Title - Name
Fogo Island Inn
Scope / Sector / Industry
Hotel
Country / Region
Canada, Fogo Island
Why is it good practice?
Fogo Island Inn is regarded as a prime example of a regenerative tourism business, as its operations are not limited solely to sustainable environmental management, but also aim to substantially revitalise the local community and economy. The hotel was established in a remote area that had suffered economic decline and has helped to create new jobs, strengthen local trades and preserve the island’s cultural identity. At the same time, it works in partnership with residents, craftspeople and local producers to ensure that the economic benefits remain within the local area. Its architecture and services are based on respect for the natural landscape and tradition, whilst avoiding the model of mass tourism. Furthermore, it encourages visitors to actively participate in local life and enjoy authentic experiences. In this way, Fogo Island Inn does not simply seek to minimise the negative impacts of tourism, but to leave a positive social, cultural and environmental legacy on the area.
How is it applied?
Fogo Island Inn is situated on Fogo Island, in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, an isolated area of the North Atlantic which, for decades, relied almost exclusively on cod fishing. The history of the hotel is directly linked to the effort to revitalise the local community and economy following the major crisis caused by the collapse of the fishing industry in the 1990s. Its creation was not aimed solely at developing a luxury tourist resort, but at creating a new model of development rooted in the place, the people and the cultural identity of the region.
The idea for the hotel came from Zita Cobb, an entrepreneur and philanthropist originally from Fogo Island. After working for years in the technology sector, she returned to her home town with the aim of contributing to the regeneration of the local community. Through the Shorefast Foundation, a social organisation she founded, she devised a tourism development model that would operate for the benefit of society and not solely for the purpose of generating profit. Consequently, the Fogo Island Inn, which officially opened in 2013, was established as a social enterprise, with a significant proportion of its revenue reinvested in the community and in local cultural, educational and entrepreneurial initiatives.
The hotel has 29 suites and is characterised by a distinctive aesthetic that respects the natural environment and the island’s traditional architecture. It was constructed in a way that minimises disruption to the landscape, utilising local materials and traditional techniques. A distinctive feature is the use of piles to support the building – as is common in other structures on the island – which supports the hotel whilst minimising its footprint and impact on the land. Consequently, in terms of the aesthetics of its spaces, much of the furniture, fabrics and decorative elements were created by local residents, thereby strengthening local craftsmanship and contributing to the preservation of traditional skills. Thus, the hotel’s architecture serves not only as an aesthetic feature, but also as a means of connecting visitors with the place and its history.
In this context, it is worth noting that visitors have the opportunity to purchase furniture, fabrics and other items created by local craftspeople through the programme and online shop “Fogo Island Workshops”, which is one of the initiatives of the Shorefast Foundation and is indirectly linked to the Fogo Island Inn. This initiative helps to strengthen local craftsmanship and the local economy, whilst at the same time contributing to the preservation of traditional techniques, in line with the broader philosophy of regenerative tourism that characterises the business.
The services offered by Fogo Island Inn go beyond the conventional concept of hospitality. Although it is a luxurious accommodation of the highest standard, the experience it provides is based primarily on authenticity and a connection with nature and the local community. Guests have the opportunity to take part in activities such as:
- Beach walking
- Cycling / Wilderness cycling
- Birdwatching
- Hiking / Wilderness exploration
- Bushcraft
- Cold plunge
- Film screenings
- Fishing with local fishermen
- Kayaking and water sports
- Rowing in a traditional boat
- Sauna and relaxation
- Stargazing
- Island orientation tours with local guides
- Visits to workshops and cultural sites
- Picking wild berries and flowers
- Cultural and storytelling programmes
- Wildlife and whale-watching excursions
- Tasting experiences such as a traditional “boil-up” meal
- Craft workshops, etc. (e.g. an introduction to traditional shipbuilding)
- Gastronomic experiences featuring local produce
- Other events (event calendar)
More generally, the hotel promotes what is known as “slow travel”, that is, a slower and more meaningful way of travelling, in which guests are not merely consumers of services but active participants in the experience.
Particular importance is also placed on gastronomy. The hotel restaurant uses mainly local ingredients, such as fish, seafood, wild herbs and produce from small local producers. In this way, local production is supported and the need for imported produce is reduced. The company’s priority is to source all ingredients from the island itself. Specifically, it follows the 80/20 rule: 80% of the ingredients it uses come from the province of Newfoundland & Labrador, whilst the remaining 20% follow the sustainable supply chain defined as follows: Canada – North America – traditional international trading partners – the rest of the world.
Fogo Island Inn is regarded as a model of regenerative tourism because it does not merely seek to minimise the negative impacts of tourism, as is usually the case with sustainable tourism, but aims to have a positive impact on the local community, economy and environment. Its operation is based on the idea that tourism can be a tool for the regeneration of a place, rather than a factor of exploitation or alteration.
On a social level, the hotel has made a significant contribution to the preservation of cultural identity and the strengthening of local pride. Residents play an active role in its running, either as staff or as contributors and creators. Through the work of the Shorefast Foundation, funding is provided for cultural activities, educational programmes and initiatives that help young people to stay on the island. Community involvement is a key element of the operating model, as local residents are not treated merely as staff but as bearers of knowledge, culture and experience.
Economically, the hotel has created new jobs and significantly boosted the local economy. Before it was established, the area was facing high unemployment and a declining population due to the fishing crisis. The development of tourism through the Fogo Island Inn has created new employment opportunities in sectors such as hospitality, catering, crafts and local services. At the same time, thanks to the implementation of a local procurement policy, the majority of the economic benefits remain within the community.
In this context, it is worth mentioning the innovative “Economic Nutrition Label” system, through which the hotel transparently outlines how the company’s revenue is distributed and what percentage of the money remains in the local economy. According to the company’s latest figures, more than half of the amount paid by visitors remains on the island itself (54%), approximately 96% remains in Canada, whilst operating surpluses are returned to the community via the Shorefast Foundation and are not distributed to private shareholders. In this way, the economic benefits remain in the local area rather than “leaking” to external companies or investors.
On an environmental level, the Fogo Island Inn follows practices designed to protect and regenerate the natural environment. The hotel’s small scale helps to prevent overtourism, whilst energy and resource-saving strategies are systematically implemented, with the aim of reducing its overall environmental footprint. Specifically, it operates using renewable energy sources, whilst energy efficiency measures are in place, such as heat recovery systems, high thermal insulation and extensive use of LED lighting (approximately 75%), significantly reducing energy consumption.
Particular emphasis is placed on resource management, such as providing reusable water bottles, recyclable cutlery, and reusable bags or rucksacks for excursions, thereby reducing single-use waste. In addition, the toiletries are environmentally friendly, whilst the hotel’s furniture, as mentioned above, is sourced from the island itself, thereby reducing energy costs associated with transport. Furthermore, the mattresses are made from organic and ethically certified materials.
Finally, low-impact travel is promoted, such as the use of bicycles and shared transport for guests on their arrival and departure from the island, whilst the overall accommodation experience encourages environmental awareness and respect for the natural ecosystem. In this context, the company has launched a carbon offset initiative. Specifically, this means that the CO₂ emissions generated by guests“ stays and the hotel’s operations are calculated and then ”offset’ by funding environmental projects, such as carbon reduction or absorption initiatives. The cost of this process is usually already included in the price of the stay, whilst guests may opt to pay extra to offset their own travel expenses. In this way, the money paid indirectly contributes to environmental initiatives and the overall carbon footprint of the visit is considered carbon neutral.
Overall, Fogo Island Inn is a good example of how tourism can serve as a means of local regeneration. By linking hospitality with social cohesion, cultural preservation, economic empowerment and environmental protection, the hotel demonstrates that it is possible to develop a tourism model that has a positive, long-term impact.
Where is it applied?
Fogo Island Inn is designed for guests seeking a high-quality and meaningful experience, centred on an authentic connection with nature, local culture and the community, far removed from the norms of mass tourism and conventional luxury.
When did it apply?
Fogo Island Inn was completed and officially opened in 2013.
Results
Fogo Island Inn has received significant international awards and recognition for its activities. For example, it has been awarded 3 MICHELIN Keys by the MICHELIN Guide and has been featured in international travel guides. Furthermore, it is the subject of academic research as an example of revitalising local communities, through Carleton University’s Sustainable Heritage Case Studies platform. There, it is presented as a model of sustainable development that links tourism with the strengthening of the local community, the protection of cultural heritage and environmental responsibility.
Other information
Find out more about Fogo Island Inn here.