Regenerative Tourism

As the Forest of Bowland National Landscape prepares to launch its new Management Plan for 2026 and beyond, a fresh vision for tourism is taking shape — one that goes beyond sustainability and embraces regeneration.

For over two decades, sustainable tourism has been a cornerstone of Bowland’s approach, championed through a dynamic partnership with local tourism businesses. But as global challenges evolve, so too must our response. The next chapter is about regenerative tourism — a model that not only protects but actively restores and enriches the places we love.

Regenerative tourism is about more than reducing harm—it’s about caring for nature and ensuring its resilience for generations to come. It means reinvesting in local communities, creating meaningful jobs and strengthening local businesses. It celebrates and safeguards cultural heritage, offering visitors authentic experiences that respect local traditions and deepen their connection to place. Ultimately, it’s about leaving Bowland better than we found it—ecologically, culturally and economically.

In Spring 2023 we ran a Sustainable Tourism Symposium to share good practice with colleagues and partners in other protected landscapes, local authorities and tourism businesses as well as with our own business network.  It was a fantastic event and you can view the keynote presentations and a summary of the day here: www.forestofbowland.com/forest-bowland-symposium 

Tourism Business Resources - follow this link to find a series of resources for tourism businesses and to find out further information about the Sustainable Tourism Network

or please contact Hetty Byrne, Forest of Bowland Sustainable Tourism Officer if you are interested in joining the business network.