The tourism industry is very sensitive to the different situations of crisis whether these health, economic or geopolitics. It is also against natural disasters or the effects of climate change. Of all this there are recent examples.
Travel restrictions, border closure and social distancing measures imposed by COVID had a great impact on the tourism industry, which had already been dragging the consequences derived from global economic fluctuations, the financial crisis and the different geopolitical conflicts . To this we would have to add natural phenomena such as volcanic eruptions, fires, earthquakes and floods, of which unfortunately, more and more frequently, we are witnessing.
Faced with this situation of fragility and instability, totally adverse, the year 2024 has witnessed a notable recovery and growth in the world of tourism worldwide. In 2024, the number of international tourists reached 1.5 billion, a significant increase compared to the 1,200 million registered in 2023.
According to the National Institute of Statistics (INE), about 94 million international tourists arrived in Spain in 2024, thereby reaching the highest figure since these statistics exist. These data come to confirm that tourism remains a fundamental pillar for the Spanish economy, contributing approximately 12.8% of the country’s GDP, according to Exceltur.
Take care of the environment
In addition to the quantitative increase in the number of tourists, it is also found that qualitative factors such as environmental care, along with well -being and technology, play increasingly important roles in the way people travel. This is confirmed by 77% of tourists between 18 and 29 who say that sustainability influences the decision of their trips, according to Travel Agent Central.
And this is where the so -called sustainable tourism comes into play, a way of traveling that seeks to minimize the negative impacts generated by exponentially, the increase in the number of tourists.
Traditional tourism often implies excessive use of natural resources, greater generation of waste and the degradation of ecosystems. On the contrary, sustainable tourism promotes practices that reduce environmental impact, either with the use of renewable energy, better waste management, reduction in water consumption and greater protection of biodiversity.
Renewable energy, more sustainable
To deal with these challenges, the tourism industry has begun to adopt more sustainable practices, including the use of renewable energy. The transition to clean energy sources, such as solar, wind, geothermal and hydraulic, not only reduces the dependence of fossil fuels, but also provides long -term economic benefits, such as the reduction of operational costs and the creation of employment in employment The renewable energy sector.
More and more, the hotel industry is investing in renewable energy technologies to feed its facilities. For this reason, alliances between the tourism sector and energy companies are increasing These establishments, contributing value added to the entire supply chain, from restoration, through heating and cooling, to hot water and laundry.
The objective is clear, reduce not only energy consumption, but to provide solutions with the use of more efficient and sustainable energies, to favor the reduction of the carbon footprint and minimize impacts on climate change.
8 ways to travel sustainably
Today, February 17, it is celebrated worldwide, World Tourism Resilience Day, established by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and other international entities committed to the sustainable development of tourism.
8 ways to travel more sustainably
1. respect history and nature
2. Come to people and local culture
3. Shift by train whenever you can
4. Choose unpopular destinations
5. Travel in low season
6. Support local businesses
7. Be aware of your water and energy consumption
8. Avoid leaving waste