The key word is sustainability. The Valencian tourism sector, aware that its growth entails an increase in the consumption of natural resources that harms not only its image but the very environment where it carries out its activity, tries to adapt to the times by including the concept in its development plans. The issue concerns transport and accommodation companies, but also municipalities.
And this adaptation process is promoted by the European Union and its famous Next Generation program, which in the case of tourism will allocate 57% of the total aid that the sector will obtain to sustainability through the Recovery Plan calls, Transformation and Resilience prepared by the Government; Digitalization will absorb 10% of the aid.
On the table of the Minister of Innovation, Industry, Commerce and Tourism, Nuria Montes, they are in the process of obtaining just over 4.2 million euros in twenty energy efficiency projects, plans from municipalities throughout the Valencian Community presented from 2021 to today.
Of all of them, the one that aspires to obtain the largest amount -465,000 euros- is the comprehensive management plan for Benidorm's water footprint. The tourist city has managed to position itself at the forefront in this field, but its managers know that investment in this field must be sustained over time.
With a budget of 400,000 euros each, the project to improve the Teulada water supply system and the management of public use in natural water spaces of the Provincial Council of Valencia have already achieved the relevant approval from the monitoring commission.
The Castellón de la Plana City Council opts to receive 273,268 euros for its sustainable water management plan and stormwater drainage for the prevention and management of specific risks in the territory; Guardamar del Segura expects 245,295 euros to optimize the performance of the water network in tourist accommodation, and the Elda City Council expects 240,000 euros for efficient management of water resources on the west bank of the Vinalopó River.
Another town in the Marina Baixa, l'Alfás del Pi, has requested 185,000 euros for the collection and diversion of rainwater in urban areas to prevent the risk of flooding; Orihuela City Council, 180,000 euros for its water supply control system, and Puçol, 170,000 to invest in the sustainable management of the integral water cycle.
With lower amounts, two plans from Benitatxell (in the Cumbres del Sol residential area), and others from Castellón, Santa Pola and Xátiva, have also passed the commission's filter.
There are other projects that must be evaluated again by the monitoring commission, according to Ministry sources, because they have proposed changes with respect to the initial plan. Two of them belong to the Valencia City Council: the renovation of ornamental and historical fountains of tourist interest (476,910 euros), and water management, waste reduction, circular economy measures in sports facilities and sports activity spaces to promote sports tourism (274,602 euros).
The Elx City Council also has its channeling infrastructure plan pending approval to allow the irrigation of the Historic Palm Grove (World Heritage Site) and the urban gardens with regenerated water, (310,000 euros).
