Sustainable Tourism - What is it & Where to Find it in Spain
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Compare flight distances and CO2 emissions
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What is Sustainable Tourism?
It is tourism that has as little impact on the local environment and culture as possible, while being of benefit to the local people.
Responsible tourism is aimed more at the tourist and the tourism organisers taking responsibility for the effect that their holiday and travel may have on the environment. Being responsible can lead towards sustainability.
Why is this important?
Tourism is possibly the worlds largest industry and is expanding. It is an important industry, often generating income in geographical areas where other forms of employment have been lost. Holidays are important to people, they have earned it, want to enjoy it, but are also concerned at the effect their holiday may have on the environment and the people who live and work near their destination.
But, in places tourism has taken over and transformed a coastline or a community, and travel to the destination may be responsible for large amounts of CO2 emissions.
Does a holiday in Spain comply with the notion of Sustainable Tourism?
In some cases, that would certainly not be the case, but away from the high rise coastal developments and the golf courses there is plenty of scope for compliance.
For a start, if you are wanting to head to the sun, Spain probably provides the shortest possible flights from the UK compared to other destinations. Travelling by one of the ferry services to Spain would result in lower CO2 emissions still, certainly feasible if exploring the north coast.
Fancy being rural?
Rural tourism is actively encouraged in Spain, and in many areas accommodation is available at a density level that is unlikely to have a detrimental effect on the environment or the culture, yet introduces extra income into the local economy, facilitating the preservation of the local cultures.
Enjoy the local cuisine?
An important step in responsible tourism, leading towards sustainability, is using local produce and eating local food. Though not particularly known for it's cuisine (except perhaps for the Basque Region) Spain has some excellent food to offer, and the small Spanish restaurant in a rural area is likely to be using seasonal produce from the local markets.
If you are self catering, you will be able to buy local produce from markets, and most supermarkets stock a high proportion of Spanish produce.
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Displaying 1 to 10 of 23 Sustainable Tourism properties found in ascending order of maximum number of occupants |
APARTAMENTOS LA COLLADA
Rural, Oviedo province |
Property Type: Apartment |
Rental
More Information |
Two apartments for two persons each. views to the sea. big garden. |
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El Olivo
Coastal, Cadiz province |
Property Type: Villa or House |
Rental
More Information More Photographs |
A purpose built cottage on a small cortijo, in a quiet location with your own private patio, mini-pool and stunning views to the Atlantic Ocean. (6KM away). Midway between Conil and Vejer. |
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Cabo de Gata - Carboneras
Coastal, Almeria province |
Property Type: Apartment |
rental
More Information |
In the begining of Cabo de Gata Reserve. 2 bedrooms. 50 meters from the beach. |
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El Almendro
Coastal, Cadiz province |
Property Type: Finca |
Rental
More Information More Photographs |
A spacious Converted Barn on a small cortijo, in a quiet location with your own private patio, mini-pool and stunning views to the Atlantic Ocean. (6KM away). Midway between Conil and Vejer. |
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Ebro Apartments - Birds
Town, Tarragona province |
Property Type: Apartment |
Rental
More Information More Photographs |
Riverside apartment furnished and equipped to a high standard. Two roof terraces provide ample outside space for eating and sunbathing with fabulous views over the River Ebro and mountains. Ideal for anglers, birdwatchers,walkers and nature lovers. |
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Apartment at La Barrosa
Coastal, Cadiz province |
Property Type: Apartment |
rental
More Information More Photographs |
A modern 2 bedroomed apartment in a delightful location close to one of the best beaches on the Costa De La Luz. |
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Perintin Cottage
Mountain, Murcia province |
Property Type: Finca |
Rental
More Information |
Perintin cottage is an old lovingly restored orchard house located in one of the most beautiful and tranquil corners of the Ricote Valley, being part of the organic state of La Era de Oxox. Surrounded by mountains, only 10 mins from Spas. |
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Cave House Chymeyn
Mountain, Granada province |
Property Type: Cave House |
Rental
More Information More Photographs and Availability Calendar |
Cave House Chemeyn offers historical accommodation along with all the trappings of modern living, such as running water, electricity, shower and toilet, also provided are free to view UK TV, CD/DVD player plus much more. |
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mijo
Town, Alicante province |
Property Type: Apartment |
Rental
More Information |
Modern and homely south facing upstairs apartment / Villa. Private roof top solarium plus balcony off the lounge area. Good pool within a minutes walk. |
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Asturias (Llanes)
Coastal, Oviedo province |
Property Type: Apartment |
rental
More Information |
Asturias (Llanes). In Posada de Llanes. Apartment for rent. |
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