG recommend a tighter focus on community (i.e., regional) needs, cultural licence, and publicly available data. This data source is considered core data moving forward.