The Canary Islands have made a landmark achievement by becoming the first tourist destination in Spain to implement a certified carbon footprint measurement tool, a significant step towards sustainable tourism. This accomplishment was officially recognised at the 1st Canary Islands Tourism Convention, where the public company of the Ministry of Tourism and Employment of the Canary Islands Government received a quality certificate from the Spanish Association for Standardisation and Certification (AENOR).
Recognition and Certification
During the convention, Jéssica de León, the Regional Minister of Tourism and Employment of the Canary Islands Government, inaugurated the event and highlighted the advancements and strategies that Canary Islands Tourism is implementing to create a more sustainable and competitive tourism industry. The quality certificate from AENOR represents a significant milestone in the Canary Islands’ journey towards sustainability, establishing the archipelago as a leader in sustainable tourism practices.
A Commitment to Sustainable Development
Minister De León pointed out that the convention was organised in response to the growing interest from both the public and private sectors, who sought clarity on the tourism strategies of the Canary Islands, the actions being implemented, and future connectivity plans, especially for the upcoming winter season.
She emphasised that one of the convention’s primary goals was to share the progress being made in sustainability across various destinations within the archipelago, citing El Hierro as a prime example of the region’s commitment, which aims to become a zero-emissions island by 2026.
She further explained that the main challenge for the Canary Islands is fostering a unified approach across all eight islands and their 46 micro-destinations, with an emphasis on placing the needs and well-being of the local residents at the forefront of the tourism strategy. Sustainability is positioned as the central pillar for all promotional and developmental activities.
Carbon Footprint Measurement Tool: ‘Viaje a la Descarbonización’
José Juan Lorenzo, Managing Director of Canary Islands Tourism, highlighted the importance of the newly certified carbon footprint measurement tool, ‘Viaje a la descarbonización’ (Journey to Decarbonisation), which has received official certification. He explained that this certification confirms the tool’s accuracy, as it follows international standards in calculating emission factors and CO2 tonnage, thereby providing confidence to the companies that use it.
This tool, which is offered free of charge to tourism businesses in the Canary Islands, enables companies to measure and reduce their carbon emissions effectively. The certification will be extended to companies in the sector that successfully utilise the tool to measure and reduce their emissions, helping them showcase their commitment to sustainability to their clients.
Supporting Businesses on the Journey to Decarbonisation
To support companies interested in adopting the carbon footprint measurement tool, Canary Islands Tourism will host five in-person workshops and four online sessions in October, November, and December. Additionally, on 15 November, the 2nd “Journey to Decarbonisation” meeting will take place, providing further guidance on sustainability practices.
Lorenzo also stressed that all initiatives by Canary Islands Tourism are designed to create greater value for the region’s society. These efforts will be reflected in the upcoming revision of the Canary Islands Destination 2025-2027 Strategy, which will focus on three core pillars: citizenship, sustainability, and competitiveness.
Leadership in Sustainable Tourism
Javier Lantigua, Director of AENOR in the Canary Islands, Middle East & Africa, highlighted that the certification validates the carbon footprint measurement tool, confirming the accuracy of its methodology. He underscored that this achievement demonstrates the leadership of the Canary Islands in sustainable tourism and reinforces the region’s position as a global benchmark for eco-friendly travel.
Lantigua emphasised that this initiative consolidates the archipelago’s status as a sustainable tourist destination that successfully combines economic development with environmental protection while enhancing the quality of life for its residents.
Fostering Responsible Tourism
At the convention, Canary Islands Tourism professionals discussed a range of topics, including strategies to attract more responsible tourists, ways to enhance the industry’s profile, and measures to promote the talents of professionals working in the sector. This comprehensive approach ensures that the Canary Islands continue to evolve as a leading destination for travellers seeking sustainable and environmentally conscious experiences.
Through these efforts, the Canary Islands are setting an example for how tourism can be developed in harmony with environmental conservation, paving the way for a more sustainable future in the travel industry.
