Tech and Sustainability Unites: How British Columbia’s Re:BC Project is Revolutionizing Regenerative Tourism

A leading voice in sustainable travel, the Re:BC Project is set to unveil its cutting‑edge, technology‑driven approach to regenerative tourism this month at IMPACT National, Canada’s premier conference for sustainable destination management professionals. Re:BC’s leader, Kirsten Ovstaas, is presenting how a digital platform is connecting responsible travelers with community‑led initiatives throughout British Columbia, reinforcing the idea that travel can benefit ecosystems, cultures and local economies alike.

At a time when the global travel industry is grappling with overtourism and pressures on natural environments, regenerative tourism has emerged as an innovative model that goes beyond sustainability to actively restore and improve destinations. This new focus reflects broader trends in tourism development, where technology plays a pivotal role in aligning traveler behavior with community and ecological goals.

What Is Regenerative Tourism and Why It Matters for British Columbia Travel

Regenerative tourism is a shift in how destinations, businesses and travelers approach tourism. Whereas “sustainable tourism” typically focuses on reducing negative impacts, regenerative tourism strives to actively renew and enhance the places people visit. It prioritizes ecological restoration, cultural resilience and meaningful community involvement—aiming to leave the destination better than it was found.

According to tourism policy frameworks, regenerative travel integrates community engagement, ecological health and economic benefit, offering a transformative experience for both visitors and hosts. The adoption of regenerative models responds to climate pressures, community concerns about overtourism and the need for tourism that fosters positive, long‑lasting impacts.

In British Columbia, where vast forests, coastal ecosystems and Indigenous cultures define the travel experience, regenerative tourism strategies are gaining traction as both a conservation priority and a way to strengthen local economies through authentic travel offerings.

Re:BC’s Technology: Bridging Travelers With Local Regenerative Experiences

The Re:BC platform—backed by the Destination British Columbia Co‑operative Marketing Partnerships Program—serves as a digital hub that connects travelers with regenerative opportunities across the province. It partners with six community destination organizations, including Tourism Revelstoke, Parksville Qualicum Beach Tourism, Tourism Kelowna, Southern Gulf Islands Tourism Partnership, Tourism Prince George and Tourism Sun Peaks.

Re:BC provides travelers with three core pathways to meaningful travel:

• Educational Modules and Quizzes: Branded “Know Before You Go,” these learning tools help travelers understand local ecosystems and cultural context before they arrive.
• Verified Responsible Business Discovery: Tourists can find local vendors and services that meet regenerative standards, supporting community economies.
• Voluntourism Experiences: Visitors can participate in activities like beach cleanups and conservation work, deepening their connection with the destination.

The platform also equips destination marketing organizations (DMOs) with analytics and insights that help measure tourism impacts and strategize future development in ways that support long‑term regenerative goals.

IMPACT National 2026: A Gathering for Travel Innovators

IMPACT National brings together travel sector leaders from government, Indigenous communities, tourism associations and academia to explore cutting‑edge solutions for destination management. The 2026 summit, to be held January 26‑28 at the Victoria Conference Centre, will host more than 100 thought leaders dedicated to advancing sustainable tourism practices worldwide.

At this event, Ovstaas will present lessons learned from the Re:BC initiative, including how organizations can overcome common barriers such as limited resources and financial constraints while expanding regenerative tourism engagement. Her presentation is expected to spotlight how digital tools, community partnerships and scalable platforms can help more destinations adopt regenerative frameworks.

These insights align with global calls for tourism that contributes positively to local environments and cultures rather than merely reducing harm. As the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and other international authorities emphasize sustainable tourism principles, regenerative tourism represents the next evolutionary step toward truly responsible travel.

How Regenerative Tourism Can Transform Global Travel

A growing body of research underscores the importance of regenerative tourism. Scholars argue that regenerative travel fosters positive ecological, social and economic outcomes, particularly when communities are involved directly in planning and decision‑making processes.

Unlike traditional mass tourism models that can lead to overtourism and resource strain, regenerative tourism encourages community‑based experiences that anchor travel in local culture and stewardship. Tourists are invited not just to witness but to contribute; rather than a passive consumer role, visitors can become active partners in conservation, cultural exchange and economic uplift.

Technology plays a critical role here: digital platforms, data analytics and mobile tools can guide travelers to lesser‑known attractions, balance visitor flows, and reduce pressure on sensitive ecosystems. This aligns with broader international travel sustainability goals endorsed by entities like the WTTC and UNESCO, which promote equitable and environmentally conscious tourism development.

British Columbia’s Leadership in Responsible Travel

British Columbia’s adoption of a regenerative model places it at the forefront of travel innovation. By combining technology with community insights, the Re:BC Project demonstrates how destinations can create travel experiences that benefit all stakeholders—residents, visitors and ecosystems alike. The project’s emphasis on education, connection and action embodies regenerative tourism’s core philosophy: travel that enhances rather than extracts from destinations.

As the global tourism industry continues to recover and evolve post‑pandemic, initiatives like Re:BC offer a blueprint for how destinations can attract travelers while preserving cultural heritage and biodiversity. By empowering travelers to make intentional choices and supporting communities with actionable data, British Columbia is setting a powerful example for regenerative tourism worldwide.

Conclusion: A New Era of Travel Innovation and Purpose

The presentation by the Re:BC Project leader at IMPACT National 2026 signals a pivotal moment for the travel industry. It showcases how technology—when paired with community values and environmental purpose—can redefine tourism for the better. For travelers seeking deeper, more meaningful experiences, regenerative tourism offers a path that respects people, place and planet.

This shift toward technology‑enabled regenerative travel is not simply a trend; it reflects a growing global consciousness about how travel should impact the world. For destinations, DMOs and travelers alike, the message is clear: the future of travel lies in experiences that restore and enrich the places we explore, creating a legacy of positive impact for generations to come.

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