Circular Economy in Tourism: Pathways to Equity and Innovation

Sonia Gayosso Mexia; Hector Daniel Molina Ruíz; Aide Maricel Carrizal Alonso

doi:10.29057/jas.v7i14.15304

Authors

Sonia Gayosso Mexia Autonomous University of the State of Hidalgo https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5428-872X
Hector Daniel Molina Ruíz Autonomous University of the State of Hidalgo https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4657-3237
Aide Maricel Carrizal Alonso Autonomous University of the State of Hidalgo https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2001-1001

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.29057/jas.v7i14.15304

Keywords:

Circular economy, sustainable tourism, social justice, innovation, regenerative transitions, digital tools

Abstract

This article explores how the circular economy—when integrated with social justice and technological innovation—can reshape tourism into a more sustainable, socially just, and regenerative system. Through a critical review of academic literature and illustrative case studies, the document examines the tensions and potentials involved in transitioning from linear tourism models toward more systemic, community-centered approaches. Special attention is given to initiatives that leverage digital tools not only for resource optimization but also for promoting redistribution, inclusion, and territorial resilience. As an applied contribution, the article proposes the Circular Tourism Innovation Audit (CTIA), a diagnostic framework designed to assess tourism destinations across four dimensions: environmental performance, technological integration, social equity, and territorial coherence. The findings emphasize the need for place-based strategies, participatory governance, and ethical innovation to prevent circular tourism from replicating extractive or exclusionary practices. The article concludes by affirming that CTIA can guide fair and regenerative transitions and calls for participatory validation of the tool and its alignment with broader sustainability goals.

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207

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Publisher: Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Hidalgo

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