Benidorm, Spain, has been recognised as a best practice by the Sustainable EU Tourism project for its pioneering approach to sustainable water management in a high-demand coastal tourism destination. Originally developed as a holiday resort in the 1950s, Benidorm now hosts over 15 million overnight stays annually, with tourism contributing significantly to the local economy.

Faced with severe water shortages in the 1970s, the city launched a long-term strategy integrating infrastructure, innovation, and public engagement. Key initiatives include a dual sewage system separating rainwater and wastewater, AI-powered bioreactor aeration to reduce energy use, and the DINAPSIS centre for digital innovation in water management. Real-time monitoring systems and 1,600 smart meters track water usage and system health, enabling predictive maintenance and efficient resource allocation.

Public awareness campaigns, such as “Lo del agua en serio”, promote responsible water use, while beach infrastructure has been adapted to reduce consumption. In 2020, Benidorm became the first municipality of its size to launch a Climate Change Adaptation Plan.

These efforts have led to a 95% water efficiency rate (far above the national average) and a 36% reuse rate of treated water. The city can now withstand peak season demand surges of over 700%, ensuring both resident and tourist needs are met sustainably.

Benidorm’s experience demonstrates how a destination can successfully balance tourism growth with environmental stewardship. It highlights the importance of long-term planning, stakeholder collaboration, and technological innovation in addressing climate-related challenges. This best practice showcases how sustainability can be embedded into tourism infrastructure, ensuring resilience, efficiency, and quality of life for both residents and visitors.

For further details on the key challenges the destination has faced, and the solutions implemented to address them, please refer to the attached document.

#Destination management #Sustainable tourism #Community engagement #Stakeholder engagement #Sustainable consumption #Resource efficiency #Climate action #Innovation in tourism #Responsible travel