Turismo Lanzarote has joined as a member of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC).
Located in the Canary Islands, Spain, Lanzarote is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve known for its volcanic landscapes and distinct geological formations. From the lava fields of Timanfaya National Park to the traditional architecture influenced by César Manrique, Lanzarote combines natural elements with cultural heritage. Turismo Lanzarote is a public-private entity established in November 2006 with the aim of serving as the promotional body for Lanzarote and La Graciosa. The organization’s mission focuses on promoting, developing, and strengthening economic activities, particularly tourism, as a key driver of local economic growth.
Sustainability in Lanzarote
Lanzarote also features notable environmental qualities and a range of representative ecosystems, all of which are safeguarded through various legal protections.
Lanzarote and the Chinijo Archipelago form a geopark of oceanic volcanic islands with internationally significant, well-preserved geological heritage. The area showcases over 15 million years of interaction between volcanic, erosive, and sedimentary processes in both land and marine environments. In October 1993, part of the UNESCO Global Geopark of Lanzarote and the Chinijo Archipelago was designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The geopark includes 13 protected areas under the Canary Islands Network of Protected Natural Spaces, covering approximately 350 km²—around 14% of its total area.
Lanzarote recently celebrated the event ‘Epicento Lanzarote,’ a collaborative initiative to promote sustainable tourism in the region in collaboration with GSTC and 
the UN Global Compact Spain. The gathering marked the 30th anniversary of the signing of the first Charter for Responsible Tourism in Lanzarote (1995). Lanzarote was an Early Adopter of the GSTC Destination Criteria (GSTC-D) in 2012.
“Sustainability in Lanzarote is not just a strategy for the future but a historical responsibility, and this meeting encourages us to continue advancing in the implementation of criteria that ensure a more respectful tourism—one that honors our environment, our culture, and future generations,” said Oswaldo Betancort, President of The Cabildo de Lanzarote.
“Joining GSTC reaffirms Lanzarote’s commitment to sustainable tourism, working with global leaders to build solutions that go beyond our island and create value for the world,” concluded Mr. Betancort.
GSTC Welcomes Lanzarote
“We are pleased to welcome Lanzarote as a member of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council. Having committed members like Lanzarote is crucial in promoting sustainable tourism practices and supporting our mission of establishing and promoting sustainable tourism standards globally. We look forward to working closely with them to advance sustainable tourism practices in the region and beyond,” said Randy Durband, CEO of GSTC.
About Turismo Lanzarote
Promoción Exterior de Lanzarote, S.A (SPEL – Turismo Lanzarote) is a public-private entity established in November 2006 with the aim of serving as the promotional body for Lanzarote and La Graciosa.
The organization’s mission focuses on promoting, developing, and strengthening economic activities, particularly tourism, as a key driver of local economic growth.
SPEL-Turismo Lanzarote has consistently operated with a clear purpose. Every action, decision, and achievement is designed to generate a positive and lasting impact on both the residents of Lanzarote and La Graciosa and visitors from various international markets with which it collaborates.
The entity dedicates significant efforts to reimagining the future of tourism, making an invaluable contribution to the local community, tourists, and businesses alike. Over time, it has evolved from a traditional DMO (Destination Marketing Organization) to progressively adopting the role of a DMMO (Destination Marketing & Management Organization), positioning itself as a comprehensive destination management entity.
More information here: https://corporativa.turismolanzarote.com/
About the GSTC
The Global Sustainable Tourism Council® (GSTC®) establishes and manages global sustainable standards, known as the GSTC Criteria. There are four sets: Destination Criteria for public policy-makers and destination managers, Industry Criteria for Hotels and Tour Operators, MICE Criteria for Venues, Event Organizers, and Events & Exhibitions, and Attraction Criteria for tourist attractions such as theme parks, museums, and national parks. These are the guiding principles and minimum requirements that any tourism business or destination should aspire to reach in order to protect and sustain the world’s natural and cultural resources while ensuring tourism meets its potential as a tool for conservation and poverty alleviation.
The GSTC Criteria form the foundation for GSTC’s assurance role for Certification Bodies that certify hotels/accommodations, tour operators, and destinations as having sustainable policies and practices in place. GSTC does not directly certify any products or services, but provides accreditation to those that do.
GSTC is an independent and neutral USA-registered 501(c)3 non-profit organization that represents a diverse and global membership, including national and provincial governments, leading travel companies, hotels, tour operators, NGOs, individuals and communities – all striving to achieve best practices in sustainable tourism. The GSTC is an ISEAL Community Member, a global membership organization for ambitious, collaborative, and transparent sustainability systems.
Information for media and the press: www.gstcouncil.org/about/for-the-press/
Statements expressed in this announcement are presented for informational purposes only and should not be taken as an endorsement or recommendation by GSTC, unless clearly stated.
Photos © Turismo Lanzarote
[Photo Epicentro Lanzarote from left to right: Silvia Rial, Corporate and Sectoral Sustainability Manager at the UN Global Compact Spain, Oswaldo Betancort, President of the Cabildo of Lanzarote, Luigi Cabrini, Chair of GSTC and Héctor Fernández, CEO of the Lanzarote Society for External Promotion.]
