Spain launches €15 million support package for sustainable tourism businesses

International

Hotels, restaurants, campsites and other tourism businesses in Spain will benefit from a new €15 million funding programme aimed at improving energy efficiency and circular economy measures

Spain’s Minister of Industry and Tourism, Jordi Hereu, has announced a new €15 million subsidy programme designed to support sustainability and energy efficiency projects across the country’s tourism sector.

The funding package was presented during the General Assembly of Hospitality of Spain in Madrid and targets hotels, hospitality businesses, campsites and other tourism-related establishments. Details regarding application deadlines, subsidy limits and eligibility criteria will be published shortly through a Royal Decree regulating the programme.

According to the ministry, the initiative is intended to help tourism businesses strengthen their resilience and competitiveness at a time of geopolitical uncertainty linked to the economic consequences of the war in Iran.

Focus on sustainability and resilience

The programme forms part of Spain’s broader strategy to support the tourism sector’s transition towards what the government describes as “triple sustainability”, combining environmental, economic and social objectives.

Funding will support projects related to circular economy measures, waste management, energy efficiency improvements, reduced water consumption and awareness campaigns promoting responsible resource use among employees and customers.

The government says the subsidies are designed to be implemented quickly and with simplified procedures in order to help businesses respond rapidly to current economic pressures while also meeting Spanish and European sustainability targets.

Tourism remains a key pillar of the Spanish economy

During his speech, Hereu underlined the importance of tourism as one of Spain’s most strategic industries. He also referred to the national Tourism Strategy Spain 2030, approved by the government last year, which aims to position Spain as a global benchmark for sustainable tourism.

According to official figures, Spain currently has more than 300,000 hospitality establishments employing around 1.85 million people. The sector generates combined revenues of more than €166 billion and contributes 6.7% of national GDP in terms of gross value added.

The wider tourism industry accounts for almost 13% of Spain’s GDP and represents 13.2% of all social security-affiliated employment in the country.