Sustainable tourism gains ground in València

Published 05/10/2020

Discover the advantages of practising and promoting sustainable tourism for both the region and travellers with València city’s sustainability strategy.

If you love travelling, discovering new destinations and immersing yourself in new cultures, the importance of taking care and respecting the place you are visiting will not be new to you. Focusing on sustainability and respect are the only ways we can continue to live and experience extraordinary moments away from home.  

Sustainable tourism is based on all stakeholders practising sustainability and respect. The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) describes sustainable tourism as “a way of managing all resources such as to meet economic, social and aesthetic needs, while at the same time respecting the cultural authenticity of host countries, maintaining essential ecological processes and conserving biodiversity and the systems sustaining life”.

The UNWTO calculated that over 1,300 million people travelled in 2018 and forecasts this number will rise to 1,800 by 2030. This increase will have a huge impact around the world, particularly in the most popular tourist destinations. 

Sustainable tourism will therefore help us achieve sustainable development and favour its three pillars, namely the economy, the environment and people. In so doing, ecosystems and natural environments will be able to be protected and conserved.   

The Region of Valencia is a pioneer when it comes to promoting and supporting sustainable tourism. In concrete, València has implemented a strategic plan to encourage the development of various national and international projects, and integrate sustainability into the heart of the city’s tourism strategy.

Applying sustainable tourism in València city

València city has always been keen to implement actions that maintain an optimal level of tourism without losing sight of sustainability. The city therefore organises special guided tours aimed at raising awareness about the climate emergency, explaining concepts like the circular economy and promoting local businesses. Epitomising all this is the Silk Route, which is part of a UNESCO programme promoting sustainable tourism and preserving the heritage of the historic route.

Another initiative that has expanded rapidly in València is the use of bikes and electric scooters to get around the city in a fast, convenient and – most importantly – eco-friendly way. An extensive network of bike lanes has been created so tourists can discover València without needing to get in a car. 

To continue promoting sustainability in its vibrant and beautiful region, València is adopting every single one of the initiatives promoted by the European Union and central government. To continue offering visitors the best of its customs, traditions and people. To continue being a city open to anyone and everyone. And to continue being a sustainable.