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South African National Parks (SANParks) Board Chairperson, Ms Pam Yako, says the organisation’s Vision 2040 will be driven through six strategic areas, one of which is focused on regenerative tourism. She was part of a dialogue at the WTM Africa which ended this past Friday in Cape Town.

Regenerative tourism is driven by intentionality to grow nature positive tourism that ensures that there are local community benefits. It supports both conservation goals and community well-being, a fundamental principle of Vision 2040.

Vision 2040 is a SANParks Board led process which is forward-thinking by reimagining conservation of the future that is inclusive and participatory. This approach includes promoting eco-friendly practices, supporting local businesses and involving communities in tourism planning and benefit.

“For us it was very opportune and even natural to offer our thoughts around the subject of regenerative tourism at WTM as it is part of efforts currently underway to realise the ideals of Vision 2040.  We are pursuing a future where people and nature thrive by living together in vast land areas that are known as mega living landscapes. In these areas, regenerative tourism will be part of the backbone of an inclusive and participatory conservation of the future”.

The Board of SANParks will convene its annual stakeholder session in September 2025 to provide updates on progress made in the implementation of Vision 2040.