Spain and Portugal Strengthen Cross-Border Sustainability Initiatives

In a significant move to bolster environmental cooperation, Spain and Portugal have renewed their Cross-Border Tourism Strategy for an additional two years, covering the period from 2024 to 2026. This initiative aims to enhance innovative tourism with a core emphasis on sustainability, positioning the Iberian Peninsula as a premier competitive tourist destination globally.

The renewed strategy includes the development of an Operational Plan for 2025-2027, outlining specific actions and timelines to achieve sustainable tourism objectives. Key areas of focus encompass the promotion of eco-friendly travel, the conservation of shared natural resources, and the implementation of sustainable practices across the tourism sector. This agreement follows the success of the previous cross-border strategy (2022-2024), which sought to strengthen economic cooperation in underdeveloped border regions, improve transport infrastructure, and promote green tourism as a growth sector.

The Impact on Tourism and Sustainability

The reinforcement of cross-border cooperation in sustainable tourism is expected to have wide-reaching implications for both the industry and local communities. By prioritizing environmental conservation and low-impact travel, Spain and Portugal are setting a precedent for responsible tourism models that can be replicated across Europe. The preservation of cultural and natural heritage, particularly in rural and border regions, is likely to attract an increasing number of conscious travelers who seek authentic, low-carbon footprint experiences.

Eco-certified accommodations, nature-based tourism, and regional gastronomy will benefit significantly from this strategy. Tourists visiting cross-border destinations like Extremadura-Alentejo or Galicia-Northern Portugal will have access to more sustainable tourism infrastructure, including electric transport, green-certified hotels, and guided ecotours. These improvements could reduce seasonal tourism imbalances, as they encourage travelers to explore lesser-known regions rather than overcrowded hotspots like Barcelona, Lisbon, or Seville.

Additionally, the strategy’s focus on innovation in sustainable tourism will likely drive investments in renewable energy solutions for the hospitality sector, digitally optimized tourism experiences, and greener mobility alternatives such as enhanced rail connectivity between Spain and Portugal.

Expert Opinions: Is This Strategy Enough?

While this initiative is a step in the right direction, some experts argue that more aggressive policies are needed to combat over-tourism and climate impact. The Iberian Peninsula, despite its progress in sustainability, still faces environmental challenges linked to high tourist numbers in coastal regions, water scarcity, and carbon-heavy transport modes.

According to Manuel Romero, a researcher at Spain’s Institute for Sustainable Tourism, “This agreement shows political commitment, but we need clear enforcement measures and stronger incentives for businesses to transition toward greener tourism models. If not, sustainability will remain a marketing term rather than a reality.”

Others remain optimistic about the initiative’s long-term effects. Ana Sousa, an environmental economist from Portugal’s University of Coimbra, states that “Cross-border cooperation is essential in tackling environmental concerns that transcend national borders. This renewed agreement is proof that Spain and Portugal understand that sustainability is not just a competitive advantage but a shared responsibility.”

Conclusion: What This Means for the Future of Tourism

Spain and Portugal’s strengthened Cross-Border Tourism Strategy marks a pivotal moment in the development of sustainable tourism policies. By reinforcing environmental protection efforts, improving infrastructure, and fostering innovation, this collaboration aims to balance economic growth with ecological preservation.

For travelers, this means greater access to sustainable travel options, whether through improved public transportation, responsible accommodations, or eco-friendly tourism packages. As global travelers become more aware of their environmental impact, destinations that prioritize long-term sustainability—like Spain and Portugal—will likely outperform those that rely on mass tourism alone.

As this strategy unfolds, stakeholders across the industry—hotels, travel agencies, local governments—must ensure that these measures translate into real, measurable impacts rather than mere policy discussions. The true test of this initiative will be its execution.

Bibliography:

Spanish Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Tourism. “Spain-Portugal Cross-Border Tourism Strategy 2024-2026.” Ministerio de Industria, Comercio y Turismo, 2024.
Portuguese National Tourism Board. “Strategic Plan for Sustainable Tourism Development in Portugal.” Turismo de Portugal, 2023.
World Economic Forum. “Sustainable Tourism Trends and Best Practices in Europe.” January 2024.
Institute for Sustainable Tourism Research. “The Role of Government Policies in Advancing Eco-Friendly Travel.” Madrid, 2023.
University of Coimbra, Faculty of Economics. “Cross-Border Cooperation and Sustainable Economic Growth in Iberia.” Coimbra, 2023.
European Commission for Regional Development. “Green Infrastructure and Sustainable Mobility Projects in Spain and Portugal.” Brussels, 2024.