News

This city has been named Europe’s leading sustainable tourism destination

According to a new study, the Spanish capital ranks better than eight other major European cities in sustainable tourism

Llorenç Julià Ruiz
Liv Kelly
Written by
Llorenç Julià Ruiz
Translated by:
Liv Kelly
Callao
ShutterstockCallao
Advertising

Plenty of destinations are taking steps towards more sustainable tourism, with some shifting visitors from packed hotspots to lesser-visited regions and others taking a more, er, creative approach

But one particular city in Europe is leading the way. A new study by The Data Appeal Co has evaluated nine major European cities – Paris, Vienna, Amsterdam, Rome, Dublin, London, Copenhagen, Madrid and Berlin – to reveal that the Spanish capital is the continent’s leading sustainable tourism destination. 

The analysis of ‘sustainable cities and tourism’, based on the European Commission’s ‘European Tourism Indicator System’ recognises that Madrid stands out for its comprehensive approach to sustainability. The city had an average score of 77 out of 100 across four main pillars.

Madrid scored well in destination management with 91 points (Vienna won this category), socio-cultural with 78 points (Rome won this category), and overtourism with 74 points (just behind Paris). 

The ranking also looked at factors including cultural environment, green urban areas, quality of public transport and inclusiveness for the LGBTQ+ community, as well as any initiatives to reduce pollution and, as has been done in Madrid, the renewal of bus fleets. 

Sounds pretty comprehensive, right? Why not have a look at the best things to do in Madrid, while you’re here – or find out how you can become a more sustainable tourist.

Did you see that this historic bar in Barcelona has closed after more than 100 years?

Plus: The world’s longest circular walking route is launching in this European country

Stay in the loop: sign up to our free Time Out Travel newsletter for all the latest travel news.

You may also like
You may also like
Advertising