PURPOSE

La Geria, Lanzarote The celebration in 2025 of the 30^th anniversary of the World Charter for Sustainable Tourism represents an opportunity of enormous symbolic and strategic value. Not only for commemorating three decades of progress in tourism sustainability, but also because it allows the reopening of the international dialogue on the new challenges facing tourism in the 21st century.

Thirty years ago, Lanzarote hosted an event that would become a milestone in the international history of tourism: the signing of the first World Charter for Sustainable Tourism (1995). Three decades later, we return to the origin with the aim of reflecting, evaluating, and moving forward.

The world has changed rapidly in recent years: the climate emergency, the loss of biodiversity, the digital transformation, social inequalities, the rise of regenerative tourism, and the new expectations of the responsible traveler demand a profound redefinition of the global tourism model. In this context, celebrating in Lanzarote a commemorative and renewal event for the Charter is not only a recognition of its legacy, but also a statement of intent for the future.

The 30^th Anniversary of the World Charter for Sustainable Tourism in 2025 will bring together international leaders, institutional representatives, experts, businesses, academics, and citizens, with the goal of reviewing the achievements made, identifying current challenges, and collectively building the new World Charter for Sustainable Tourism 2025, aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs); a roadmap for the next 30 years. The Charter will be built by collecting contributions from expert voices, institutions, businesses and, especially, citizens.

Updating the World Charter for Sustainable Tourism from its place of origin will make it possible to establish a new ethical and strategic framework, aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and with the international agendas on climate action, digitalization, and resilience. It also means placing Lanzarote once again at the center of the global debate, as a laboratory of sustainable tourism innovation and an example of how an island destination can lead the transition towards more sustainable models with coherence and courage. At a time when many tourist destinations are facing challenges such as overcrowding, pressure on natural resources, or the loss of local identity, the message Lanzarote can project is more relevant than ever: tourism, if well managed, can be a tool for balance, regeneration, and collective well-being.

For all these reasons, the commemoration of the 30^th anniversary of the Charter in 2025 should not be just a protocolary event, but a platform for dialogue, consensus, and action that brings together international organizations, governments, experts, businesses, and citizens to collectively rethink the direction of global tourism. It is about updating the principles of the Charter in light of today’s realities, incorporating dimensions such as the circular economy, ethical digitalization, participatory governance, climate justice, and adaptation to new demand profiles.

Lanzarote, as the land that inspired the original spirit of the document, has the legitimacy and the responsibility to lead this renewal process, demonstrating that sustainability is not only a goal, but a living path that is built every day through conviction, innovation, and shared commitment.

Main lines of action of the programme

Overcrowding and its impacts

We will explore how uncontrolled tourism affects citizens (access to housing, quality of life...), businesses (loss of attractiveness, overloaded infrastructures...) and governments (territorial planning, environmental regulation...).

Transparency and credibility in sustainable tourism

We will discuss legislation, real and effective certifications, responsible tour operators, and the role of social networks in the ethical promotion of tourist destinations.

Regeneration, innovation and practical solutions

We will present technological tools applied to sustainability: artificial intelligence, big data, circular economy, carbon credits and clean mobility. We will also share success stories and models of collaboration between companies, associations and local entities.

Objectives of the event

To assess the progress made over the last 30 years in the field of sustainable tourism.
To address the major contemporary challenges facing the tourism sector.
To present international innovations and best practices.
To encourage collaboration between public, private and social actors.
To develop the new World Charter for Sustainable Tourism in a participatory manner.