Changing the tourism model as a challenge  

In Spain the rural area represents almost 85% of the territory and has scarcely 15% of the population, which means that Spain is eminently rural. Almost all the natural resources of the county are found in rural areas, including a significant part of the cultural heritage. This reality is not taken into account by the current tourism model, which is concentrated in areas which are hardly rural, and therefore, hardly representative of the territory and the special nature that makes Spain different and therefore, unique. 

Responsible tourism means
creating better places to live and better places to visit….  

Looking for alternatives to the old sun-and-beach tourism makes the rural world to stand out as a meeting point of all those who wish to live new experiences and opportunities in our rural areas, which up until now have been quite unknown for a vast majority. 

There are projects which are developed by the rural area’s inhabitants themselves, who are proud of their identity. This responsible tourism means creating better places to live and better places to visit. And thematic itineraries , an alternative to the traditional offer, are sustainable tourist projects in various rural sites, which allow to take a stroll in them and get to know a territory while establishing a relationship of mutual benefit between visitors and residents: a relationship for exchanging experiences and values. A representative sample of this type of tourism are the forty-one Biosphere Reserves which have been declared in the country. These spaces have economic activities but always respecting natural and cultural resources, and with the participation by the local population.

On a planet of global offer, territorial tourism is an example of ethical, respectful and sustainable development as well as global economy engine. As this is the type of tourism which we will continue to support, fully committed to long-lasting and sustainable rural development.