On 20 February 2025, Benidorm (Spain) held the official launch ceremony marking its year as the 2025 European Green Pioneer of Smart Tourism.
The representative of the European Commission presented the European Green Pioneer of Smart Tourism 2025 award to the Mayor of Benidorm, congratulating the city for its achievements in green and sustainable tourism practices. The ceremony took place in the Plaza de la Hispanidad, where the city has installed the European Green Pioneer of Smart Tourism hashtag.
The European Commission awarded the title to Benidorm after it impressed the European jury with its smart tourism management practices, such as smart water and energy systems, its focus on accessibility and adaptation to climate change. Andreea Staicu, Head of Unit at the European Commission, congratulated Benidorm, saying: ‘You have demonstrated vision, ambition, commitment to adapt to climate change and alleviate it, and we look to you for inspiration, both for our policy work, and for other destinations that can learn from you: a big part of the European Green Pioneer of Smart Tourism initiative is to promote mutual learning across Europe’.
The Mayor of Benidorm, Antonio Pérez, reflected on the importance of the award: ‘Today we reaffirm our willingness to continue working to increase the recognition of our city as a great destination in Europe and the world. Taking care of Benidorm, making it more resilient and sustainable, taking care of those who live here and those who come to enjoy the place of happiness, is what is not only being demanded but also recognised throughout the world right now.’
Benidorm has already prepared a year-long programme to celebrate its title as European Green Pioneer of Smart Tourism 2025. Over the coming months, the city will be holding workshops and events across Europe to promote its sustainable tourism model and share its best practices with others. European Smart Tourism destinations will be invited to take part in a ‘bootcamp’ that will showcase Benidorm’s latest innovative practices, encourage knowledge exchange and serve as an example for other European destinations.
Learn more about Benidorm and its tourism practices here or watch the destination video produced for Benidorm’s title year.
