Author Bios (50 Words for each Author)

Julie Kircher

Julie Kircher is a PhD. student in the Department of Recreation, Park and Tourism Sciences at Texas A&M University. Her research spans an intersectional feminist approach to investigate how leisurists adapt their hobbies for further participation, and also utilizes lenses of ethic of care, craftivism, serious leisure. and design thinking.

Seunghoon Lee

Seunghoon Lee is a Ph.D. student in the Department of Recreation, Park and Tourism Sciences at Texas A&M University, USA. His research interests are heritage tourism, sustainable tourism, ethical tourism marketing, community development, and justice.

Tazim Jamal

Tazim Jamal is Professor in Recreation, Park and Tourism, Texas A&M University. Her research addresses sustainability and tourism. She is the author of Justice and Ethics in Tourism (2019) and co-editor of The Sage Handbook of Tourism Studies (2009). She is also Fellow of International Academy for the Study of Tourism.

Jonan Phillip Donaldson

Jonan Phillip Donaldson is a learning scientist in the Center for Teaching Excellence at Texas A&M University. His research investigates the relationship between conceptualizations and practices through the lens of complex conceptual systems theory.

Abstract (150 Words)

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

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Regenerating Tourism with an Ethic of Care and Empathy

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