This conceptual paper aims to facilitate an understanding of regenerative tourism by utilizing a complex systems perspective, taking a relational and integrated approach to the complexity, emergence, dynamism, and the wicked problems that arise. It requires understanding them from the perspective of key stakeholders, with care and attentiveness to those least able to speak for themselves and most vulnerable to emergent issues and threats like climate change. It is argued here that an ethic of care and empathy nurtures relational understanding and inclusiveness of vulnerable groups, communities and Nature, too, as key stakeholders, along with diverse knowledges and perspectives for critical action and change (praxis). Three main types of empathy are discussed: cognitive empathy, affective empathy, and conative empathy. It is further argued that conative empathy is action-oriented and paves the way for inclusivity, critical consciousness and action to facilitate healing, social justice, communal well-being and a healthy, flourishing planet. Keywords: complex adaptive system, emergence, empathy, ethic of care, regenerative tourism