Gran Canaria has achieved the 'Biosphere Destination' certification in sustainability, ranking fifteenth in the list of territories with the highest number of certified accommodations, according to the 'Environmental Labels and Schemes' indicator by the European Commission.
An audit conducted by the Responsible Tourism Institute (RTI) commended the island's efforts in promoting and supporting local agriculture and distribution markets, awareness campaigns, and training for efficient water use. Additionally, Gran Canaria was recognised for ensuring comprehensive protection of labour rights.
In a bid to position itself as a more sustainable tourist destination in the European market, the Tourism Department of the Cabildo initiated its commitment to sustainability within the Biosphere system in late 2021. Biosphere is an international methodology for the management, recognition, and certification of sustainability developed by the RTI.
In acknowledgment of Gran Canaria's efforts, the island has been awarded the 'Biosphere Certified' designation, signifying its commitment to sustainability. This recognition extends to a significant portion of its business community, aligning with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and 169 targets of the United Nations' Agenda 2030. Consequently, Gran Canaria ranks among the top 15 European destinations with the highest number of certified sustainable accommodations.
On January 25th, during the second day of the tourism fair Fitur in Madrid, Patricio Azcárate Díaz de Losada, the Secretary-General of the Responsible Tourism Institute, will present this distinction to Antonio Morales, the President of the Cabildo de Gran Canaria, and Carlo Álamo, the Tourism Minister of Gran Canaria, who will be in attendance at the event.
Azcárate said, "In an increasingly aware market, a commitment to sustainability sends a clear message of adaptation. Biosphere allows and facilitates the connection between destinations, businesses, citizens, and tourists for the improvement of implemented sustainable practices, paving the way towards a more responsible future."
Councillor Carlos Álamo highlighted the importance of showcasing the efforts made to provide the destination with new tools, particularly in the current tourism market where environmental sensitivity plays a crucial role, adding. "These certifications, like those that tourist companies can obtain, become a decisive factor when planning and choosing a destination and accommodation, especially for a new environmentally conscious clientele that is becoming more prevalent in the European environment."
Álamo mentioned that currently, 38 companies have received the sustainability certification, with many more in the process of certification, thanks to their participation in the Biosphere program. This positions Gran Canaria as a destination with a substantial number of certified accommodations, allowing for the easy visibility of attributes that many of these establishments already possess.
Gran Canaria joined the 'Biosphere Destination' program in December 2021, prioritizing the alignment of its tourist destination with the three pillars of sustainability: socio-economic, environmental, and territorial. This commitment is in line with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals and the Agenda 2030 of the United Nations. Since then, the island has successfully passed an audit by the RTI, concluding on December 20th.
