J4) Regenerating Responsible Tourism - Conceptual Framework in Context of Religious and Spiritual Destinations

In the times of global challenges related to excessive tourist activity, environmental degradation, and the commercialization of sites of particular cultural and religious significance, the need for a regenerative approach to tourism is still growing. Responsible tourism, based on the principles of sustainable development and respect for local values, is an important element of this transformation. The aim of this presentation is to develop a conceptual framework for regenerating responsible tourism in the context of religious and spiritual destinations. The study includes a literature review on responsible tourism, sustainable development, and regenerative management strategies for sacred sites. Based on qualitative research, including case studies of selected religious destinations, interviews with tourism experts, and an analysis of cultural heritage management policies, the study proposes an original conceptual framework for regenerative responsible tourism. Research findings indicate that regenerating responsible tourism in religious sites requires a holistic approach encompassing the protection of both the spiritual and material values of destinations, active involvement of local communities, tourist education, and the implementation of sustainable infrastructure practices. It is also crucial to introduce mechanisms that mitigate the negative effects of excessive tourism, such as visitor flow management, reservation systems, and the promotion of alternative travel forms. The proposed conceptual framework can serve as a foundation for further research and the implementation of strategies aimed at regeneration and the long-term preservation of the spiritual and cultural values of religious destinations.