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Over the past three years, Catalonia has endured below-average rainfall, according to Spain’s AEMET weather forecaster. It has been the driest period ever for this part of northeastern Spain since weather records began. Even recent rainfall hasn’t changed the situation.
Andalusia, in southern Spain, is also affected by drought, while the Balearic and Canary Islands face serious water shortages as well. Spain’s most touristic regions, in other words, are hardest hit by the lack of rainfall. Yet given that the tourist sector is known for being especially water-hungry, calls are now growing louder for the tourism industry to reduce its consumption.
Dante Maschio, a spokesperson for the Catalan citizens’ association Aigua es Vida, says the sector should drastically cut back on its water use. He has been campaigning for Catalonia to improve its water management for years. “Measures taken so far to reduce water consumption in the tourist industry have been very limited,” Maschio told to the media. “The sector enjoys a great deal of freedom.” In times of an emergency like this, Maschio said, water-hungry industries should be forced to shut down. “We don’t just face a lack of rainfall,” Maschio said, adding that water resources had been over-used for years.
Julio Barea, a geologist and water resources expert with Greenpeace, agrees. “When ordinary people face restrictions on water consumption, then this should apply even more so for tourists.” After all, holidaymakers at golf resorts, he told DW, consume ten times more water per day than average folks. Even so, the Andalusian regional government recently allowed hotels to fill their pools, while ordinary people were currently banned from doing so. “That is utter nonsense,” says Barea.
Catalonia had imposed a ban on filling swimming pools in particularly drought-affected areas. This included Lloret de Mar, a tourist hotspot on Spain’s northeastern coast. Hoteliers there say the ban was a disaster for the tourist trade. “Holidaymakers want to relax by the pool,” said Enric Dotras, who heads the local hoteliers’ association. It invested €1.5 million ($1.6 million) into a desalination plant so that tourists could still take a dip in the pool.
The Impact of Drought on Spain’s Tourism Industry
Spain’s tourism industry, one of the country’s largest economic sectors, is facing severe challenges due to the ongoing drought. The lack of rainfall has exacerbated water shortages, putting pressure on both local communities and businesses. This issue is particularly acute in regions heavily reliant on tourism, such as Catalonia, Andalusia, and the Balearic and Canary Islands.
Water Consumption in the Tourism Sector
The tourism industry is notoriously water-intensive. Hotels, resorts, and recreational facilities like golf courses consume vast amounts of water to maintain their operations. This high demand for water places additional strain on already limited resources, especially during periods of drought.
For instance, golf courses in Spain, popular among tourists, are known for their substantial water usage. According to Julio Barea, tourists at these resorts consume ten times more water than the average local resident. This stark contrast has sparked criticism and calls for stricter water management practices within the tourism sector.
Responses and Criticisms
Despite the severity of the drought, measures taken to reduce water consumption in the tourism industry have been relatively limited. Critics argue that the sector has been granted too much leeway, allowing it to continue its water-intensive practices even as local residents face restrictions.
Dante Maschio of Aigua es Vida has been vocal about the need for more stringent regulations. He believes that in times of severe drought, non-essential water use in the tourism sector should be curtailed. This sentiment is echoed by Julio Barea, who emphasizes that tourists should not be exempt from water-saving measures that affect the local population.
Government Policies and Controversies
Government policies regarding water use have also come under scrutiny. In Andalusia, for example, regional authorities permitted hotels to fill their swimming pools despite the ongoing drought. This decision was met with backlash, as it seemed to prioritize the needs of the tourism industry over those of local residents, who were banned from filling their own pools.
In contrast, Catalonia implemented a ban on filling swimming pools in particularly drought-affected areas, including popular tourist destinations like Lloret de Mar. While this measure aimed to conserve water, it also had significant economic repercussions for the tourism industry. Local hoteliers invested heavily in alternatives, such as desalination plants, to mitigate the impact of the ban and ensure that tourists could still enjoy pool facilities.
The Future of Sustainable Tourism in Spain
As the effects of climate change become more pronounced, the issue of water scarcity is likely to persist. The tourism industry in Spain must adapt to these changing conditions by adopting more sustainable practices. This includes reducing water consumption, investing in water-saving technologies, and supporting initiatives that promote responsible tourism.
Potential Solutions
Improved Water Management: The tourism sector can implement better water management practices, such as using greywater for irrigation and installing water-efficient fixtures in hotels and resorts.
Public Awareness Campaigns: Educating tourists about the importance of water conservation can encourage more responsible behavior. Hotels and resorts can play a crucial role by providing information on water-saving practices.
Investment in Technology: Advanced technologies, such as desalination and water recycling systems, can help reduce the industry’s reliance on freshwater resources. These investments, while costly, can provide long-term benefits by ensuring a sustainable water supply.
Government Regulation: Stricter regulations on water use within the tourism sector can help balance the needs of local communities and businesses. Policies that prioritize water conservation and penalize excessive use can drive more sustainable practices.
Spain’s tourism industry is at a crossroads as it grapples with the challenges posed by record droughts. The need for sustainable water management has never been more critical. By adopting responsible practices and supporting conservation efforts, the tourism sector can play a vital role in preserving Spain’s precious water resources while ensuring its long-term viability. The path forward requires collaboration between industry stakeholders, government authorities, and local communities to create a sustainable future for tourism in Spain.
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