Lanzarote hosts the review of the World Charter for Sustainable Tourism on Its 30th anniversary

On July 2, 2025, in the natural setting of Jameos del Agua, an international commemorative event will take place to review and renew the World Charter for Sustainable Tourism.

On July 2nd, Lanzarote will host the review of the Sustainable Tourism Charter, 30 years after its adoption. A global step forward in tourism sustainability.

A celebration with a forward-looking perspective.

Lanzarote will once again serve as the stage for a pivotal moment in global sustainable tourism. On July 2, 2025, in the iconic natural setting of Jameos del Agua, the review and update of the World Charter for Sustainable Tourism will be held, commemorating its 30th anniversary.

A story that began in Lanzarote.

The history of the World Charter for Sustainable Tourism dates back to 1995, when the First World Conference on Sustainable Tourism was held in Lanzarote. That meeting, sponsored by UNESCO and supported by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), concluded with the adoption of a pioneering document that established 18 principles to promote a model of tourism that is environmentally respectful, socially just, and economically viable.

Since then, the Charter has served as a compass guiding the sector toward more sustainable, balanced, and inclusive models. It was updated in 2015 in Vitoria-Gasteiz (+20 World Charter for Sustainable Tourism) with the adoption of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as a framework for action.

Review of principles and new commitments.

Thirty years after its proclamation, the Charter will undergo a new review. The +30 World Charter for Sustainable Tourism aims to update its foundations and adapt them to contemporary challenges, including:

  • The integration of sustainability throughout the entire tourism value chain.
  • The promotion of a regenerative tourism model that actively contributes to ecosystem restoration.
  • The strengthening of tourism's role as a tool for inclusion, peace, and human development.
  • The shared responsibility of all involved parties, including travelers, local communities, businesses, and governments.

Lanzarote as a Symbol of Sustainable Tourism.

Lanzarote was not only the birthplace of the Charter in 1995 but also represents an example of consistency in applying a tourism model based on sustainability. Declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 1993, the island has maintained a balance between environmental conservation, cultural identity, and economic development. Its selection to host the Charter's review reaffirms its leadership as a sustainable destination on an international level.

A Renewed Commitment to Sustainable Tourism.

From Biosphere and the Responsible Tourism Institute (RTI), we invite all sector stakeholders to join this historic moment. The review of the World Charter for Sustainable Tourism represents a unique opportunity to renew the ethical and technical framework of global tourism, strengthen international cooperation, and advance toward a more just, resilient, and transformative tourism model.

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