Lanzarote strengthens its position as a pioneering destination in sustainable tourism after renewing its Biosphere Sustainable Certified Gold certification. This recognition, awarded by the Responsible Tourism Institute (RTI), highlights the island’s commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and its global leadership in sustainable tourism.
Lanzarote once again positions itself at the forefront of sustainable tourism worldwide after obtaining the Biosphere Sustainable Certified Gold distinction, awarded by the Responsible Tourism Institute (RTI). This renewal recognizes its ongoing efforts to consolidate itself as a responsible tourism destination, aligned with the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and reinforces its role within the international Biosphere network of sustainable destinations.
The audit conducted for this destination showed highly satisfactory results, demonstrating the maturity of the island’s sustainable management model and the active involvement of its businesses, institutions, and residents. With this achievement, Lanzarote also renews its commitment to tourism that protects the natural environment, strengthens the local economy, and improves the quality of life of its residents.
Lanzarote has not only been a pioneer in responsible tourism but has also set milestones that have inspired destinations around the world.
In 1995, the island hosted the historic World Conference on Sustainable Tourism, which resulted in the World Charter for Sustainable Tourism, the foundational document that defined the international principles of sustainable tourism.
Three decades later, Lanzarote continues to be a global benchmark in the implementation of tourism models based on sustainability, innovation, and community participation.
On November 28, 2025, the Jameos del Agua will host the 2025 World Conference on Sustainable Tourism, an event organized by Turismo de Lanzarote, the Cabildo of Lanzarote, Turismo de Islas Canarias, the Government of the Canary Islands, and the Responsible Tourism Institute (RTI).
This gathering will highlight Lanzarote’s role as a pioneering territory in integrating sustainability into its tourism strategy, becoming a true living laboratory of sustainable tourism.
Lanzarote, declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1993, has managed to maintain an exemplary balance between tourism development and environmental conservation.
With its unique volcanic landscape, architecture integrated into the environment, and a tourism offering centered on conscious experiences, the island demonstrates that sustainability can also be synonymous with beauty, authenticity, and well-being.
The Lanzarote Biosphere Sustainable Certified Gold strategy promotes low-impact tourism, encouraging the consumption of local products, sustainable mobility, and collaboration among businesses and the community.
It also strengthens circular economy initiatives, responsible resource management, and innovation in tourism services, consolidating a model that is replicable internationally.
In the words of the Responsible Tourism Institute (RTI), obtaining the Biosphere Gold Destination distinction “confirms Lanzarote’s progress in continuous improvement and in the real implementation of sustainable practices in the territory, being a global benchmark for coherence and commitment.”
Beyond formal recognition, the success of Lanzarote lies in having made sustainability a value shared across society.
Businesses, tourism managers, institutions, and residents work together so that every action has a positive impact: cleaner seas, more fertile soils, and stronger local economies.
The island promotes experiences that connect travelers with the essence of the territory: low-impact volcanic routes, birdwatching, wine tourism in La Geria, responsible surfing in Famara, or interpretive visits in the Centers of Art, Culture, and Tourism (CACT).
Each experience invites visitors to slow down, appreciate authenticity, and turn travel into a sustainable relationship with nature and people.
The Biosphere Sustainable Certified Gold recognition establishes Lanzarote as one of the most sustainable destinations on the planet, an example of how long-term vision, institutional commitment, and public-private collaboration can transform the way we understand tourism.
At Biosphere, we congratulate the Cabildo of Lanzarote, Turismo Lanzarote, and all the entities and businesses that made this achievement possible.
Their example inspires other destinations to follow a path that shows that sustainability and tourism competitiveness can advance hand in hand.