Benidorm wins the 2025 European Green Pioneer award for smart and sustainability

Monday, February 3, 2025

Benidorm has been officially recognized as the 2025 European Green Pioneer of Smart Tourism, an award granted by the European Capital and Green Pioneer of Smart Tourism competitions.

This prestigious recognition highlights Benidorm’s commitment to sustainability, smart tourism innovations, and environmental conservation, reinforcing its role as a leader in eco-friendly travel within the EU.

The competition, supported by the European Commission, selects role model cities that implement smart and sustainable tourism projects.

These initiatives focus on:

• Reducing tourism seasonality by promoting year-round travel.
• Enhancing visitor experiences through technology and eco-friendly initiatives.
• Engaging local communities to ensure long-term economic and environmental benefits.

Smart and Sustainable Tourism in Benidorm

Benidorm’s 38 km² compact urban layout integrates smart tourism strategies with environmental conservation efforts.

Approximately 61% of its land is protected, including the Sierra Gelada Natural Park and the Moralet area, preserving native biodiversity and ensuring the sustainability of its natural landscapes.

One of Benidorm’s standout achievements is its marine conservation efforts. The city protects 173 hectares of Posidonia Oceanica meadows, vital for marine biodiversity and coastal water clarity. Additionally, Benidorm is at the forefront of climate change adaptation, implementing:

• Eco-friendly coastal protection – Sea walls and drainage systems combat rising sea levels.
• Sustainable beach management – Smart cleaning techniques and waste reduction strategies.
• Advanced water conservation – A 95% water cycle efficiency rate, making it a global leader in urban water management.

Benidorm’s smart water management system ensures that greywater is recycled for irrigation and public services, reducing the strain on water resources. These efforts align with Spain’s National Water Plan (miteco.gob.es) and the EU’s Green Deal Sustainability Framework.

Year-Round Tourism for Economic Stability

Beyond environmental sustainability, Benidorm has diversified its tourism economy, reducing its reliance on seasonal visitors. The city promotes eco-tourism, health tourism, and cultural tourism, ensuring a steady flow of visitors outside the peak summer months.

Key initiatives include:

• Eco-friendly attractions – Theme parks and golf courses designed for minimal environmental impact.
• Cultural events – Festivals like the Winter Festival and historical reenactments encourage off-peak travel.
• Smart technology solutions – Real-time beach monitoring apps help manage overtourism, improving visitor experience.

Benidorm’s Role in EU Sustainable Tourism Development

Benidorm actively participates in the Sustainable EU Tourism – Shaping the Tourism of Tomorrow initiative, aligning with the EU’s Transition Pathway for Tourism.

This program promotes:

• Peer-to-peer knowledge exchange among 200+ European destinations.
• Best practice sharing in sustainability, digitalization, and resilience.
• Innovative water management solutions, such as:
  • Separating rainwater and wastewater.
  • Composting sludge for agricultural use.
  • Generating biogas from wastewater to produce electricity.

With 15.3 million overnight stays annually, Benidorm proves that sustainability and tourism can go hand in hand.

This award solidifies the city’s status as a European leader in smart and sustainable tourism, ensuring a greener future for the travel industry.