In 1995, Lanzarote hosted the First World Conference on Sustainable Tourism and became the starting point for a tourism model committed to sustainability. Three decades later, this Canary Island continues to lead the way with a new international summit focused on the future of regenerative and responsible tourism. The next meeting will be held on November 28, 2025.
In 1995, when the relationship between “tourism” and “sustainability” was barely emerging in international forums, a small volcanic island in the Atlantic marked a turning point in the history of tourism development. Lanzarote was the venue for the First World Conference on Sustainable Tourism, where the Lanzarote World Charter for Sustainable Tourism was adopted—a foundational document that laid the groundwork for a new tourism model committed to the environment, local cultures, and social equity.
At a time when tourism development was beginning to show its most concerning impacts, this initiative served as a pioneering and visionary call to action. Lanzarote, with its territorial example of balance between development and conservation, was the ideal place to plant the seed of sustainable tourism.
Over these three decades, sustainable tourism has evolved from an alternative proposal into a global imperative. Today, the concepts of sustainability, regeneration, respect for local communities, and protection of natural and cultural heritage are at the core of national and international strategies. The 1995 World Charter for Sustainable Tourism and its later revision, the +20 World Charter in Vitoria-Gasteiz (2015), have guided the journey toward a fairer and more resilient model.
The current context, marked by the climate crisis, over-tourism, and the fragility of many ecosystems and host societies, highlights the urgent need to firmly reaffirm the principles established in that first charter.
Lanzarote, a destination that holds the Biosphere Certified label, granted after verifying that sustainable practices are correctly implemented, and thus ensuring compliance with the commitments made in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), was not only the founding site. For the past thirty years, it has been a living laboratory of best practices in responsible tourism. Its commitment to local development, landscape protection, and community integration has made the island a global reference. This model, driven by the vision of artists like César Manrique and supported by institutions and local stakeholders, has proven that it is possible to build a more conscious and sustainable tourism industry.
On November 28, 2025, Lanzarote will once again become the epicenter of global dialogue on sustainable tourism. In the majestic setting of Jameos del Agua, the 2025 World Conference on Sustainable Tourism will take place, commemorating the 30th anniversary of the World Charter for Sustainable Tourism.
An event promoted by the Government of the Canary Islands, the Cabildo of Lanzarote, Turismo Lanzarote, the Centers of Art, Culture and Tourism of Lanzarote, and the Responsible Tourism Institute (RTI).
A key gathering to renew our collective commitment to the major global challenges: climate change, overtourism, and the necessary transformation of the sector toward a regenerative, fair, and sustainable model.
Celebrating this anniversary is not just a symbolic act, it is a chance to renew the commitment to a sustainable, inclusive, and transformative tourism model. The 2025 World Conference on Sustainable Tourism in Lanzarote is a key date for all those who believe in tourism with meaning, with roots, and with a future.
Participating is not only about recognizing the value of history, it is about building the future. For this reason, from Biosphere and the Responsible Tourism Institute (ITR), we extend our invitation to take part in this event so that together we can continue writing the history of sustainable tourism.
+30 World Charter Sustainable Tourism
Jameos del Agua, Lanzarote. Canary Islands. Spain
November 28, 2025 I 08:15H - 16:30H