The Valencian Institute of Tourist Technologies (INVAT·TUR) is involved in a project spearheaded by SEGITTUR, which focuses on promoting the transition of the tourism sector towards circular economy models. The initiative, titled 'Transition of the tourism sector towards the circular economy: Development of support tools for destinations and businesses', aims to facilitate the incorporation of circularity criteria in both the planning and management of destinations and the operations of tourism companies, promoting more efficient resource use and waste reduction.
As part of this initiative, INVAT·TUR has contributed to the development of work dynamics for the destination, fostering knowledge exchange and experience sharing among participating stakeholders. These working sessions are designed to assess the current situation of Santa Pola in terms of circular economy, identify improvement opportunities, and propose actions that will lead to a more sustainable and resource-efficient tourism management model.
Focus on Santa Pola
One of the key areas of action is taking place in Santa Pola, which has been selected by SEGITTUR alongside three other destinations that are part of the Intelligent Tourist Destinations Network (Red DTI). In this context, INVAT·TUR is part of the destination's Motor Group, a collaborative space involving representatives and stakeholders linked to tourism management and other sustainability-related areas. The group's purpose is to analyse the initial situation and identify opportunities for improvement regarding tourism circularity.
The project includes creating a diagnostic assessment of the destination and defining a roadmap with actions tailored to the municipality's specific characteristics and needs, based on interviews with key stakeholders and participatory working sessions.
The role of circularity in sustainable tourism management
Circular economy serves as a pathway to enhance resource efficiency, reduce waste generation, and incorporate sustainability criteria into the planning and delivery of tourism services. In this context, initiatives like this allow for the analysis of existing opportunities within destinations and businesses, identify potential lines of action, and advance the implementation of measures suited to each environment's characteristics. INVAT·TUR's participation in the project aligns with its commitment to tourism innovation and promoting management models that enhance sustainability and competitiveness in the tourism sector of the Comunitat Valenciana.
