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The Spanish and British travel industries were united in the second edition of ‘Spain Sustainability Day’ which took place both in person at The Conduit, London, on 18 April 2024 and via live streaming.  

Manuel Butler, director of the Spanish Tourist Office in London, officially opened the event, outlining the special relationship between the United Kingdom and Spain and the objective of creating dialogue between the two countries to transfer knowledge in the field of travel and sustainability. He outlined Spain’s tourism ambitions of season extension; with peak season visits dropping 1% year-on-year from 45% to 44%, and geographical diversification, with Spain’s Northern regions driving a larger tourism share in 2023 (up 23% year-on-year).

The dual language conference, moderated by Richard Hammond, director of Green Traveller productions and sustainable travel writer, included speakers from across Spain and the UK’s travel and transportation industries with panel sessions on circular economy, biodiversity and accessibility.

The event was sponsored by Visit Benidorm, part of the Region of Valencia, and the Balearic Island of Mallorca. Leire Bilbao, director of Visit Benidorm outlined the city’s 18% reduction in water-usage over the last 25 years, despite a 40% population growth, whilst Susana Sciacovelli, director of tourism (demand and hospitality) at Mallorca Council showcased the island’s responsible tourism pledge and roadmap towards transformation.

Circular Economy

The first panel featured Gabriel Llobera Ramis, marketing and communications manager at Garden Hotels, Nadine Pinto, global sustainability manager at The Travel Corporation (TTC), Carol Rose, head of sustainability at ABTA, and Coralía Pino, head of Sustainability at ITH (Instituto Tecnológico Hotelero).

The session stressed how now is the time to adjust our mindsets and employ disruptive thinking. Carol Rose reiterated the need to keep products in the industry for longer and touched on the impact of the hotel industry contributing not just to food and energy waste but also to textile landfill which accounts for a total of 92 million tonnes of waste per year.

Coralia Pino discussed Spain’s initiatives within the hotel industry outlining how the 2008 crisis forced hotels to look at energy efficiencies. She reminded delegates that food and energy expenditure are the second and third largest cost areas of all hotel operations, therefore emphasising how circular economy is vital, both for business and the environment. Likewise, Nadine Pinto discussed the impact of hotel merchandise and making bolder choices around in-room amenities.

Gabriel Llobera Ramis from the Balearic-based Garden Hotels showcased the group’s pioneering organic waste management and compost production, as well as the need for public policy with the Balearic Island archipelago recently initiating its ‘law of circularity’ for all hotels across the islands.

Biodiversity - impacts and Interventions

The second panel featured Terry Brown, destinations programme manager at The Travel Foundation, Dylan Walker, wildlife tourism expert at Wildlife Heritage Areas, Blanca Pérez Sauquillo, SG marketing at Turespaña, José Marí Olano, Councillor for large projects, Valencia Green Capital and Zina Bencheikh, managing director at Intrepid

The panel discussed biodiversity in tourism and how tourism is critical in terms of connectivity and education. The emphasis was on community in wildlife tourism and creating respectful bonds between wildlife and visitors with valuable initiatives, such as MEET (Mediterranean Experience of EcoTourism), creating a network of protected areas that are collaborating to engage communities locally in nature conservation.

Blanca Perez Sauquillo discussed the need to also educate the conscious consumer with digestible and effective messaging, while Zina Bencheikh, Managing Director of Intrepid said “it’s about doing the right thing and educating our customers.  They don’t always know the right choice until we offer it.”

From a more urban context, José Mari Olano discussed Valencia’s status as Green Capital 2024 and how cities can adapt their tourism proposition and urban planning to benefit both residents and visitors.

Accessibility & Inclusivity

The third and final panel was moderated by Meera Dattani, senior editor at Adventure.com and travel and culture writer and included Angus Drummond, CEO at Limitless Travel, Alberto Gutiérrez Alberca, Valladolid traffic and mobility executive, Miguel Carrasco, director of tourism at Impulsa Igualdad and Susan Deer, director of industry relations at ABTA.

The session started with an inspiring Spanish welcome from Spain’s ‘Spain for All’ ambassador and special guest, Ade Adepitan, who has lived, worked and travelled throughout Spain. 

Quoting the World Health Organisation figures, Adepitan highlighted how 1.3 billion people worldwide (or 16% of the global population) have some kind of disability. He said, “whilst not all of these people want or have the means to travel to Spain, even if we’re only talking about a small percentage, this is still a vast number of people that should be given the opportunity to enjoy what millions of non-disabled people enjoy every year, the beauty of taking a holiday.”

Angus Drummond, CEO of Limitless Travel, talked eloquently about his own personal travel experiences which inspired him to subsequently set up Limitless Travel. He said, “ultimately people with disabilities are the same as other consumers, whilst yes, they may need an adapted bathroom, they also want a great travel experience, a great bar and essentially the same as every other customer.”

Alberto Guitierrez from Valladolid talked about the progress being made within urban transportation, and the need for digital accessibility, whilst both Miguel Carrasco from Impulsa Igualdad and Tur4All, and Susan Deer, head of Industry Relations at ABTA stressed the importance of information, transparency, and training.

Keynotes

Keynote speeches were delivered by Nejc Jus, Director of Research at the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) and Charlie Cotton, Founder of Ecollective Carbon

Nejc Jus showcased the WTTC’s latest tourism data with the 2023 global indicators putting the tourism sector’s worth at 9.9 trillion US dollars and 1.63 trillion visitor-spend. Forecasting ahead over the next ten years, the WTTC expects tourism to represent 11.4% of the global economy and 12.2% of all jobs. The data also looked at environmental and social factors from across 185 countries indicating that in 2019 when tourism was at its peak, the tourism sector contributed 8.1% to Greenhouse Gas emissions with transport accounting for the largest part of these emissions.  

The final keynote hosted by Charlie Cotton from Ecollective started with the carbon impact of tequila, beer and wine and looked at reduction through design, taking into consideration our transport, food and hotel choices. His motto ‘progress over perfection’ was an important takeaway as well as his recommendation is to “get obsessed with your number”.

Manuel Butler, director of the Spanish Tourist Office (UK) says:

“Thank you to everyone who has played a part in this important event. We were delighted to touch on so many important topics within our sector and hear from so many experts in the field. It really is a fantastic opportunity to share important learnings from across the sector with a specific focus on these two major travel destinations”

The afternoon conference was followed by Spain’s Media Awards opened by the Spanish Ambassador and recogising the best travel content by UK writers showcasing themes which correspond to Spain’s sustainable tourism pillars.  

Prior to the media awards, a ‘Special Recognition Award’ was presented by Lyn Hughes, founding editor of Wanderlust Magazine to Luis Gallego Martín, CEO of International Airlines Group (IAG), for his part in creating the roadmap to becoming the first global airline group to commit to becoming net zero by 2050 and the first European airline group to set the target of 10% Sustainable Aviation Fuel by 2030. Further details and a full list of winners and runners-up are available here.

On 19 October 2023, World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) announced its list of Best Tourism Villages 2023. Villages are listed annually, and those who are selected have proven their use of tourism to promote local development, their integration of sustainable tourism practices, and their accredited cultural and natural assets.

Villages are selected and evaluated under the below key areas:

1. Cultural and Natural Resources
2. Promotion and Conservation of Cultural Resources
3. Economic Sustainability
4. Social Sustainability
5. Environmental Sustainability
6. Tourism Development and Value Chain Integration
7. Governance and Prioritization of Tourism
8. Infrastructure and Connectivity
9. Health, Safety, and Security

Three villages from Spain were included on this year’s list, each celebrated for their exceptional and unique cultural heritages and their sustainable approach to local tourism: Cantavieja, Oñati and Sigüenza.

Cantavieja:

This extraordinary Aragonese village, the historic capital of Alto Maestrazgo (a Medieval region), is situated high up on a steep rocky outcrop and is full to the brim with monuments from the Medieval and Aragonese periods and beyond. Declared a historical-artistic site since 1981, Cantavieja’s historic quarter is designated with a Property of Cultural Interest title, and with good reason: the town is a treasure trove of fascinating buildings, including historic hermitages, the ruins of a castle destroyed during the I Carlist War, the Levantine-Gothic church of San Miguel and the old Baroque hospital of San Roque.

Travellers to Cantaviejo are able to immerse themselves in local culture and support the local community by staying in one of the many rural accommodations, including La Tarayuela, Casa Vidal, Casa Sara and 40 de Mayo. By day, visitors can hike or mountain bike in the surrounding countryside, spotting wildlife and taking in panoramic vistas of the Aragonese countryside and, by night, guests can enjoy a traditional local meal at one of the town’s many family-run restaurants.

Oñati:

Located in the Basque Country of northern Spain, Oñati is surrounded by lush countryside and mountains and dates back to the Medieval period. Its name in Basque references its scenic location, translating as “place with plenty of hills”. Historically a centre of learning and faith, Oñati is home to one of the oldest and most beautiful university buildings in Spain, alongside the more recent Sanctuary of Arantzazu, a key church in the region with works from artists such as Eduardo Chillida, Jorge Oteiza and Nestor Basterretxea. Amongst Oñati’s many extraordinary historical highlights include the 16^th-century monastery and hospice of Bidaurreta, the Renaissance university, and the Gothic church of San Miguel, with its Baroque tower.

Visitors to Oñati are warmly welcomed to share in the local culture, which thrives to this day. On the Medieval festival of Corpus Christi Day, processions and traditional dances take place throughout the city. Active travellers are able to take to the hills on foot or by bike to discover the many trails in the vicinity, and even to discover the Aizkorri-Aratz national park, which stands out for its majestic mountains, awe-inspiring wildlife and ancient churches and roads. Guests can stay in charming locally-owned hotels and hostels, each of which display the warm, rural hospitality for which the region is famed.

Sigüenza:

The ancient town of Sigüenza is located in the lesser-explored region of Castile-La Mancha and can trace its routes back to the Roman colony of Segontia. The town has been occupied under Roman, Visigothic, Moorish and Castilian rule and its architecture and culture plays vivid testimony to the tapestry of influences that make up this unique city. The town was declared a Historic-Artistic site in 1965, with highlights for visitors including the majestic Gothic cathedral (which possesses its very own El Greco painting), the castle with roots stretching all the way back to the fifth century AD, and the 12^th-century church of St James. The town can also boast a Medieval university, the University of Sigüenza, and a variety of historic monasteries, churches and religious buildings.

After visiting the town’s cultural and architectural gems, visitors can explore the impressive landscape that surrounds Sigüenza, with multiple options for excursions, hiking and cycling. Travellers can dine in one of the many restaurants situated in historical buildings throughout Sigüenza, and support the development of the local tourism economy by staying overnight in one of the town’s various ‘casas rurales’.

Vías Verdes are old disused railway lines that have been recovered and reconditioned for use by walkers and cyclists. They provide an environmentally friendly way of travelling through Spain to discover its culture and landscapes, connecting cities to the local countryside. There are over 117 routes with over 2,900 kilometres of Vía Verde all over Spain and, in 2022, five new routes were opened in Ciudad Real, Gipuzkoa in the Basque Country, La Coruña, Murcia and Tarragona. 

The expansion of these Greenway networks aims to provide a way to discover Spain's region at a slower pace whilst keeping active on foot or by bike. Thanks to their accessibility, easiness and safety, with almost no slopes and far from motor traffic, they are especially attractive for any person who wants to discover the natural environment and the cultural heritage of the towns and territories they cross. There is an accessible guide available that provides detailed information and maps that show which routes are suitable for those with reduced mobility.  

A new Vía Verde, La Costera Sur Greenway, has opened in the region of Murcia.  La Costera Sur Greenway, that has been disused since 2008, is 8.5km long and follows the abandoned section of the old Madrid-Cartagena line. The route begins at the outskirts of the city, near Huerta de San Benito and passes through the districts of Los Garres, San José de la Vega, Beniaján, Torreagüera and Los Ramos, travelling between the Dolores and Alquerías neighbourhoods, east of the City of Murcia.  Along the route, travellers will wind their way through fields of orchards and olive groves, enjoying mountain views, and also have the opportunity to discover the culture and gastronomy of the urban areas. 

The Trenillo de la Calzá Greenway, in Castilla La Mancha, has been renovated and opened by the Argamasilla de Calatrava Town Hall. Its path winds through holm oaks, fields of almond and olive trees along  the narrow-gauge railway that once linked Valdepeñas with Puertollano. The upper part of the trail passes settlements from the bronze age and the Sala de los Moros (Iberian burial mound) and the lower navigates Roman settlements and past the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Hope chapel.

The Añorga-Errekalde-Lasarte Greenway, located in the Basque Country, was renovated by the Provincial Council of Gipuzkoa. The Urgull and Igeldo mountains are the backdrop of the trail and it follows the Oria river valley to La Concha, Ondarreta and Zurriola beaches. It allows visitors easy access to the old town of Donostia-San Sebastián, San Salvador church, the comb of the Wind sculptures, San Telmo museum and Tabakalera (the International Centre for Contemporary Culture) among many other points of interest. 

More than 26 km of the old Santiago-A Coruña railway line has been recovered to form the Compostela-Tambre-Lengüelle Greenway. It is a fantastic route to explore by bike or on foot in A Coruña. The Oroso - Cerceda section of this Greenway has been renovated by the Oroso, Ordes, Tordoia and Cerceda city councils as well as the A Coruña Provincial Council. The trail passes by many cultural points of interest such as the churches of San Miguel de Gándara in Oroso and Roman site of the castro de Casanova. 

Finally, the Delta de l´Ebre Greenway, located in Tarragona, Cataluña was opened by the City Council of l´Aldea. It visits sites such as the Coetera de Ravanals, a site of Cultural Interest, the Hermitage Tower, Candela Tower, Burjassénia Tower and Vinaixarop Tower.

For more information visit here and accessible routes here. 

Spain is proud to have 53 sites that are designated UNESCO Biosphere Reserves. These sitesare recognised as being important terrestrial, marine and coastal ecosystems.

The environmental standards of the reserves are continuously monitored in order to protectthese natural areas for future generations to enjoy. The sites are maintained to conserve the biodiversity and cultural diversity of the areas, encourage economic development that is socio-culturally and environmentally sustainable, and support development through research, monitoring, education, and training.

For 2023, various Biosphere Reserves across Spain are celebrating significant anniversaries. The Sierras de Cazorla in Jaen and Marismas del Odiel in Huelva are both celebrating 40 years of UNESCO Biosphere Reserve recognition. The islands of the islands of Lanzarote and Menorca celebrate their 30-years.

Home to nearly 220 species of birds and 1000 species of plants, 60 of which are endemic to this northernmost island of the Balearic archipelago, the UNESCO Natural Biosphere Reserve of Menorca has remarkable diversity of flora and fauna. Since October 1993, it has been recognised by UNESCO for the exceptional conservation of both its heritage and landscape. Visitors to Menorca can immerse themselves in its unspoiled rural countryside by exploring varied landscapes on foot, horseback or by bicycle. The Camí de Cavalls, a historic path navigating the entire coastline, has been improved in recent years with new footpaths and stone hedges to make Menorca’s impressive scenery more accessible to visitors.

Lanzarote’s UNESCO reserve, also declared in 1993, is equally beautiful. Due to a series of volcanic eruptions taking place throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, the volcanic soil on the island has birthed luxurious vegetation. The heritage site covers 127,000 hectares of sub-tropical land surrounding Timanfaya National Park and a marine ecosystem comprising of gorgeous isles and countless bird species, many of which are endemic. Networks of volcanic tunnels spread throughout the reserve which are carefully maintained to allow visitors to explore and experience without harming the surrounding rock.

This legal status comes following a campaign to safeguard the Mar Menor. The campaign was supported by over 640,000 people and resulted in the lagoon be granted status as a legal person.

This law will give the lagoon the rights to obtain the required maintenance it needs and will be protected and preserved by the government and residents. As one of its initial initiatives, a governing body has been put forward to protect the lagoon, that consists of  local officials, selected citizens, and scientists from the region.

This governing body would act as "guardian" of the area to protect the ecosystem of the Mar Menor and contribute to its conservation. It represents a significant step forward towards the restoration of the lagoon and ecotourism in the Region of Murcia.

www.murciaturistica.es

The Government of the Balearic Islands will invest 55M euros to serve its aim of becoming the first circular destination in the world, and as such, all-tourism businesses will be required to have a circularity plan encompassing aspects like waste, water use, and clean energies.

Every hotel must install water-saving devices in bathrooms, prohibit single-use amenities and change oil boilers for gas or electric ones in order to emit 57,600 kilos less CO2 per establishment each year. The law will promote making use of rainwater – a factor which will be considered when classifying establishments - and tourist establishments must measure their water consumption. 

Finally, the law sets out to increase the protection of chambermaids, a group greatly affected by accidents at work related to overexertion. Thus, from the year 2023, hotels on the islands must install elevating (mechanic or electric) beds to facilitate their work, a measure which requires renewing 300,000 beds, from which over 20,000 hotel workers will benefit. 

The President of the Balearic Islands, Francina Armengol says that ‘the new laws bring together a series of measures which will allow a more inclusive and sustainable form of economic growth; an improvement in the cohabitation of workers, residents and tourists; a more efficient use of resources; as well as boosting public-private collaboration’

Spain’s tourism strategy looks to address the challenges of the climate crisis, endangered biodiversity and sustainable consumption and production. Social sustainability has been outlined as a key focus helping to drive both environmental and economic ambitions. Many of Spain’s regions and cities are also showcasing their commitment with a range of initiatives:

MAINLAND SPAIN

BENIDORM ADDS 134KM OF BIKE LANES AND IMPROVES CITY’S WATER EFFICIENCY
Benidorm continues to work towards an even more efficient model of sustainability for the city. By the end of 2021, the city aims to have added 134km of bike lanes and more than 9 km of pedestrianized areas, promoting public transport and the rental of electric bicycles, among other goals. Benidorm has also developed a more effective water management system, renovating, and expanding the drinking water treatment station to supply more of its population with high quality water. This will mean that the city’s water consumption, in comparison with figures from 25 years ago, will be reduced by 18%; a significant figure considering that the population, including tourists with overnight stays, has increased by 44% since that time. It aims to lay the foundations for the transformation of Spanish tourism whilst creating a sustainable growth model that allows it to maintain its position as a leader in global tourism. www.visitbenidorm.es

VALENCIA CALCULATES CARBPN AND WATER FOOTPRINT OF TOURISM ACTIVITY
Valencia is amongst the first cities in the world to acknowledge, verify and certify the carbon and water footprint of the tourism activity in the city. Global Omnium and Visit València organised a study to measure 10 different sources of greenhouse gas emissions and how they then impact the environment. This included transportation, restaurants, activities related to tourism and water management among others. At the beginning of 2021, Valencia committed to a sustainable tourism strategy for the city in which it declares that it will achieve carbon-neutral tourism activity by 2025. This will involve Valencia converting to using renewable energies, having only electric powered transport and creating more green spaces to absorb CO₂ emissions. They have also set out to develop proximity labelling which will make tourists more aware of the impact that the produce they are buying has in terms of sustainability, safety and health.https://www.visitvalencia.com/en/news-room/valencia-becomes-first-city-world-verify-and-certify-carbon-footprint-its-tourist

CAMPO DE MONTIEL JOINS EUROPEAN REWILDING NETWORK
Campo de Montiel is a region in central Spain that is made up of a variety of land types and vegetation. The area is home to iconic species such as the Iberian imperial eagle, the Iberian lynx, Montagu’s harrier and the great bustard.
Due to many threats from development and urbanisation, hunting, and mining projects, the area has joined forces with the International Foundation for Ecosystem Restoration (FIRE), a Spanish NGO on a rewilding initiative. The goal is to increase wildlife populations and create new opportunities for the residents of the area. The NGO will be supporting reforestation, creating opportunities for charities and businesses in the region and supporting wildlife rehabilitation through nature-friendly agricultural practices. https://rewildingeurope.com/news/spanish-landscape-scale-rewilding-initiative-joins-european-rewilding-network/

EXTREMADURA PROMOTES UNESCO ENVIRONMENTAL CORRIDOR
Extremadura is home to some of the most diverse and best-preserved nature in southern Europe, with more than 50 protected areas. Extremadura has recently promoted the creation of the UNESCO Environmental Corridor, made up of three Biosphere Reserves (Monfragüe, Tajo Internacional and La Siberia) and the Villuercas-Ibores-Jara Geopark. The area unites landscapes and habitats and ensures that a high level of biodiversity is maintained. The UNESCO Environmental Corridor is an ideal way of reconnecting with nature, observing birds during the day and stars at night, practicing ecotourism and geological tourism, savouring authentic gastronomy and discovering its abundant historical heritage, including the World Heritage site, the Royal Monastery of Guadalupe, and the second most important pilgrimage site in Spain. https://www.turismoextremadura.com/en

LAUNCH OF EXTREMADURA GOURMET WITH THREE NEW SUSTAINABLE GASTRONOMY ROUTES
Extremadura Gourmet is an initiative in which public institutions, local producers and tourism companies collaborate to promote the iconic gastronomy of Extremadura in a sustainable way, as well as helping to preserve local customs and traditions. This cooperation has led to the creation of three sustainable gastronomy routes that offer dozens of experiences, such as guided tours, tastings, and master classes to try a variety of locally sourced produce. For example, the Extremadura Cheese Route is a collaboration of more than 110 companies, from livestock farms and cheese factories to accommodation suppliers, restaurants and shops. The new gastronomy route of one of the most iconic products of Spain, Iberian acorn-fed ham, features more than 80 local companies whilst the Extremadura Oil Route, features nearly twenty oil mills as well as restaurants, accommodation suppliers and museums. The tours are led by local experts that will explain everything needed to know whilst guests enjoy the gastronomy of Extremadura. https://www.turismoextremadura.com/en

21 SPANISH RESTAURANTS AWARDED MICHELIN GREEN STAR
Spain is already well established as a visitor destination for its excellent gastronomy but now 21 restaurants in Spain have been awarded a MICHELIN green star as part of the 2021 guide, thanks to the sustainable efforts being made within this sector. This title recognises restaurants and chefs that are at the forefront of their industry and are making an outstanding effort to make their practices sustainable, advocating for a better world.
Ethical and environmental standards are made top priorities when creating their dishes and they work closely with farmers and fishermen to source local produce. They often use innovative methods to assure that plastics and non-recyclable materials are removed from their supply chains and make environmental and ethical commitments to assure that they contribute to local or national charitable and educational projects. Guide.michelin.com

THE SPANISH ISLANDS

BALEARIC ISLANDS SUSTAINABLE TOURISM TAX
One of the most important measures adopted by the Balearic Islands to support sustainability has been the levying of a tax for overnight tourist stays. This ‘sustainable tourism tax’ has been charged to guests overnighting in tourism establishments since July 2016 with funds being directed towards sustainable tourism initiatives. The purpose of the tax is to mitigate tourism’s negative impact and to redistribute some of its economic benefits across the whole of society with six key funding pillars which include: the environment, sustainable tourism, historic heritage, scientific research, training and employment and social housing (which includes the acquisition and rehabilitation of homes for social housing with specific energy sustainability criteria). Since 2016, over €261 million has been raised and invested into 165 projects. The website has been set up to provide residents and visitors with details of how the funds are distributed and the progress of specific projects. http://www.illessostenibles.travel/en/home-en

PALMA DEVELOPS APP TO CONTROL TOURISM FLOW DURING PEAK SEASONS
The city of Palma in Mallorca has developed an app to successfully control the tourism flow of visitors during peak periods. The app was originally used to manage the flow of cruise passengers around the city and links to heat sensors that monitor the amount of human activity in specific tourism zones. During the pandemic, this was adapted to control the capacity on Palma’s surrounding beaches. In real time, the app displayed which beaches were crowded so that visitors and residents could make informed decisions and choose another option. The app was available for visitors via android and IOS and called “SafeBeaches”. In 2022 and beyond, the Palma tourism authorities look to develop this concept further, incorporating additional AI and data to monitor and successfully manage tourism flow in the city. This technology forms part of a wider tourism strategy which promotes geographical and seasonal diversification. https://www.visitpalma.com/en/

FORMENTERA DEVELOPS UNDERWATER CARTOGRAPHY TO PROTECT MARINE BIOLOGY
The smallest of the Balearic Islands, Formentera, is one of the Mediterranean’s best kept secrets. The clarity of Formentera’s turquoise waters is thanks to a high concentration of Neptune seagrass, Posidonia Oceanica, which is found growing around the Balearic Islands and believed to be one of the most important sources of oxygen in these coastal waters, creating a unique marine biodiversity. So much so that in 1999, the Posidonia was recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage site.
In 2017, a SavePosidonia initiative was launched to raise awareness of the value of the Posidonia meadows. Subsequently, the island launched a campaign to sponsor 1m2 of Posidonia for €1 which to date has protected over 250,000 m2 of the seagrass.
 In 2021 an underwater cartography of the Posidonia Oceanica was initiated. Once completed, the island plans to launch a new app, providing details of permitted anchoring areas (and indicating no-anchorage zones for boating vessels to prevent damage). Projects – Formentera (saveposidoniaproject.org)

THE MARINE AREA BETWEEN LA GOMERA AND TENERIFE NAMED EUROPE’S FIRST WHALE HERITAGE SITE.
The Whale Heritage Site between La Gomera and Tenerife, a designated Special Area of Conservation, has become a thriving whale watching destination given its unique population of pilot whales among a highly diverse variety of other whales and dolphin species. The area has received special recognition of the incredible work being done by a range of engaged stakeholders. The collective efforts of non-profit organisations, government departments, whale watching operators, the scientific community among many others, is an example of how collaboration and cooperation helps to make great strides towards the unified goal of protecting the whales, dolphins, and their habitats. https://whaleheritagesites.org/tenerife-la-gomera/

The event will hold a number of sessions to discuss new innovative sustainability models, technological advancements, and the concept of Blue Economy, which encourages preservation and regeneration of the marine environment. Presentations will be led by representatives from local companies, NGOs, researchers, and industry experts from WWF, WTTC, Cornell University and Global Sustainable Tourism Council, among others.

As part of the event, participants will be invited to take part in additional activities, such as beach cleaning and exploring the meadows of Posidonia Oceania. On a guided boat excursion visitors will see the unique seagrass that is believed to be the reason behind the Mediterranean Sea’s turquoise colour! 

Formentera has been long committed to the conservation of the local sea floor which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999. In 2017, the local authorities launched the pioneering Save Posidonia Project, which allowed both companies and individuals to sponsor a small stretch of the seagrass from as little as one euro, ensuring that all funds go directly to the conservation programme.

Thanks to generous donations, over 250,000 square metres of the Posidonia Oceanica meadows have already been sponsored and preserved. The protection and restoration of this marine plant is crucial to the local ecosystem as it serves as one of the most important sources of oxygen which helps to filter the water’s sediments.

The local government will continue to work on a cartography project which aims to map the seagrass and help boats find appropriate places to moor that asure that chains and anchors stree clear of the Posidonia meadows

The Valencian firm, CarGreen, will expand its fleet of Mercedes Smart Fortwo vehicles to 100 in the coming weeks. The long-term plan is to reach 300 electric vehicles available throughout the Comunitat Valenciana (Region of Valencia).

Booking an electric vehicle is easily done on the CarGreen app, available for iPhone and Android users. Tourists will need to register on the app and the geolocation tool will show available vehicles in the area along with their current battery level. Vehicle hire is priced at 33 cents per minute, and there is a one-off registration fee of €19. The CarGreen app can be downloaded here for iOS users and here for Android users.

The sustainable tourism tax has been in place since 2016 and is applied to all stays in tourist accommodation across the Balearic Islands. The eco-tax provides revenue for a fund established to promote sustainable tourism, established by Balearic Island institutions, and channeled into important initiatives to counteract the impact of tourism on the islands. 

Minister of tourism, Iago Negueruela says:

“British tourism is essential for our islands and the UK is our second source market in terms of visitor numbers. The tourism industry accounts for around 35% of our islands’ GDP and it is essential that we bring visitors back, however our ambition is that we do so in a sustainable way, continuing to roll out sustainable initiatives to counteract any negative environmental impacts. 

Our visitors have directly helped us have fund a huge number of initiatives to promote ecotourism, help preserve the environment and restore our cultural heritage. Behind the scenes, we continue to work intensely with the private sector; including businesses and trade unions to restart the tourism season and its activities as soon as restrictions are relaxed.

Within this, 2021 will see the development of several key tourism projects funded by the sustainable tourism tax.”

Some of the projects currently underway include: 

IBIZA'S PHOENICIAN SETTLEMENT, DECLARED A UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE, WILL BE REPURPOSED AS A NEW CENTRE OF INTERPRETATION

The Balearics Islands will regenerate the Phoenician settlement of Sa Caleta in Ibiza aiming to convert this historic and heritage space into a cultural site for visitors. The Phoenician settlement (UNESCO World Heritage site), which dates back to the end of the 8th century BC, contains evidence of the island’s first settlement, dating back well over a millennium. Planned works include the restoration of all the site and the coastal fortification nearby, which was built in the 20th century to help the island defend itself and has been recognised as an asset of cultural interest. In 2023, Ibiza will welcome an interpretation centre to provide visitors with a deeper understanding of the cultural aspects of the Phoenician settlement, thanks to the funds of the sustainable tourism tax. 

http://www.illessostenibles.travel/its-project/en/ibiza/project-to-rehabilitate-the-phoenician-settlement-and-the-anti-aircraft-battery-on-the-coast-of-sa-caleta-sant-josep-de-sa-talaia-to-prepare-them-for-visits-and-to-create-an-interpretation-centre

A NEW APP TO HELP PROTECT THE MARINE BIOLOGY OF THE BALEARIC ISLANDS In spring 2021, the Balearic Islands Tourist Board aims to complete the underwater cartography of the Posidonia Oceanica, funded by the sustainable tourism tax. The Posidonia Oceanica is a seagrass found growing in the Mediterranean around the Balearic Islands, especially in Formentera, believed to be one of the most important sources of oxygen in these coastal waters, creating a unique marine biodiversity. Once the cartography is completed, the tourist board will launch a new app, providing details of permitted anchoring areas (and indicating no-anchorage zones for boating vessels). 

http://www.illessostenibles.travel/its-project/en/mallorca/underwater-atlas-cartography-of-the-balearic-islands-posidonia-oceanica

A NEW ECOFRIENDLY HUT IN MALLORCA’S SERRA DE TRAMUNTANA

The Balearic Islands is transforming Ses Porqueres de Galatzó, a building which originally served as an animal shelter, into a modern and environmentally friendly mountain refuge located in the western part of the island. The building lies on the picturesque Ruta de Piedra Seco (Dry Stone Route), which offers a series of hiking paths running through scenic Mallorcan pine forests, malvasía vines (Mediterranean grapes) and olive groves, typical of the Balearic Islands. 

Once completed, Ses Porqueres de Galatzó will offer hikers 52 beds divided between 12 rooms as well as a kitchen, dining rooms and a multifunctional room for educational and cultural activities. The hiking hut is scheduled to open in winter 2022. 

http://www.illessostenibles.travel/its-project/en/mallorca/refuge-for-hikers-in-the-ses-porqueres-de-galatzo-building

RESTORATION OF SAN DIEGO CONVENT, HOME TO THE FUTURE MENORCA’S GASTRONOMY CENTRE

The Government of the Balearic Islands acquired the 17th-century San Diego convent, which is protected as a cultural asset. From the time of its acquisition through to the present day it has undergone a complete refurbishment. 

The next step is completion including the restoration of the grisailles murals, which are of great cultural value. The project aims to include a new “Menorca Gastronomy Centre”, showcasing and protecting local cuisine and traditional cooking methods. Menorca’s Gastronomy Centre will open its doors in 2022.