The Contribution of Tourist Accommodation in Gipuzkoa to the Fight Against Climate Change

Within the tourism industry, the impact of accommodation on climate change is relatively small compared to, for example, the transport sector. However, the accommodation sector does contribute to climate change in the form of energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions and the generation of waste. Despite this, only a few accommodation providers in the Gipuzkoa region have implemented specific action plans to address sustainability. This chapter presents findings that help to identify the ‘local’ initiatives that comply with ‘global’ guidelines and exemplify best practices in renewable energy, energy efficiency and circular economy, or focus on preserving biodiversity and respecting nature. The forward planning, innovative regional management models and proactive rather than reactive approach to tackling climate change show that there is a keen awareness of the cost of inaction in the region. This chapter is not a road map, but describes a reality that needs to be addressed and, as such, should be seen as an opportunity that can and should be anticipated and acted on in a proactive rather than a reactive way.