Sustainability policy
The City Council of Gijón/Xixón is aware of the need to adopt planning and management measures for the current tourism system to ensure sustainable tourism development over time to cover present and future needs. Maintaining cultural integrity, social cohesion and essential ecological processes, it is committed to promoting a responsible and lasting tourism model over time. In line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) of the United Nations with a horizon established by the 2030 Agenda, this new Gijón/Xixón Sustainable Tourism Policy arises, where principles and objectives are assumed that will allow progress in the implemented model of sustainable development in favor of the environment, cultural diversity and social and economic responsibility.
The objectives of this Policy are summarized as follows:
- TOURISM GOVERNANCE
+ Provide continuity to the development of plans and strategies, which allow planning and controlling the actions carried out with the objective of achieving sustained, inclusive and sustainable growth, aligned with the 2030 Agenda.
+ Promote participation and collaboration through alliances with public and private agents through programs to improve competitiveness, establishing working groups with periodic meetings, in addition to incorporating consultation and citizen participation actions in tourism plans.
+ Promote the values of efficiency and transparency through the publication of documents of interest to the sector and citizens such as plans, projects, studies, reports…
- ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF THE DESTINATION
+ Promote sustainable tourism integrated into the city’s economy, promoting the participation of all interest groups in decision-making on the city’s tourism management.
+ Promote the creation and dissemination of sustainable tourism products.
+ Promote the holding of out-of-season events that promote the use of local products and the enjoyment of activities that raise awareness of the city’s values.
+ Work on innovation and technology, applying measures to maintain the Smart Tourist Destination (DTI) certification, also developing lines of work on this matter with the sector.
- PEOPLE
+ Develop dissemination and awareness actions for all agents involved in tourism activity to adopt responsible awareness and promote synergies with other destinations in favor of sustainability.
+ Collaborate with social agents in awareness campaigns aimed at stopping any type of practices against equality, diversity and inclusion, as well as promoting training for professionals in this matter.
+ Promote training and skills improvement plans for tourism professionals among the sector.
- PROTECTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT
+ Development of projects that promote tourism aligned with the protection of natural and cultural heritage.
+ Promote the efficient and responsible use of resources and the circular economy through awareness-raising and dissemination actions aimed at the sector and collaborative projects for the application of these measures
Gijón/Xixón is committed to continuing to work to consolidate itself as a differentiated, sustainable tourist destination and a benchmark in innovation, accessibility, environment, responsibility and quality.