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.