“Tourism Must Benefit All”: Elena Orland On Spain’s Sustainable Travel Vision

At a time when travel is being reimagined with a focus on responsibility and resilience, Spain has been taking significant steps towards a more integrated approach to sustainable tourism. A land of timeless splendour and dynamic innovation, Spain is introducing decisive changes to align the development of tourism with the protection of the environment, cultural heritage, and local ways of life. 

In a conversation with Outlook Responsible Tourism at the 10th edition of the Indian Responsible Tourism Summit and the 9th Responsible Tourism Awards (IRTA) 2025, held on 22nd February at Gujarat’s mesmerising Rann Utsav, Elena Orland, Director, Spain Tourism, shared how the country is working to balance tourism growth with environmental stewardship, community development, and cultural preservation—offering responsible travellers from India and beyond a broader range of meaningful experiences. 

“A Smart Way Forward”: What Sustainable Tourism Really Means 

For Orland, sustainability is not about surface-level efforts—it is about safeguarding tourism’s long-term viability. 

“Sustainability in tourism means that economic, social, and environmental issues should be considered in a balanced way when a decision is taken, when an activity is planned or carried out, or when tourism services are provided,” she explained. 

Such an approach, she believes, helps ensure that destinations continue to provide livelihoods while maintaining the landscapes, cultures, and communities that define them. 

“It’s a smart way to ensure that tourism remains a source of income while protecting the environment, cultural heritage, and local communities,” added Orland.  

A National Commitment: Spain’s Multi-layered Efforts 

Spain’s sustainability efforts are not confined to isolated projects but are being implemented through a broader, coordinated strategy.  

“The Government of Spain has allocated over two billion euros to sustainable initiatives in the tourism sector,” Orland pointed out, highlighting areas such as renewable energy in rural regions, low-emission transport, eco-friendly accommodation, and nature-based tourism experiences. This funding largely stems from the Next Generation EU funds, aimed at spearheading a greener future. 

Across Spain, both public bodies and the private sector are contributing to this transition. Regional governments and municipalities have introduced grant schemes and incentives to encourage eco-friendly practices. 

The country’s commitment to a greener future extends beyond tourism: around half of Spain’s electricity now comes from renewable sources, aided by its natural advantages, such as abundant sunshine and favourable wind conditions. 

Paradores: Where Heritage Meets Sustainability 

Among Spain’s longstanding examples of responsible tourism is the Paradores network. 

“There are almost a hundred Paradores in Spain, half of them located in historical monuments and many others in national parks,” Orland shared. 

These properties have been renovated to meet sustainable standards regarding water and energy consumption and waste management. Meanwhile, their restaurants follow a "zero-mile philosophy", offering dishes prepared from local, seasonal produce that blend contemporary tastes with traditional culinary practices. 

Green Travel Made Easy: Railways, Greenways, and Eco-Stays 

For travellers looking to reduce their footprint, Spain offers a range of practical options. 

The country operates Europe’s largest carbon-neutral high-speed train network, making it easier to move between major cities with lower environmental impact. 

Citing some data Orland said that Spain has 10,000 km of greenways—former railway lines converted into walking and cycling routes— these offer visitors the chance to explore rural landscapes at a slower, more sustainable pace.  

“The greenways allow travellers to get closer to rural areas and experience life with local communities while respecting traditional ways of living and the environment," Elena explained. 

Eco-certified accommodation is also widely available. “We have more than 400 eco-certified accommodations across the country,” she said, offering travellers a wider choice of verified responsible stays. 

Experiences with Impact: Wine Routes and Beyond 

Spain’s approach to sustainability also includes creating experiences that engage directly with local culture. Elena pointed to Spain’s Wine Routes as one example where visitors can encounter sustainability in practice. 

“If you are a wine lover, you can enjoy one of the wine routes in Spain, where you not only experience the quality of Spanish wines, but also see sustainability in action,” she said. 

These routes encourage visits to eco-conscious vineyards, wine-tasting sessions, and learning opportunities centered on traditional, environmentally aware winemaking practices. 

Planning a Responsible Trip to Spain 

Making sustainable choices as a traveller has been made more accessible through Spain Tourism’s Sustainability Microsite. It offers information on eco-certified accommodations and experiences, along with tools to offset carbon footprints through reforestation and other environmental projects. 

“We want responsible travellers to find many options in Spain to enjoy their trips while making a positive impact,” said Orland. The focus remains on making responsible travel a natural and straightforward choice. 

“We Are Continuously Working”: Looking Ahead 

As the conversation concluded, Elena emphasised that the transition towards a more sustainable model remains a work in progress. 

“Spain is a country committed to sustainability—and we are continuously working to ensure that every visitor can be part of this journey,” she said. 

As international visitor numbers continue to rise, many of Spain’s most popular destinations are adapting how they manage tourism, aiming to safeguard cultural heritage and natural landscapes while accommodating modern travellers. For visitors, this means a growing number of opportunities to travel more responsibly and support local sustainability efforts.