Designing a sustainable travel experience with indigenous communities in Mexico : case organization Tour Operator Aventura Ltd.
Vilppula, Miia (2025)
Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi-fe20251127112360
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi-fe20251127112360
Tiivistelmä
The thesis was commissioned by Tour Operator Aventura Ltd. and the goal was to create a tourism experience that benefits both travellers and indigenous communities while preserving cultural traditions and protecting natural habitat. The aim of the development research was to design a tourism experience that is respectful, ethical, and regenerative.
The theoretical framework was based on an idea that sustainability and cultural heritage are closely connected. It also incorporates regenerative principles, aiming to restore and strengthen social, cultural, and ecological systems rather than maintaining them.
Using service design, the development research focused on co-creating tourism experiences with indigenous communities by integrating traditional knowledge, local values, and participatory approaches. Conceptual framework illustrates how indigenous perspectives can actively guide and shape sustainable tourism development. Findings are linked to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including responsible production, climate action, gender equality, and reducing inequalities.
Development research provides a framework to tourism professionals for designing tourism experiences that balances economic, social, and environmental goals while supporting indigenous heritage for the future.
The theoretical framework was based on an idea that sustainability and cultural heritage are closely connected. It also incorporates regenerative principles, aiming to restore and strengthen social, cultural, and ecological systems rather than maintaining them.
Using service design, the development research focused on co-creating tourism experiences with indigenous communities by integrating traditional knowledge, local values, and participatory approaches. Conceptual framework illustrates how indigenous perspectives can actively guide and shape sustainable tourism development. Findings are linked to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including responsible production, climate action, gender equality, and reducing inequalities.
Development research provides a framework to tourism professionals for designing tourism experiences that balances economic, social, and environmental goals while supporting indigenous heritage for the future.