On May 12, Gdańsk hosted a workshop organized by the Pomorskie Tourist Board as part of the project entitled Regenerative Tourism (ReTour) – developing a new approach that accelerates positive changes in tourism, local communities, nature, and culture in the South Baltic region. The event brought together representatives of the local tourism industry, who jointly began work on a new approach to tourism development based on the principles of regenerativity.
Joint discovery of a new direction
During the workshops, participants explored together what regenerative tourism is and how it can respond to contemporary challenges — not only by minimizing negative impacts, but also by actively supporting local communities, the economy, and the environment.
In a relaxed and businesslike atmosphere, participants:
– learned to look at their activities from a new perspective,
– sought out the “note of regenerativity” in their initiatives
– exchanged experiences and values that are important to them in their work with tourists.
Practical approach and co-creation
The workshops also allowed participants to focus on the needs of their audience. Participants:
– designed research tools to help better understand customer expectations,
– worked on empathy maps, analyzing the behaviors, values, and motivations of different audience groups,
– considered solutions rooted in the local context and accessible to different groups of visitors.
Inspiration and the beginning of change
The workshops showed that local tourism has the potential to become a driver of positive change – economic, social, and environmental. We hope that the meeting provided participants with an inspiring dose of knowledge and encouraged them to take further action.
This is just the beginning…
ReTour is a process that has a real chance to change the future of tourism in Pomerania. The project focuses on education, cooperation, and practical support in building tourism that not only welcomes guests but also supports and renews.
We would like to thank all participants for their energy, openness, and commitment. Follow the next stages of the project — together we want to shape a more conscious and responsible future for tourism.
