Tourism in the Pluriverse: Bridging theory and practice for regenerative futures in the Pacific

Pacific Islanders have long been grappling with tourism as a livelihood strategy, yet environmental and cultural sustainability challenges persist. Envisioning a better future in which tourism delivers profound and lasting wellbeing outcomes for local people benefits from integrating diverse perspectives. Drawing on collective input from a Community of Practice, made up of Pacific Island experts and researchers, the Three Horizons approach was used to engage in transformational thinking and connect metatheorising with lived practice. Exploring innovations that support the transition from the declining tourism system of the present to a ‘fitter’ system in the future was central to the approach. Drawing on regenerative, sustainable, and livelihood frameworks, the emerging future tourism model proactively addresses systemic tensions and proposes eight bridging mechanisms for tourism transformation. • Island destinations in the Pacific face complex tourism realities. • A Community of Practice collaborated to conceive pathways for a fitter future. • Sustainability, regeneration, and livelihoods frameworks are integrated. • The Three Horizons approach helped imagine a pluralistic system. • Bridging mechanisms can help resolve theoretical and practical tensions.