Benidorm takes centre stage as European Green Pioneer of Smart Tourism 2025

With its bold slogan ‘Why not?’, Benidorm (Spain) has been named the EU’s 2025 European Green Pioneer of Smart Tourism, following a European Jury meeting in Brussels on 26-27 November 2024. The European Capital and Green Pioneer of Smart Tourism competitions recognise the city’s outstanding achievements and efforts in smart and sustainable tourism and green transition practices as a tourism destination.

The winner of the 2025 European Green Pioneer of Smart Tourism competition serves as a role model for the shift towards sustainability by introducing innovative projects that actively involve local communities and tackle issues such as tourism seasonality. These initiatives are designed not only to enhance the experiences of visitors but also to encourage smarter, more sustainable travel practices, ensuring long-term benefits for both the environment and the local economy.

Benidorm: A Global Model for Smart and Sustainable Tourism

Benidorm has emerged as a trailblazer in smart and sustainable tourism, showcasing a transformative commitment to environmental management and innovative practices that prioritise ecological preservation while enhancing visitor experiences. The city’s commitment to nature preservation is exemplified by its protected areas, which cover 61% of its compact 38 km² territory. The Sierra Gelada Natural Park and the Moralet area serve as the city’s primary green lungs, while 173 hectares of Posidonia Oceanica meadows in the bay provide vital oxygen and enhance the clarity of the coastal waters. Benidorm’s dedication is also evident in its ongoing construction of sea walls and advanced drainage systems that mitigate the risks of rising sea levels and flooding while preserving its coastline through eco-friendly cleaning methods. Benidorm’s smart water management system, which recycles greywater for irrigation and public services, has achieved an impressive 95% water cycle efficiency, setting a benchmark for resource conservation and sustainable water use in urban tourism.

Benidorm’s approach to tourism management extends beyond environmental initiatives, incorporating a wide range of sustainable offerings. By diversifying into health, education, and eco-tourism, it fosters year-round opportunities, reducing seasonal dependency and supporting local employment. Key developments include sustainable theme parks, eco-friendly golf courses, and cultural events such as the Winter Festival, all contributing to a resilient tourism economy. A strong focus on community engagement bridges the gap between residents and visitors through initiatives like local festivals, historical reenactments, and guided cultural tours. Additionally, digital innovations, such as real-time beach monitoring apps, highlight the use of smart technology to enhance visitor experiences and manage overtourism sustainably. Together, these efforts reflect Benidorm’s commitment to sustainability and position it as a global model for green and inclusive tourism.

Sustainable EU Tourism – Benidorm’s part in Shaping the Tourism of Tomorrow

In the spirit of smart tourism, Benidorm is committed to knowledge exchange and cooperation with other EU destinations, as showcased by its participation in the Sustainable EU Tourism – Sharping the Tourism of Tomorrow project. This initiative aims to strengthen the sustainability and resilience of EU tourism by promoting peer-to-peer learning and collaboration, aligned with the EU’s Transition Pathway for Tourism.

Over 200 EU tourism destinations took part in the Sustainable EU Tourism survey, resulting in a compilation of Best Practices from 50 EU destinations, addressing tourism challenges and showcasing sustainable solutions. The report showcases how Benidorm, with 15.3 million overnight stays and ongoing water scarcity challenges, has implemented innovative water management practices, like separating rain and wastewater, composting sludge for agriculture, and generating biogas from wastewater to produce electricity.

The article Benidorm takes centre stage as European Green Pioneer of Smart Tourism 2025 first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.