SUSTAINABLE TOURISM IN SPAIN
All about sustainable tourism in Spain
As environmental awareness grows, an increasing number of travellers are choosing sustainable tourism experiences. In this context, environmentally friendly tourism and its positive impact on local communities has emerged as a key response to the environmental and social challenges linked to the rapid growth of the global tourism industry.
Unlike a traditional approach, which prioritises economic development at the expense of the environment and local communities, sustainable tourism aims to balance economic prosperity with environmental conservation and social wellbeing.
In 2024, 1.4 billion international trips were made, according to the UNWTO World Tourism Barometer. That year, Spain welcomed around 93.8 million tourists, according to the country’s National Statistics Institute. Booking.com reports that 74% of travellers want to travel more sustainably over the next 12 months. For 40% of Spanish tourists, accommodation with a recognised sustainability certification is a more attractive option. These certifications ensure that the accommodation adopts practices that reduce its environmental impact and promote social and economic sustainability, granted by organizations such as Green Key, EarthCheck, and ISO 14001.
In short, sustainable tourism has become the ideal combination of exploring the world while protecting it. Here we explain the main objectives of sustainable tourism and how Iberdrola España is addressing them.
What is sustainable tourism?
Sustainable tourism is a form of travel designed to minimise the environmental, social and cultural impact, with the aim of preserving resources and promoting the wellbeing of local communities.
It involves measures that reduce environmental footprints, foster local participation and respect traditions and cultural heritage. Ultimately, it is about ensuring harmony between visitors and their surroundings, generating long-term benefits for everyone involved.
The origins of sustainable tourism
The origin of the concept of sustainability date back to 1983, when the United Nations (UN) created the World Commission on Environment and Development. This was followed by a series of global initiatives on environmental issues, leading up to the Earth Summit held in Brazil in 1992. That event produced the Rio Declaration on Environment and Development and Agenda 21, where concepts such as sustainability, and environmental, social and economic development were explored, and the need for tourism sustainability plans was recognised for the first time.
These first steps were consolidated in 1995 with the World Conference on Sustainable Tourism in Lanzarote. There, the “Charter for Sustainable Tourism” was proposed, laying the foundations for applying sustainable principles to the tourism sector.
The objectives of sustainable tourism
In the early 2000s, the World Tourism Organization and the United Nations Environment Programme established 12 objectives that form the basis of sustainable tourism. These aim to ensure a balanced approach to the economic, environmental and socio-cultural aspects of tourism development to secure long-term sustainability.
- Economic viability: Ensure financial sustainability to encourage prosperity and long-term benefits.
- Local prosperity: Strengthen the contribution of tourism to the economic growth of host communities.
- Employment quality: Improve both the quality and quantity of jobs while ensuring fair and inclusive working conditions.
- Social equity: Guarantee a fair distribution of the wealth generated by tourism within host communities.
- Visitor fulfilment: Provide a safe and rewarding experience for all visitors without social distinctions.
- Local participation: Involve local residents in decision-making on tourism development and management.
- Community wellbeing: Provide the necessary resources and services without degrading natural or social environments.
- Cultural value: Respect and enhance heritage while preserving local culture and identity.
- Ecosystem integrity: Protect and improve rural and urban landscapes, safeguarding environmental quality.
- Biodiversity conservation: Preserve natural areas and minimise environmental impact.
- Resource efficiency: Reduce the use of scarce or non-renewable resources as much as possible.
- Environmental sustainability: Minimise pollution and waste to protect environmental quality.
Three keys to sustainable tourism in Spain
The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), in its role as a driver of economic growth, inclusive development and environmental sustainability, has defined three priorities for advancing sustainable tourism in Spain:
- Optimising natural resources: Maintaining essential environmental processes and preserving natural resources and biodiversity as the foundation of tourism development.
- Respecting cultural authenticity: Safeguarding cultural and architectural heritage, protecting traditional values, encouraging mutual understanding and promoting intercultural tolerance.
- Ensuring long-term economic viability: Generating fair socio-economic benefits for all stakeholders, including stable jobs, income generation and social services for host communities.
Importance of sustainable tourism in Spain
Spain is a world leader in tourism, which is one of the country’s main economic pillars, both as a source of revenue and job creation. In 2024, Spain received more than 93.8 million tourists, according to the National Statistics Institute.
Growing environmental awareness and various initiatives in sustainable tourism could position Spain as a global benchmark, according to a recent McKinsey study. The report highlights Spain’s potential to become a preferred destination for environmentally conscious travellers.
To address new social, cultural and climate challenges, the Spanish government has launched the Spain Sustainable Tourism Strategy 2030, a national roadmap to strengthen the sector in the medium and long term. This programme seeks to promote the three pillars of sustainability: socio-economic, environmental and territorial.
Spain Sustainable Tourism Strategy 2030
The Spain Sustainable Tourism Strategy 2030 proposes a model of tourism growth based on:
Further information is available on the Spanish government’s roadmap, which will guide the country’s sustainable tourism evolution over the next decade.
Iberdrola España’s sustainable tourism destinations
At Iberdrola España, we ensure that our facilities combine the natural and cultural richness of their surroundings with environmental care. Our goal is to promote a tourism model that balances visitor enjoyment with the protection of natural and cultural heritage.
Through innovative and collaborative initiatives, Iberdrola España is contributing to the transformation towards more sustainable tourism, generating positive impact in local communities and raising awareness of the need to protect the planet.
Salamanca (Castile and León) - Aldeadávila hydroelectric plant
The Aldeadávila hydroelectric plant, located in the Arribes del Duero Natural Park (Salamanca), has been the backdrop for many events, from local mountain sports to fashion shows such as that of Salamanca designer Fely Campo at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week.
Aldeadávila has also featured in major advertising campaigns, including Fujitsu, and in iconic film productions such as Doctor Zhivago (winner of five Oscars and several Golden Globes), Terminator: Dark Fate and the Spanish film La Cabina.
Built into rugged granite cliffs 300 metres above the River Duero, the site continues to impress with its scale and location. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views, observe the Aldeadávila plant itself and watch various species of birds of prey from the Fraile viewpoint.
In terms of energy generation, Aldeadávila is one of Spain’s largest hydroelectric plants. It produces more than 8% of the country’s average hydropower output, supplying electricity to 250,000 households.
Cáceres (Extremadura) - Alcántara hydroelectric plant
The José María de Oriol hydroelectric plant, also known as the Alcántara plant, is located next to the Roman bridge of Alcántara in Cáceres. The setting makes it an outstanding tourist destination.
In the 1960s, the Iberdrola Group acquired the Convent of San Benito de Alcántara to restore it and use it as a residence for engineers working on the dam. In 1985, it became the headquarters of the San Benito de Alcántara Foundation, dedicated to historical and cultural research, particularly in relation to tourism and social development in Extremadura.
The Alcántara hydroelectric plant is one of the largest in Spain, with a capacity of almost 1,000 MW. Located on the River Tagus, it provides clean energy to nearly 450,000 people.
More content about the environment on Iberdrola España
Sustainable mobility
The Albufeira Convention
Iberdrola and the reservoirs in Spain
Electric vehicle fair
Other sustainable initiatives of Iberdrola España
Grupo Iberdrola
