Lanzarote: 11 principles to redefine sustainable tourism
17 December, 2025Lanzarote has taken a new step in its trajectory as an international benchmark in tourism sustainability with the updating of the World Charter for Sustainable Tourism, first adopted in 1995. Thirty years later, the island has presented the Charter +30, which incorporates 11 principles aimed at reinforcing climate action, innovation, responsible resource management and global cooperation. The renewal was formalised during a world conference held in the Jameos del Agua, promoted by the Cabildo of Lanzarote with the support of the Government of the Canary Islands and Unesco.
The new principles call on all stakeholders in the sector to transform tourism from a culture of peace, economic and social justice, environmental regeneration and the limitation of over-tourism. They also urge the promotion of sustainable technologies, the creation of new responsible tourism products and the strengthening of education and good practices. The declaration will be submitted to the United Nations for consideration by the General Assembly and the international bodies involved.
During the day, the participants agreed that the sector is at a turning point that requires moving from diagnosis to action. The contributions underlined the urgency of addressing issues as tangible as the management of water and energy, access to housing or the measurement of tourist flows. In this context, Lanzarote asserted its role as a living laboratory of sustainability, reiterating that leadership implies taking risks and setting a course.
The meeting also left room to recognise key careers, such as that of Luigi Cabrini or those who promoted the first Charter in 1995, highlighting the vision and commitment that have allowed this document to continue evolving three decades later.