The interplay of circular economy, ethical tourism, and inclusive economy

Abstract

Post-COVID tourism must be framed within a new paradigm that embraces the values of sustainability with a triple impact (economic, but also environmental and social) as opposed to the immediacy of economic income. The circularity of the economy and social innovation become fundamental axes on which to build the pillars of a new tourism. The aim of this paper is to demonstrate that this is possible through the Social Economy. To this end, evidence will be presented on two initiatives worked on by our research group on social innovation and inclusive business over several years. Firstly, an experience developed with the indigenous community of the Nasa Council in Cali (Colombia) governed by a matriarchal system; and secondly, another one in a small village in central Spain, an area with serious problems of rural depopulation. Through two models of the Social Economy, a successful experience has been achieved that has lasted over time. Therefore, it is possible to combine social innovation with tourism to achieve full sustainability in destinations.