Sustainability

In Olot, we approach sustainability from three main angles: economic, social and environmental.

A strong commitment to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals in each of these areas helps us to improve our territory on a day-to-day basis, by taking into account both those who live here and those who come to visit.

To demonstrate our commitment to sustainability as a city, we are members of, and adhere to, the European Charter for Sustainable Tourism (ECST), an accreditation granted by Europarc, a professional federation for protected areas in Spain founded in 1993, that proposes and establishes projects for improving our natural spaces. La Garrotxa area has held this certificate since 2001.

WHAT IS THE EUROPEAN CHARTER FOR SUSTAINABLE TOURISM?

The ECST is the tourism strategy for la Garrotxa, as well as an excellent means of participating and collaborating with travel agencies in the Alt Empordà area.

The strategy for the Alt Empordà is based on 5 main goals:

1. To prioritise conservation
2. To contribute to sustainable development
3. To ensure the commitment of all stakeholders
4. To plan sustainable tourism effectively
5. To strive for continuous improvement

By working towards these goals, we respond to our territory’s need for progress in the development of sustainable tourism, by following the principles of the ECST and contributing at local level to achieving the goals set by its Strategy to 2030.

These 5 goals are based on 10 key aspects:

1. To protect the landscape, biodiversity and cultural heritage.
2. To financially support conservation through tourist activity.
3. To reduce our carbon footprint, pollution and the waste of natural resources.
4. To promote safe access, quality tourist services, and unique experiences regarding the protected natural space for all kinds of visitors.
5. To effectively convey the values of the protected space to visitors.
6. To ensure group cohesiveness and heightened social awareness.
7. To seek benefits for the local economy.
8. To train and empower.
9. To keep track of tourist activity and its impacts.
10. To communicate the actions and commitments of the ECST.