The Tourism Sustainability Plan for the ImpulsaMaspalomas Destination is developing more than a dozen initiatives in Gran Canaria's main tourist destination, which is consolidating itself as an innovation laboratory for more sustainable tourism.
Maspalomas Costa Canaria: Progress towards a sustainable, efficient and smart tourist destination
The Maspalomas Costa Canaria tourist area is positioning itself as a benchmark for sustainable tourism in Gran Canaria , moving towards a more efficient and intelligent model thanks to the initiatives promoted by the ImpulsaMaspalomas Destination Tourism Sustainability Plan . This project, led by the Gran Canaria Island Council's Energy Council and in collaboration with the San Bartolomé de Tirajana City Council and other public entities, aims to improve the resilience of the island's main tourist destination , highlighting its natural heritage with the Maspalomas Dunes as its central focus. The strategy combines sustainability, energy transition, and digital transformation to strengthen the competitiveness of tourism in Gran Canaria.
Institutional leadership and commitment to sustainable tourism
The President of the Gran Canaria Island Council and the Maspalomas Gran Canaria Consortium, Antonio Morales , along with the Vice President of the Island Energy Council (CIEGC) and Councilor for the Environment, Climate, Energy, and Knowledge, Raúl García Brink , and the Mayor of San Bartolomé de Tirajana, Marco Aurelio Pérez , recently toured the main projects underway. Accompanied by technical staff from the CIEGC, the Gran Canaria Telecommunications Development Company ( SODETEGC ), the City Council, and the Maspalomas Gran Canaria Consortium, they observed the progress that is solidifying Maspalomas as an innovative hub for more sustainable tourism.
Antonio Morales emphasized that “Maspalomas is establishing itself as a hub of innovation for more sustainable tourism, and many of its solutions can serve as a model for other tourist destinations .” He further stressed that “each action is part of a common strategy: reducing emissions, improving public services, and offering a better experience for both residents and visitors. Sustainability is no longer just an added value; it is essential to remain a competitive destination . ”
For his part, Raúl García Brink pointed out that “today we are not here to present projects on paper, but to tour initiatives that are already improving one of Europe’s leading tourist destinations. ImpulsaMaspalomas demonstrates that sustainability is also built from public spaces by incorporating technological innovation into services for citizens .” He also highlighted the tangible results stemming from inter-administrative collaboration between the Island Council, the City Council, the Maspalomas Gran Canaria Consortium, the Island Energy Council, SODETEGC, and Turismo Gran Canaria.
Marco Aurelio Pérez stated that “these initiatives are designed to improve tourism resilience, making Maspalomas Costa Canaria more competitive and sustainable. Our commitment is to continue promoting projects that will make Gran Canaria an international benchmark for sustainable tourism . ”
Smart technology applied to sustainable tourism in Maspalomas
The official visit began at the Mirador de las Dunas viewpoint, where SODETEGC presented various initiatives aimed at advancing digitalization and smart management within the Maspalomas Dunes Special Nature Reserve. These included:
- Implementation of smart signage.
- Creation of digital audio guides and interactive informative material.
- Advanced sensor network to monitor tourist flows in real time.
- Smart cameras for environmental videometry.
- Solar-powered SOS posts.
- Modern public address systems for information.
These tools optimize environmental management by enhancing safety and information for both residents and tourists, while actively promoting the conservation of the protected natural environment.### Innovation in waste management and energy efficiency in Maspalomas Costa Canaria
Along the Maspalomas Costa Canaria coastline, 43 smart solar-powered waste bins have been installed to optimize the selective collection of waste, especially at beach access points and promenades, where the volume of litter is highest. This technology allows for anticipating peak times, preventing accumulations and improving the municipality's image for residents and tourists.
Furthermore, the commitment to sustainable tourism is reinforced by the incorporation of photovoltaic infrastructure . For example, on Avenida de Granada, progress has been made on an installation that will have a nominal power of 100 kilowatts thanks to 172 photovoltaic modules, generating approximately 241.515 kilowatt-hours annually. This is equivalent to the annual electricity consumption of about 69 homes and will prevent the emission of more than 138 tons of CO₂ each year. This infrastructure also includes four charging points for electric vehicles.
The official visit also included a stop at the photovoltaic solar installation integrated into bus shelters on Avenida de Gran Canaria. Developed by the CIEGC, this system has 158 photovoltaic modules (total peak power: 97,96 kWp; nominal power: 90 kW) and an estimated annual production sufficient to supply the equivalent consumption of 62 homes.
The tour concluded in Miramar Square, where the Island Energy Council unveiled a new photovoltaic plant also equipped with electric vehicle charging stations. The installation has 172 modules (620 Wp each), reaching a total peak power of over 106 kWp and a nominal power of 100 kW. In addition, a smart container has been installed to further improve the sustainable management of urban waste.
Efficient renovation of public lighting: Paseo Costa Canaria
Among the notable projects is the complete renovation of the public lighting along the Paseo Costa Canaria by the Maspalomas Gran Canaria Consortium. 244 light fixtures and 48 floodlights have been replaced with highly efficient LED technology, achieving a 60,5% reduction in energy consumption compared to previous installations and thus preventing the annual emission of approximately 54,3 tons of carbon dioxide (CO₂).
This energy saving is equivalent to removing about thirteen gasoline vehicles for a year or the CO₂ absorbed by about three thousand trees in that same period, reflecting the positive impact that these initiatives have on climate change and local environmental conservation.
ImpulsaMaspalomas: financing and strategic axes for tourism sustainability
The ImpulsaMaspalomas project has received €5,5 million in funding from the Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Facility – Next Generation EU. Led by the Gran Canaria Island Council's Energy Council , it is being developed in collaboration with the San Bartolomé de Tirajana City Council , Gran Canaria Tourism , the Gran Canaria Telecommunications Development Company (SODETEGC) , the Maspalomas Gran Canaria Consortium , the Gran Canaria Economic Development Company (SPEGC) , the Canary Islands Technological Institute (ITC) , and Canaragua.
The actions are structured around four fundamental strategic axes:
- Green and sustainable transition: Promoting environmentally friendly practices and enhancing the conservation of natural heritage, such as the Maspalomas Dunes.
- Improving energy efficiency: Implementing advanced technological solutions to reduce energy consumption and polluting emissions.
- Digital transformation: Betting on digitalization and smart management in both tourist infrastructure and public services.
- Tourism competitiveness: Consolidating Maspalomas Costa Canaria as a resilient, innovative and internationally attractive tourist destination.
These initiatives position Maspalomas not only as an island leader but also nationally and internationally in sustainable tourism, energy efficiency, and innovation applied to the tourism sector. The joint commitment between public administrations and private entities ensures that each step forward contributes to consolidating a more responsible and competitive tourism model, aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals.
