Trends in regenerative tourism research: Theoretical foundations and model proposal for Vietnam
Published: July 20, 2026
Abstract
Regenerative tourism has emerged as a transformative approach in the global tourism sector, going beyond the traditional framework of sustainable tourism. This study reviews and analyzes research trends in regenerative tourism worldwide from 2019 to 2024, clarifying its theoretical foundations, including living systems thinking, place-based approaches, community participation, and the creation of net positive effects. Based on this analysis, the study proposes a regenerative tourism model suitable for the Vietnamese context, a country rich in natural and cultural resources yet facing pressures from unsustainable tourism development. The findings contribute to the theoretical foundation and provide policy directions for tourism management in Vietnam toward comprehensive and long-term development.
Keywords
regenerative tourismliving systemssustainable developmenttourism model
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