An Interview with Tito Livio Mongelli
Regenerative tourism is emerging as a key evolution of global travel, going beyond sustainability to actively restore ecosystems, communities, and local economies. In this conversation with Skal Europe, Tito Livio Mongelli, President of Galileo.it and Skal Italia, shares his perspective on how bioethics can guide the development of a truly regenerative tourism model.
Skal Europe: Why is it important today to talk about regenerative tourism and bioethics?
Tito Livio Mongelli: Tourism has grown at an extraordinary pace. Fifty years ago, there were around 180 million tourists worldwide. Just over a decade ago, we surpassed one billion, and last year, despite growing global instability, we reached approximately one and a half billion. It is now realistic to expect two billion tourists by 2030.
This clearly shows that tourism is transforming the world. For this reason, it is no longer enough to focus only on sustainable tourism. We must actively promote regenerative tourism, a model that not only reduces negative impacts but generates positive value.
This transformation should not be driven only by laws or restrictions. It requires the development of an ethical mindset, rooted in bioethics, that promotes respect not only for places and communities but for all living beings.
This is why Skal Italia, together with the Institute of Bioethics for Veterinary Medicine and Agri-food, SIMTUR, and the National Institute of Rural Sociology, is promoting a series of meetings with experts, academics, and decision-makers to advance the discussion on bioethics and regenerative tourism.
Skal Europe: How would you define regenerative tourism?
Tito Livio Mongelli: Tourism has traditionally generated economic development, but often at the cost of environmental and social value. Responsible tourism has improved this by aiming to minimise damage, respect local cultures, and better understand host communities.
However, regenerative tourism goes further. It is about developing a tourism model that actively restores environmental, social, cultural, and economic value.
Regenerative tourism means enriching every journey with meaning and responsibility. It means protecting the environment, cultural heritage, and the social and economic fabric of host communities, making this a shared responsibility between travellers and tourism professionals.
Skal Europe: What does regenerative tourism look like in practice?
Tito Livio Mongelli: Regenerative tourism can take both small and large forms. For example, organising the cleanup of a beach or a natural site while encouraging all participants to carry a garbage bag and dispose of waste properly.
Even simple actions, such as cleaning the soles of hiking boots before and after a walk, are important to prevent contamination.
But regenerative tourism is also about creating meaningful connections. It is about fostering moments of encounter and mutual growth with local communities, based on respect and knowledge.
When a traveller contributes to building a fence to protect a natural path or helps rebuild a traditional wall, this often becomes the most meaningful part of the experience. It transforms tourism into active participation rather than passive consumption.
Skal Europe: Many people believe that organic waste is harmless in nature. Is this correct?
Tito Livio Mongelli: No, this is a misconception. Even organic waste should be properly managed and not left in natural environments. It can take months or even years to decompose and may introduce non-native bacteria and organisms into the ecosystem.
We often underestimate the impact of our presence. According to research by ISPRA, just 3 grams of soil under a boot can contain up to 14 million bacteria, 139,000 fungi, and 120 parasitic organisms.
Globally, nearly 40,000 alien species have been introduced through travel and trade, and 3,500 of them have become invasive, causing serious ecological and economic damage.
This is why regenerative tourism requires awareness not only of visible impacts but also of invisible biological risks.
Skal Europe: What defines a bioethical traveller within regenerative tourism?
Tito Livio Mongelli: A bioethical traveller is someone aware of environmental and social fragility. They respect all places they visit, including those that may seem less protected, such as rural areas, farms, or small villages.
They act with caution, minimising their footprint even when impacts are not immediately visible. And most importantly, they seek to give something back, leaving a positive legacy.
This approach is at the heart of the Manifesto of the Bioethical Traveler for Regenerative Tourism.
Skal Europe: Are there simple ways travellers can actively support regenerative tourism?
Tito Livio Mongelli: Yes, there are many ways. Travellers can support local economies by choosing local suppliers, purchasing authentic artisan products, and participating in environmental or community initiatives.
They can also choose itineraries that respect local traditions and avoid overcrowded destinations.
Regenerative tourism is about transforming travel into a mutual exchange, where visitors and host communities both benefit and grow.
Skal Europe: What role do tour operators play in advancing regenerative tourism?
Tito Livio Mongelli: Tour operators have a fundamental role. They can actively shape how regenerative tourism is understood and practised.
They can integrate training on bioethics, biological risks, and responsible behaviour into their programs. They can design authentic experiential itineraries that highlight rural heritage and local culture.
They can also collaborate with local associations to create opportunities for travellers to participate in regenerative tourism activities.
We are already working on developing materials and practical guides, including collaborations with GeoParks, which are particularly sensitive environments, to support both operators and tourists.
Skal Europe: How do you see the future of regenerative tourism?
Tito Livio Mongelli: Regenerative tourism is not just a trend; it is a necessary evolution of the tourism industry.
We must move from minimising harm to creating value, from consumption to contribution, and from simple presence to positive impact.
By integrating bioethics into tourism, regenerative tourism can become a powerful force for environmental restoration, social cohesion, and sustainable economic development.
Organisations like Skal Europe have a key role to play in leading and promoting this transformation at an international level.
