What is a Smart Destination?Smart Tourist Destinations are destinations where innovation guarantees local sustainable development, accessibility for everyone, and where technology makes it possible to enhance the quality of the experience, for tourists and residents. These places of interest are part of what is known as the Network of Smart Tourist Destinations, which promote ideas and knowledge to maximise their eco-friendly plans and contribute to achieving the SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) of the United Nations 2030 Agenda.What's so special about them?They apply intelligent solutions, such as big data, to better understand what you are looking for and improve the products and services they offer, thus finding a balance between economic growth and environmental preservation. Cultural integrity, reducing architectural barriers and supporting the local economy are other strong points.Which are the smart destinations in Spain? There are many municipalities and cities that are currently in the process of integrating into this network of destinations, such as Valladolid, Cartagena or Guadalajara, among others. Barcelona, Bilbao, Benidorm, Donostia/San Sebastián, Gijón, Tenerife Island, Lloret de Mar, Málaga and Santander are destinations that have already achieved the maximum objective. Below, we take a closer look at some of them.
Benidorm
This city in Alicante is surrounded by the Serra Gelada Natural Park, the Bernia and Puig Campan mountains, as well as nine kilometres of beaches and has turned sustainability and the pollution reduction into key pillars of its growth.Thanks to its compact city model, Benidorm grows upwards rather than across, thus consuming less land and resources, which means fewer kilometres of asphalt, reduced pollution when travelling and less expenditure when supplying basic services, which is a clear example of sustainability.Active tourism is one of its greatest assets. Hiking, cable-skiing, paragliding and diving are just some of the sports you can do during your holidays. Cycle the city effortlessly, thanks to its network of electric bicycles and enjoy personalised guided routes for all ages. And did you know that 30% of the city's wastewater is used for irrigation once treated? An example of sustainability and reuse of resources.
Gijón
In this city in northern Asturias, you can enjoy tourism in a different way. You can discover the city through your mobile phone, with six guided routes that also feature augmented reality, and you can also discover the Roman town of Veranes through its virtual tour. Gijón offers you endless opportunities to embark on an eco-friendly holiday alone or with someone. Hotels, restaurants and institutions offer sustainable alternatives during your stay: bicycles for rent to explore the city and its surroundings, electric vehicle charging points and eco-friendly and local cuisine are just some of the services you can find. Cultural spaces are also at the forefront of sustainability: in the Gijón Aquarium and the marina activities raise awareness about the care of the seabed and respect for nature.The descent of the Sella, windsurfing or the sighting of wild fauna are part of the active tourism offerings. After doing some sport, relax on one of its beaches, like San Lorenzo or L’Arbeyal.
Malaga
Named “European Capital of Smart Tourism” in 2020, it has a privileged geographical location between mountains, coast and the Guadalhorce river. It has earned its place as a Smart Tourist Destination thanks to projects such as the chatbot 'Victoria la Malagueña“, a programme that provides real-time information on the history of the streets, the current condition of the beaches and the number of free parking spaces in the city. Malaga offers a mix of tradition and modernity that combines cutting-edge features and technology to create an exceptional holiday destination. Discover the city by bike or metro and walk around La Malagueta while you enjoy some good fish, look at the imposing Gibralfaro castle while you relive history or visit house, where Picasso was born are just some of the city's must-see spots.
Tenerife
A pioneer in terms of sustainability, digitisation and accessibility, the island of Tenerife, in the Canary Islands will transport you to a world of sensations and flavours. Thanks to its 360º views and the chatbotGoio, you will have an assistant in your pocket that will help you with any questions you may have about the surroundings or the history of the place, making your visit much easier and more accessible. You can start your stay at one of the self-sufficient homes in the south of the island, which have achieved zero CO2 emissions through the integration of renewable energies. Then get ready for activities such as hiking along one of its natural routes, caving, paragliding, whale watching... The options are endless.
Santander
When you visit Santander, you will feel like you are inside a fairy tale. In addition to having one of the most beautiful bays according to the international association ”Club of the Most Beautiful Bays of the World“, its mountain and beach landscapes and its traditional and avant-garde architecture make it a unique city. Located north of Cantabria, this coastal city is committed to digital transformation, through platforms such as Santander Smart City, which seeks to integrate information from different services, like waste management, the maintenance of green spaces or pollution levels; and Santander SmartCitizen, with technological solutions to create comfortable and easy-to-use services. Thanks to the initiative ”Parqueando” you will find large green spaces across the city, which you can visit by bicycle thanks to its extensive network of cycle lanes. Also, do not forget to taste its most traditional food in one of its gastronomic areas, where restaurants prefer zero kilometre products for their quality, freshness and proximity.
If you want to know other destinations that are working to join the Network of Smart Destinations, you can visit its website https://www.destinosinteligentes.es
