Benidorm takes a decisive step forward in its commitment to a more responsible tourism model by obtaining the Biosphere Certified Destination distinction. This international recognition certifies the proper implementation of sustainable practices and consolidates the destination as a benchmark in tourism management, urban innovation, and commitment to sustainable development. The certification places Benidorm within the global network of Biosphere destinations, endorsing a strategic and cross-cutting effort focused on continuous improvement and the generation of positive impact on the territory and on the quality of life of residents and visitors.
Benidorm, a city and municipality in the province of Alicante, in the Valencian Community, officially joins the international community as Benidorm Biosphere Destination after obtaining the Biosphere Certified Destination distinction.
This recognition certifies the proper implementation of sustainable practices aligned with the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), consolidating the municipality’s commitment to a sustainable, responsible, and innovative tourism model capable of generating positive impact both on the territory and on the quality of life of residents and visitors. An action that is part of the 2023 Tourism Sustainability Plan in Destination “Green Benidorm”, funded by the European Union through the NextGenerationEU funds.
The distinction has been awarded by the Responsible Tourism Institute (RTI), an organization that, in collaboration with the Spanish network of the Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN Spain–REDS), has developed the Biosphere methodology for destinations. This methodology integrates a structured system of indicators, activities, and actions linked to each of the Sustainable Development Goals, enabling the measurement, evaluation, and verification of the destination’s real contribution to sustainability.
The certification represents a verifiable guarantee that Benidorm is progressing in a coherent and structured way toward fulfilling its commitments, integrating sustainability as a cross-cutting axis of its tourism strategy and urban management.
This distinction represents the formal integration of sustainability into the destination’s planning and governance. This approach involves coordinated work in key areas such as:
Through the Biosphere methodology, Benidorm implements measurable actions aligned with international standards, directly contributing to global challenges such as responsible water management, the fight against climate change, urban sustainability, and responsible production and consumption models.
With this certification, Benidorm becomes part of the global network of Biosphere Certified destinations, reinforcing its positioning as an international benchmark in sustainable tourism.
Traditionally identified as a sun-and-beach destination, Benidorm is, in fact, an international case study in sustainable urban planning.
Its vertical city model, based on a high concentration of high-rise buildings, significantly reduces land consumption compared to extensive horizontal urbanization models. This urban configuration promotes infrastructure optimization, reduces travel distances, and enables more efficient energy use, contributing to lower emissions associated with urban services.
Various urban planning experts have highlighted this compact design as one of the factors that make Benidorm one of the most environmentally efficient cities in Spain.
One of the pillars of Benidorm’s sustainability model is its water management. Despite multiplying its population during peak season, the city has one of the most efficient water management systems in Europe.
The distribution network achieves performance levels above 95%, minimizing losses due to leaks. In addition, almost all wastewater is treated and reused for irrigating green areas and agricultural uses, integrating circular economy principles and directly contributing to responsible water resource management.
This approach demonstrates that high-volume tourism can be managed under criteria of efficiency, planning, and environmental responsibility.
Benidorm was the first destination in the world to be certified as a Smart Tourist Destination, according to the UNE 178501 standard, incorporating data analysis tools to optimize urban and tourism management.
The use of technology makes it possible to monitor in real time variables such as beach occupancy, energy consumption, urban mobility, and visitor flows. This information supports data-driven decision-making, improving the tourism experience and reducing environmental impacts.
Urban design also promotes sustainable mobility, with extensive pedestrian areas, a network of bike lanes, and an architectural orientation that optimizes natural ventilation and reduces the need for artificial cooling.
Benidorm offers a wide variety of tourism experiences. Levante Beach stands out for its dynamism and international atmosphere, while Poniente Beach combines architectural design with a more family-oriented environment.
These are complemented by natural spaces such as Cala del Tío Ximo, Cala Almadrava, and the Serra Gelada Natural Park, with cliffs rising over three hundred meters. The old town preserves Mediterranean culinary traditions, complemented by a diverse cultural and leisure offering.
This combination of tourism density, urban planning, and environmental efficiency makes Benidorm a contemporary paradigm of sustainable tourism in the Mediterranean.
At Biosphere, we would like to expressly congratulate the entire human and technical team of the Benidorm City Council who made it possible to obtain the Biosphere Certified Destination distinction, the result of coordinated, rigorous work aligned with the principles of sustainability.
This certification does not represent an endpoint, but the beginning of a new stage based on continuous improvement. Benidorm demonstrates that sustainability can be effectively integrated into established tourist destinations, strengthening their competitiveness, resilience, and quality of life.
Likewise, at Biosphere we encourage tourism businesses in Benidorm to follow this example by joining the Biosphere community and beginning their own path toward sustainability. The involvement of the business sector is key to consolidating a truly responsible destination, where public authorities, businesses, and citizens move forward together toward a more balanced and sustainable tourism model.
Photo: Visit Benidorm