Building Sustainable Tourism: The “From Impact to Balance” Conference in Puerto del Rosario

The El Centro Insular de Juventud de Puerto del Rosario is set to host the professional event titled “From Impact to Balance: Constructing Sustainable Tourism.” This conference aims to gather professionals from the tourism sector, institutional representatives, and industry experts to reflect on and advance a more responsible and balanced tourism model in the Canary Islands, in response to contemporary challenges.

A Collaborative Effort

Scheduled to run from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM, this event is organized in collaboration with Gestión de Proyectos y Estudios Turísticos en Canarias (GESPROTUR) and the Asociación de Empresarios Turísticos de Fuerteventura (ASOFUER), with further support from the Consejería de Turismo y Empleo del Gobierno de Canarias and the Cabildo de Fuerteventura, which graciously provides the venue.

The mantra guiding this conference, “From Impact to Balance: Constructing Sustainable Tourism,” focuses on analyzing the obstacles and opportunities present in sustainable tourism within the Canary Islands. It seeks to highlight commendable business practices already in place in the sector, promote public-private collaboration in light of Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and inspire attendees through success stories and high-caliber presentations.

Keynote Speakers and Pioneering Ideas

The event kicks off with inaugural speeches by notable figures such as Jessica de León, the Canary Islands’ Minister of Employment and Tourism; Ignacio Solana, GESPROTUR’s manager; and Antonio Hormiga, president of ASOFUER. Iván González Gómez, CEO of Ataraxia Nova, will deliver a keynote address titled “Regenerative Tourism: Building a Responsible Destination,” exploring innovative approaches that not only aim to minimize the negative impacts of tourism but also generate tangible benefits for the surrounding environment.

Following this, José Juan Lorenzo, manager of Promotur, will shift the discussion to “The Journey Towards Decarbonization.” Lorenzo’s presentation will zero in on emission reduction and the essential transformations needed to drive the tourism sector towards a climate-neutral future.

Learning from Success Stories

A central part of the program will focus on successful case studies, showcasing real-world experiences that are generating effective results in sustainable tourism. One such presentation will be delivered by ECOAQUA, the University Institute of Sustainable Aquaculture and Marine Ecosystems at the ULPGC, discussing their “Cappelletti” projects aimed at reducing plastic waste and highlighting the results achieved in Fuerteventura.

Moisés Expósito González, sustainability coordinator at GF Hotels, will also share insights on measures taken by the hospitality chain to progress towards a more sustainable business model. This segment will be further enriched by Joane Hendrix, founder of Travel Without Plastic, who will showcase specific initiatives being implemented in the tourism sector.

After a coffee break, Juan Manuel Revuelta, CEO of FINNOVA and director of STARTUP EUROPE ACCELERATOR, will then address the evolution of the EU’s Agenda 2030 and discuss the incentives provided by administration to propel sustainable projects forward.

Engaging Discussions on Waste Management

The day will culminate in a roundtable discussion, titled “Waste: An Underrated Resource.” This panel will feature representatives from ECOAQUA, along with Gerardo García Machín, project manager in renewable energies, and Mario de la Cruz, manager of ASOFUER. The discussion will center on the economic and environmental opportunities arising from effective waste management within the tourism model.

Looking Ahead

The conference aims to conclude with a formal closing session that encapsulates a gathering aspiring to establish itself as a pivotal reference point for fostering more sustainable tourism practices in Fuerteventura and across the broader Canary Islands.

The discussions and ideas shared during this event are poised to set the stage for a new era in tourism—one that prioritizes balance, sustainability, and longevity, helping to meet the urgent demands of our time.