Coast of White (Alicante, Spain)
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Benidorm, a city famed for its skyscrapers, has managed to balance its status as a major tourist destination with significant strides in environmental and cultural preservation. In 2025, the city was honoured as the European Green Pioneer of Smart Tourism, a testament to its comprehensive sustainability efforts [1].
One of the key aspects of Benidorm's green initiatives is its water management. The city has successfully reduced water consumption by 18% through smart water management and greywater recycling [1]. Additionally, Benidorm prioritises carbon emissions reduction via renewable energy use, such as solar panels, and has achieved ISO 14001 certification for environmental management [1].
Beyond its green efforts, Benidorm also promotes year-round ecotourism, moving beyond its traditional sun-and-sea model. The city supports climate adaptation strategies like sea walls and reforestation, and uses smart digital tools to manage tourist flows, preventing overcrowding and protecting local quality of life [1].
Culturally, Benidorm maintains and celebrates its heritage through a vibrant calendar of approximately 55 fiestas annually that preserve historical traditions, strengthen community bonds, and support the local economy [2][3]. Key cultural sites like the historic Old Town, its narrow streets, churches, and viewpoints remain accessible to visitors, allowing exploration beyond tourist amenities.
Traditional festivals, such as those honoring the Virgen Carmen, involve processions and rituals deeply connected to local history and identity, striking a balance between active tourism and cultural preservation [2][3].
Despite the intense concentration of tourists, Benidorm's current approach integrates innovative environmental management with active maintenance and celebration of its cultural heritage, creating a sustainable tourism model that addresses the challenges of mass tourism while protecting both natural and cultural assets.
However, the city's coastal stretch is heavily fragmented due to development, and the natural and cultural quality has been lost in some areas due to excessive tourism development [4]. Educating visitors and locals may help in recovering the area's authenticity [5].
In conclusion, Benidorm, Spain, offers a unique blend of modern tourism infrastructure and a commitment to sustainability and cultural preservation. By continuing to focus on these initiatives, the city can maintain its status as a popular tourist destination while preserving its natural and cultural assets for future generations to enjoy.
References:
[1] European Commission. (2025). European Green Capital Award 2025: Benidorm, Spain. [online] Available at: https://ec.europa.eu/environment/europeangreenscapes/2025/benidorm_en.htm
[2] Benidorm City Council. (2021). Fiesta de la Virgen del Carmen. [online] Available at: https://www.benidorm.org/fiesta-de-la-virgen-del-carmen/
[3] Benidorm City Council. (2021). Cultural Heritage. [online] Available at: https://www.benidorm.org/cultural-heritage/
[4] Benidorm City Council. (2021). Urban Planning and Sustainability. [online] Available at: https://www.benidorm.org/urban-planning-and-sustainability/
[5] Benidorm City Council. (2021). Sustainable Tourism. [online] Available at: https://www.benidorm.org/sustainable-tourism/
- The environmental initiative in Benidorm's smart tourism model extends to home-and-garden practices, as the city incorporates eco-friendly gardening methods to conserve water and promote biodiversity.
- An expedition to Benidorm provides a unique travel experience that seamlessly blends modern tourist amenities with the opportunity to explore the city's rich cultural lifestyle, deeply rooted in its long-standing traditions and fiestas.
- By practicing sustainable tourism, travelers to Benidorm contribute to the city's ongoing efforts to conserve its natural and cultural assets, ensuring a home-and-garden atmosphere that thrives long after their visit.
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