The campaign 'Where your nature awakens' highlights a responsible tourism model and the improvement of natural spaces and infrastructure in the interior of Alicante. The province is currently experiencing a significant transformation in its tourism and environmental sectors.
Supported by the Provincial Council and funded under the Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan, the project 'ACD Sustainable Management of Tourist Flows: Active Tourism and Ecotourism as Driving Products of the Interior of Alicante' (ACD Alicante) is making steady progress towards a more sustainable, innovative tourism model that is closely connected to nature.
This ambitious initiative aims to showcase the cultural and scenic potential of inland Alicante, moving beyond the traditional perception of the Costa Blanca as merely a sun-and-beach destination. Natural spaces such as Xorret de Catí (Castalla), El Plano (Sax), Casa Tápena (Onil), El Castellet (Castell de Castells), L’Avaiol (Petrer), and La Garriga (Vall de Gallinera) are being established as key locations for active tourism.
Objectives and strategies
The ACD Alicante project seeks to diversify tourism offerings, enhance regional cohesion, and create new economic opportunities in inland municipalities through environmentally respectful tourism. Xorret de Catí serves as the central hub of the project, connecting a network of natural spaces alongside the other five sites mentioned.
This strategy also addresses one of the major challenges facing contemporary tourism: the need to promote de-seasonalisation and redistribute tourist flows to inland areas, generating economic activity and opportunities in municipalities that have historically been overlooked by major tourist circuits.
Infrastructure improvements
As part of this comprehensive project, various initiatives have been implemented to improve infrastructure, enhance energy efficiency, protect the natural environment, and modernise the tourist experience. In Xorret de Catí, developments include the conceptualisation and digitalisation of a Nature Classroom, improved access to shelters and parking areas, and enhancements to the thermal performance of buildings managed by the Provincial Council of Alicante.
At El Castellet, erosion control and functional improvements are underway, while El Plano has seen upgrades to access routes to the pond and viewpoint, alongside restoration and naturalisation efforts. Additional improvements include enhancing the thermal performance of buildings at Casa Tápena and Casa Fabanella in the La Tápena natural space, as well as boosting energy efficiency and installing electric vehicle charging points at L’Avaiol.
Communication and outreach
In addition to infrastructure enhancements, the project has developed a communication strategy and promotional campaign under the slogan 'Where your nature awakens'. This campaign employs a mix of print and digital media, television, and social networks to reach audiences in key tourist-generating provinces and foreign visitors currently in Alicante.
This investment in communication aims to raise awareness of the natural spaces in the region, highlighting their tourist resources and improvements funded by European Union grants. Furthermore, a mobile app and online platform 'Costa Blanca Interior' have been developed, along with improved digital signage across the six natural spaces to enhance the tourist experience and showcase the region's resources.
A new narrative for tourism
The ACD Alicante project not only aims to attract visitors to the interior of the Costa Blanca but also seeks to construct a new tourism narrative for the province. This narrative focuses on sports, nature, environmental education, authenticity, and connection to the territory. The interior of Alicante is thus positioned as a strategic destination within the Mediterranean tourism offering, appealing to families, athletes, school groups, organised collectives, and both national and international travellers seeking sustainable experiences away from overcrowding.
The project has been carried out by the Provincial Council of Alicante – Costa Blanca, as part of the Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan, funded by the European Union – NextGenerationEU.
