Our three interconnected workstreams
Case studies
Resources
Developing place-based, community-led Restorative Marine Tourism in Aotearoa New Zealand
This overview explores Restorative Marine Tourism in New Zealand, highlighting benefits and challenges while promoting community-led, place-based initiatives.
Introduction to Restorative Marine Tourism
Restorative Marine Tourism (RMT) in Aotearoa New Zealand merges leisure with ecological restoration to protect ocean environments. This concept underpins the blue economy, linking economic growth with environmental, social, and cultural well-being. Implemented successfully across Aotearoa, RMT fosters community cohesion, promotes sustainable tourism, and honours cultural heritage.
Detailed Exploration of RMT Practices
The success of RMT rests on community involvement and leadership, with many grassroots examples showing positive integration of tourism and marine conservation. RMT brings multiple advantages, including ecosystem restoration, stronger community ties, and economic upsides for tourism. Holistic in approach, RMT considers the interconnectedness of marine and terrestrial environments and the relationships between people and the ocean. Important challenges include funding, regulatory hurdles, and stakeholder coordination.
Conclusions and Strategic Directions
RMT in Aotearoa is grounded in five pillars that outline its core principles: place-based, community-led, restorative, integrated, and relational. These pillars align RMT activities with broader destination management strategies, enhancing visitor experiences and marketing while ensuring responsible resource management. Looking ahead, there are opportunities for growth and development, though challenges in funding, scalability, and awareness persist. Future work should support these initiatives to expand their reach and impact.
Key insights
Local communities as catalysts for marine restoration
The potential of RMT as a community-driven force is demonstrable across Aotearoa, where local initiatives are harnessing heritage and conservation for tourism development. Empowerment through local action illustrates the efficacy of grassroots movements in achieving broader environmental and economic objectives.
Cultural heritage enhances restorative tourism experiences
RMT is not just a means to sustainable tourism but also a platform to celebrate and preserve cultural narratives. Integrating the deep-seated stories and practices into tourism strengthens community identity and offers visitors a richer, more meaningful engagement with the destination.
Strategic alignment with destination management elevates RMT
Aligning the five guiding principles of RMT with destination management strategies creates cohesive experiences for visitors. This fusion underscores the importance of an integrated approach that bolsters both the quality of tourism and commitment to ocean stewardship.
Related research documents:
Title and summary
Topics covered
Knowledge guiding change.
© Copyright 2024 - Tohorā
© Copyright 2024 - Tohorā
Knowledge guiding change.
