Sustainability is a major plank of the Spanish Tourist Board’s activity. CMW delved deeper, asking the STO about its campaign and how it can help support meeting planners make their events more sustainable.
What role does the Spanish Tourist Office (STO) play in promoting sustainability?
The STO plays a crucial role in promoting sustainability. We are extremely active in this conversation, clearly evidenced by our orchestration of the Spain Sustainability Day in London last April, an initiative we are poised to repeat in 2024. We believe we are the first National Tourist Office to organise such a significant event in the UK. We arranged a series of discussion panels during the event where experts from both Spain and the UK debated a spectrum of topics including ‘Going Green – the future of sustainable transport’ and ‘Decarbonisation –The transition to true net zero’. For the World Travel Market in November 2023, we are organising a presentation, together with the Travel Foundation, directed at industry professionals, policy makers and the media on the topic, ‘Sustainable Spain – Understanding the impact of new UK regulations on Spanish suppliers’. The rationale underpinning the formulation of this presentation is our observation that, despite the pervasive dialogue on sustainability, comprehensive directives have not yet been put in place. In this context we have chosen to spearhead these deliberations, aiming to forge a roadmap that will empower our associates in Spain with the insights needed to navigate the intricate path toward sustainability. We have also created a dedicated sustainability hub accessible via the link https://socialnewsroom.spain.info/sustainability-updates/ where we offer a compendium of news, all tied to the overarching theme of sustainability. Through all our efforts, we aim to create a positive impact on the environment, local communities, and the overall reputation of Spain as a sustainable destination in all realms.
How are venues in Spain incorporating sustainable practices to minimise their environmental impact?
Venues in Spain are increasingly adopting sustainable practices to contribute to a more eco-friendly events industry. Across the country several strategies and initiatives are being implemented. To give an example, last year the Balearic Islands passed a law that requires all businesses on the islands to implement circular economy measures. These emphasise reuse, recycling and local production to tackle waste, and to help with workers’ rights, and using renewable energy sources, such as solar panels, to reduce reliance on conventional energy and lower carbon emissions. In the same manner, they are being encouraged to tackle waste generation and water conservation, all part of the circular economy,. This includes recycling programmes, composting organic waste, reducing single-use plastics by providing alternatives like biodegradable or reusable options, reducing consumption of water through water-efficient fixtures, irrigation systems, and educational campaigns to raise awareness among staff and visitors. As we all know, community engagement constitutes a major facet within the framework of the circular economy, as it mobilises communities to endorse conscientious behaviours. The City of Barcelona Municipal Administration serves as an example in this regard, facilitating community involvement in conversations aimed at enhancing the well-being of residents. They organise educational workshops and collaborate with numerous organisations to reach this goal. Most venues are nowadays developing guidelines and policies for organisers to follow sustainable practices during their events. By incorporating these sustainable practices, all of these venues are playing a vital role in reducing their environmental impact and contributing to a more sustainable events industry. Through their efforts, they are setting an example and are encouraging event organisers to prioritise eco-conscious choices in their event planning and execution.
Do you have specific examples of sustainable initiatives implemented by venues in popular destinations?
To name but a few: Madrid Marriott Auditorium Hotel & Conference Centre: The Marriott Auditorium Hotel has earned LEED Gold certification (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), showcasing its commitment to sustainable building design and operation. The venue has partnered with local farmers and suppliers to source organic and locally produced food for catering services, reducing food miles and supporting the local economy. To minimise water usage, the hotel has installed water-efficient fixtures and implemented a water recycling system. Seville Conference and Exhibition Centre (FIBES): FIBES has adopted a Green Procurement policy, prioritising the use of eco-friendly and recyclable materials for events hosted at the venue. The venue has installed a solar panel system to harness renewable energy and reduce its reliance on conventional power sources. It has also implemented an environmental education programme for event attendees, promoting sustainable practices and raising awareness about environmental issues. 
Valencia Conference Centre (Palacio de Congresos de Valencia): The Valencia Conference Centre has earned the ISO 14001 certification, demonstrating its commitment to environmental management and sustainability. The venue actively encourages event organisers to implement paperless registration and communication systems to reduce paper waste. They collaborate with local organisations on reforestation and environmental conservation projects to offset carbon emissions from events. Málaga Exhibition and Conference Centre (FYCMA): FYCMA has implemented a Green Events programme, providing event organisers with guidelines and support to implement sustainable practices during their events. The venue has replaced single-use plastic water bottles with water stations, offering attendees reusable bottles to minimise plastic waste. They actively promote sustainable transportation options, such as public transport and cycling, and offer dedicated bike lanes and parking areas. These are just a few examples of the sustainable initiatives that certain key event venues in Spanish destinations have implemented. These venues are not only reducing their environmental impact but also setting a positive example for the events industry and contributing to a more sustainable and responsible tourism sector in Spain.
How does the Spanish Tourist Office encourage event organisers to prioritise sustainability when choosing venues for their events?
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hrough various strategies and initiatives in collaboration with our regional partners. Our efforts focus on raising awareness, providing resources, and offering incentives that highlight the benefits of selecting sustainable venues. Through workshops, seminars, and familiarisation trips, we share best practices, case studies, and success stories of events held in sustainable venues. This information empowers organisers with knowledge and ideas for incorporating sustainability into their own events. During these fam trips we facilitate networking opportunities between event planners and sustainable venues. By bringing these parties together, we create a platform for exchanging ideas, experiences, and best practices in sustainable event planning, fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement. In this regard we are open to actively engage and contribute to any forthcoming sustainability workshop, seminar, or conference organised by the MICE sector.
What measures are being taken by the STO to promote sustainable transportation options for event attendees within Spain?
The STO is constantly conducting communication and awareness campaigns to highlight the benefits of sustainable transportation options. Through promotional materials, social media, conferences and so on., we encourage everyone to consider eco-friendly travel choices and the positive impact it has on the environment. Spain boasts the second most extensive and advanced high speed train network in the world (only behind China which is a far bigger country), known as the Alta Velocidad Española (AVE). The AVE network has played an important role in transforming the country’s transportation landscape, offering efficient and rapid connections between major cities. Additionally, efforts have been made to incorporate sustainable practices within the network’s operations. The AVE network spans 3,240km and this extensive coverage has not only reduced travel times between cities, it has also contributed to the growth of regional economies. AVE trains are designed to operate at speeds of up to 310 km/h on dedicated high-speed tracks, enabling rapid and efficient travel across long distances, and they are also designed for energy efficiency, using advanced technologies to optimise energy consumption during operation. The AVE network is often integrated with local and regional transportation systems, making it easier for travellers to seamlessly transition between different modes of transportation. Needless to say, invest in expanding and modernising the network is continuing, with the aim of connecting more cities and improving connectivity across borders as well. Just recently a high-speed service has been launched between Spain and France serving several cities.
Are there any specific destinations in Spain that have been recognised for their commitment to sustainability?
I can give you two examples, Valencia and Tenerife. In 2020 Valencia became the first city in the world to verify and certify the carbon footprint of its tourist activity. A study carried out by the company Global Omnium, in collaboration with the Visit Valencia Foundation and the City Council, has measured the sources of greenhouse gas emissions and their effect on the environment in ten different areas related to tourism, such as transport to and in the city, accommodation, the enjoyment of restaurants, leisure premises or shopping; waste treatment, water management, and the infrastructures necessary to support the tourist offer. All the tourist activity in 2019 measured in this report reached 1,286 million tons of CO2, of which 81% corresponded to the use of transport (train, planes or cruise ships) of tourists to Valencia, but only 0.92% corresponded to the use of transport in the city. Another interesting fact is that the amount of greenhouse gases emitted by tourist activity is only equivalent to one third of the carbon footprint generated by the food consumption of all the city’s inhabitants. Or that only 0.01% of the footprint of tourism comes from water consumption, in the most water-efficient city in Europe, and 0.41% from solid waste collection and treatment. The Sustainable Tourism Strategy for the city, which began at the beginning of the year, is committed to achieving carbon-neutral tourism activity by 2025, making Valencia the world’s leading tourist destination with zero environmental impact. To this end, actions will be taken to reduce and compensate for the CO2 emissions derived from tourism. The strategy will be based on the potential of Valencia for energy self-generation with renewable energies, the possibility of having full electric mobility in an almost flat orography, and the capacity of natural areas such as the vegetable garden, the Turia Garden and the L’Albufera Natural Park in absorbing CO2 emissions. The strategy also provides for the reduction of direct consumption of oil-based fuels, the improvement of energy efficiency and the reduction of energy consumption from non-renewable sources. It also aims to encourage the consumption and correct management of products, goods and services, whose manufacture and logistics lead to the lowest emission of greenhouse gases in their transport. It will also ensure that the local economy and circulation is strengthened, by developing and managing proximity labelling so that tourists are aware of the impact of the sustainable, safe and healthy product they are buying. The strategy also aims to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals in the social and economic areas, in the areas of heritage, resources, environment and climate and in the area of governance for sustainability. In this way, the tourist activity developed in the city of Valencia, in line with the commitments of the Visit Valencia Foundation and Global Omnium, is adapted to the environmental needs marked by the UN, the European Green Deal and the new Spanish Ecological Transition Law, which will have important implications for the sector. With regards to Tenerife, it holds a certification that attests to its commitment to the Biosphere methodology. This certification is bestowed by the Responsible Tourism Institute (RTI) and validates the destination’s efforts in social, economic and environmental sustainability through actions such as embracing diversity –Tenerife has historically served as a crossroads between Africa, Europe and the Americas, its population is welcoming and accommodating to individuals from all corners of the globe; it is also committed to accessibility, ensuring the integration of travellers in all environments, both physical and digital, as well as in transportation, hospitality and services. It has created the Tenerife Solidarity Island Programme with over 600 non-profit associations and entities that work voluntarily and collectively to address population inequality; they also host an Office for Environmental Participation and Volunteering allowing the island’s flora and fauna to recuperate from human impact, this includes reforestation and the zero footprint initiative organised by the Tenerife Tourist authorities. Tenerife is the first destination globally to implement a Tourism AI Master Plan, it has Blockchain and Cybersecurity plans geared up to enhance travellers’ experiences through knowledge enhancement and improved security. They have created the Integratur Programme where, in collaboration with local entrepreneurs and municipalities, they promote initiatives that highlight unique resources, this includes activities like promoting local products in farmers’ markets. In October 2022 the Tenerife Tourism Authorities signed the Glasgow Pact, endorsed by the United Nations, committing the tourism sector to a 50% reduction in CO2 emissions by 2030. Among many other initiatives they recently opened up a new bio-stabilisation plant, preventing the burial of over 76,000 tons of waste annually, and they are committed to constructing five more water treatment plants, expanding the island’s capacity and promoting circular economy-based agricultural production.
What steps are some of the Spanish destinations taking to support the events industry in achieving net-zero carbon emissions?
It is essential for organisers to define their objective of achieving net-zero carbon emissions for their event and to have a clear understanding of this goal, along with a strong commitment to offsetting all carbon emissions associated with the event. The Madrid Convention Bureau has introduced a valuable tool, called PLUS, to facilitate sustainability in every event, a digital platform designed to assist organisers in effectively managing the environmental impact and legacy of their events. Aligned with the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the UN 2030 Agenda, PLUS enables the generation of customised sustainability reports for each meeting held in Madrid. In addition to sustainability reporting, PLUS also offers a user-friendly CO2 calculator that enables event organisers to calculate the carbon footprint of their events accurately. This comprehensive carbon footprint analysis covers all stages of event implementation, including design, preparation, set-up, development, and takedown. The data provided by the analysis serves as an overall environmental indicator of the event and serves as a fundamental reference point for taking actions to reduce energy consumption. The PLUS CO2 calculator simplifies the estimation of carbon emissions generated as a result of meeting or event organisation. By identifying major emissions sources and converting them into CO2 equivalents using widely accepted conversion factors, the calculator provides valuable insights into the event’s environmental impact. To obtain accurate carbon footprint measurements, the key lies in effectively collecting the necessary data for input into the platform’s CO2 calculator. This involves asking suppliers to share data on the energy consumption resulting from the services they provide. To facilitate this, PLUS offers a specific template, which organisers can use to collect data from all suppliers before the event. Once all the supplier company consumption information is entered into the platform, PLUS generates a comprehensive report detailing the equivalent tons of CO2 emitted into the atmosphere as a result of the meeting or event.
Which sustainability accreditations are Spanish destinations and event venues working towards, and how do they contribute to sustainability goals?
It is common for destinations and event venues worldwide to pursue well-known sustainability certifications and accreditations that align with international standards and best practices. Some of these certifications may be relevant to venues and events in Spain as well. Here are some popular sustainability accreditations: ISO 20121 – Event Sustainability Management System: This international standard focuses on sustainable event management, guiding event organisers and venues on how to plan, implement, and improve their sustainability practices. ISO 20121 helps venues and events assess their environmental impact, engage stakeholders, and develop action plans for continuous improvement. LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design): Developed by the US Green Building Council (USGBC), LEED is widely recognised as a green building certification programme. Event venues seeking LEED certification work to meet specific criteria related to sustainable site development, water efficiency, energy usage, materials selection, and indoor environmental quality. BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method): BREEAM is another widely used sustainability assessment method for buildings. It evaluates the environmental performance of venues based on categories like energy, water, health and well-being, pollution, and transport. Achieving BREEAM certification demonstrates a venue’s commitment to sustainability. Green Globe: Green Globe is a global certification programme specifically designed for the travel and tourism industry. It assesses destinations, hotels, and venues based on sustainability criteria, including energy efficiency, waste management, water usage, social responsibility, and cultural heritage preservation. Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) Criteria: The GSTC offers criteria for sustainable tourism that can be applied to events and venues. Achieving GSTC recognition demonstrates a commitment to sustainable practices that promote environmental and social responsibility. These sustainability accreditations and certifications contribute to sustainability goals by providing a framework and benchmarks for venues and events to measure and improve their environmental and social performance. By pursuing and obtaining these certifications, destinations and venues in Spain can showcase their commitment to sustainability, attract eco-conscious event organisers, and contribute to the overall promotion of responsible and sustainable tourism practices in the country.
Spain is full of historical buildings, can you provide examples of such venues and their compromise with sustainability?
As you well say there are many examples of historical buildings in Spain, and some of them were converted into Paradores, our state-run hotel network established in 1928. These buildings are located in some of the most beautiful settings on the Iberian Peninsula including converted monasteries, Manor Houses, Moorish castles, luxurious resorts as well as some exceptional modern properties. Paradores have been instrumental in driving the sustainable transformation of the hospitality sector by promoting both energy efficiency and the use of renewable energy sources across its entire network, while offsetting excess CO2 emissions. All electricity consumed across its hotels is 100% renewable, and since 2019, 100% of single-use plastic has been eliminated from bedrooms, as well as plastic straws, bottles and tableware. They are deeply committed to advancing energy efficiency and instilling circular practices throughout their properties by improving resource and waste management. So committed are they to sustainability that they have come up with a new 2023-2028 Strategic Plan worth €334m, €200m of which will be spent on property refurbishment, €25m on energy efficiency and €20m on technological transformation. Paradores will also be working with Renfe, Spain’s national railway company to offer rail travel and accommodation in a Parador wherever possible. They also have an eco-tourism programme, ‘Nature of the Senses’, which stems from Paradores’ desire to revitalise the areas in which they are located, increasing in this way opportunities for development and employment for the inhabitants of the area and value its nature, history and culture. The Nature for the Senses programme begins at the Parador de Cangas de Onís, the former Monastery of San Pedro de Villanueva, located on the banks of the Sella River and surrounded by the spectacular Picos de Europa and will extend to approximately 20 Paradores. In short, they are doing everything possible to protect these historical buildings, giving them a new purpose at the same time. All images courtesy of TourSpain.
