Tourexpi
Spain launches €15 million support package for sustainable tourism businesses
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.
Image Credit: © Government of Spain. Ministry of
industry and tourism
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