A Congress that transcends the traditional and turns the city into a global benchmark for sustainability and conscious tourism.

This April, Valencia established itself as a prime location for discussing sustainability in tourism by hosting the USTOA Sustainability is Responsibility (SIR) 2025 Congress. A unique event that merged theoretical discussions with practical experiences, held from April 27 to 30 in the city that, in 2024, was recognized as the first Green European Capital of the Mediterranean.

Thanks to the close collaboration between Valencia Premium, Turisme Comunitat Valenciana, and Turespaña, the congress provided attendees with an in-depth view of how sustainability can be integrated into every aspect of tourism. The city of Valencia and its natural landscapes became the perfect setting to showcase not only theories but also tangible solutions for the future of tourism.

The congress, which saw the participation of over 50 attendees from some of the most important tour operators in the United States, stood out as a meeting point for key players in the global tourism sector. This year, the focus was placed on how sustainability is not only a necessity but an opportunity to transform luxury tourism—a sector that holds significant weight in the Comunitat Valenciana, especially in the North American market.

The Only YOU Valencia hotel, where participants stayed, became the starting point of a congress that not only focused on discussions but also allowed participants to experience sustainability firsthand through practical experiences and visits to some of the city’s most representative locations.

Valencia’s selection as the host city for this event highlights its growing prominence as a conscious tourism destination. This year, the city was designated as the first Green European Capital of the Mediterranean, a recognition that strengthens its commitment to the sustainable future of tourism.

The congress explored key sites in the city and its surroundings, where sustainability is present in every corner. The guided tour, led by Valencia Guías, allowed participants to discover some of the city’s most iconic spaces. One of the highlights was the Valencian Huerta. From Villa Indiano, an emblematic location, attendees were able to firsthand experience how this agricultural landscape, one of the oldest and most fertile in Europe, continues to define the city’s identity and enhance its gastronomy through local, sustainable agriculture.

Restaurants in the city, such as Llisa Negra, Casa Montaña, and Contrapunto, represented the commitment to proximity gastronomy and the consumption of local products from zero-kilometer sources, aligning with the values of sustainability and respect for the environment. These establishments have positioned themselves as leaders in conscious gastronomic tourism, offering menus made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

Another impactful site was the Albufera Natural Park, one of the most valuable protected natural areas in the region, which is also located within Valencia’s urban boundaries. This uniqueness makes the city one of the few in the world to have a natural park within its own metropolitan area, offering tourists a unique experience of direct contact with nature.

The event’s organization was supported by Valencia DMC, who took on the technical secretariat of the congress. Their role was essential in ensuring the event’s success, coordinating all logistical aspects and making sure every detail was carefully managed.

This event was a clear demonstration that Valencia not only leads luxury tourism but is at the forefront of sustainable tourism, reaffirming its position as a global reference for the future of the industry.