Beyond social innovation to sustainable livelihoods in tourism
Social innovation extends the traditional business model to include social value and capital. It incorporates new forms of cooperation amongst stakeholders as they work together to provide new solutions to problems. Social innovation includes the concept of social enterprise, where the purpose of an organization is beyond profit and incorporates people and planet. In relation to tourism, social innovation is taking place within destinations and organizations that are looking to solve problems by focusing on the benefits beyond their organization and incorporating the immediate, surrounding and distant stakeholders in their business models. The incorporation of these principles is altering the purpose of tourism, which should include regenerative principles in its development and implementation. This paper examines social innovation through the lens of tourism and explores how social innovation can support and foster sustainable livelihoods and regeneration through tourism.
Social innovation is a catalyst for marginalized groups to achieve self-determination and build capacity in their own communities. The tourism sector has the unique opportunity to create a real shift in destinations seeking to enhance the wellbeing of people, places and environments involved in tourism (Scheyvens, 2024). Further research on women and Indigenous Peoples as well as other marginalized populations will also shed light on how through collaboration and co-creation with the focus on the greater good can lead to very successful tourism ventures and destinations. Social innovation is a necessity in tourism as the industry shifts to being a positive influence on destination.
Graci, S. (2025). Beyond social innovation to sustainable livelihoods in tourism (external link, opens in new window) . Tourism Geographies, 1–9. DOI: 10.1080/14616688.2025.2462242