Benidorm, the renowned tourist capital of the Valencian Community and the third most visited city in Spain, is setting a remarkable example in sustainable tourism. Despite an ever-growing influx of visitors, the city has managed to significantly reduce its water consumption, even during periods of drought.
In fact, Benidorm is known as the third city worldwide with the most efficient water management system. Only Tokyo and Singapore are doing better globally. This achievement has attracted the attention of experts from around the world, eager to learn from Benidorm’s success. Toni Pérez, the proud mayor of Benidorm, highlights the city’s impressive progress: “Today, Benidorm consumes 18% less water than it did 25 years ago, even though the resident population has grown by 40% and overnight stays by 26% during the same period.” Pérez attributes this success to serious, precise, and above all, effective management.
Awareness
The key to achieving “more population and more tourism with less water consumption” lies in the commitment and awareness of both the local population and the business community. This collaborative effort, according to Pérez, who also serves as the president of the Diputación, has been essential in reaching these goals. In July, he presented Benidorm’s water management strategies at the United Nations in connection with the Agenda 2030.
Benidorm as a hub for knowledge exchange
Benidorm’s innovative approach to water management has made it a focal point for international interest. María Tuesta, director of Dinapsis, the operations centre run by Hidraqua in Benidorm, explains that the city has become a hub for knowledge exchange. “We are receiving visits from Latin American and Northern European countries, such as Mexico, Colombia, Brazil, and Sweden,” Tuesta says. These professionals come to learn how Benidorm manages to minimise water losses, a critical issue in a region that faces severe water stress.
Projects supported by Brussels
The interest from Europe has been ongoing, with several projects supported by Brussels seeking to replicate Benidorm’s solutions in other regions. “When you are in a drought scenario, it’s not just about reducing water consumption or promoting sustainable use; as a manager, you must also ensure that water loss in distribution networks is minimal,” Tuesta explains. This advanced management approach is precisely what attracts technicians from other countries to Benidorm, eager to learn from the city’s example.
Water infrastructure highly developed and digitalised
Benidorm’s water efficiency is rooted in its highly developed and digitalised water infrastructure, which is built vertically within a compact area. This efficiency has placed the city among the most water-efficient urban areas globally, further justifying the international interest. As Tuesta notes, “Benidorm’s numbers of excellence make it a logical destination for others to learn how to manage water resources in scenarios they are not used to, like droughts.”
Here’s how the town achieved this remarkable feat:
- Benidorm implemented cutting-edge technology and innovative water management strategies to optimise water distribution, reduce leaks, and minimise waste.
- The city actively reuses regenerated water, ensuring that this precious resource doesn’t go to waste.
- Benidorm adopted preventive maintenance practices for its water pipelines. Regular inspections and timely repairs help prevent leaks and conserve water.
“Benidorm demonstrates tourism can be very sustainable”
In addition to setting an example in water management, Benidorm’s success also serves to challenge long-held misconceptions about the sustainability of the tourism industry. As Mayor Pérez concludes, “Benidorm demonstrates that tourism can be very sustainable.” This success, he believes, dispels the myths perpetuated for decades by those who sought to demonise an industry that contributes more than 12% to Spain’s GDP.
Also read: A weekend in Benidorm as a versatile getaway