Circular economy in travel and tourism: a conceptual framework

this paper introduces and explores the potential of Circular Economy inspired ideas and practices to guide a more sustainable, resilient and future-proof development of the travel and tourism industry. The Circular Economy has been gaining momentum in recent years, for its potential to significantly optimise resource use, reduce production and consumption related GHG emissions, while at the same time offering competitive advantage opportunities for businesses. This publication contributes to the conceptualization of common Circular Economy and circular value creation concepts within the travel and tourism industry context. In a ‘business as usual’ scenario, the travel and tourism industry’s underlying socio-economic and environmental challenges will remain and be further exacerbated as the number of global tourism consumers increases. Overtourism, GHG emissions and biosphere degradation issues will not automatically disappear once the COVID-19 crisis is under control. More than ever, those challenges will need to be actively addressed to rebuild a more resilient, economically and environmentally sustainable tourism industry. The current focus is understandably on dealing with the pandemic’s immediate health and economic consequences. However, the following medium to long-term economic recovery efforts affecting the travel and tourism ecosystem may fall into two distinct paths: