Benidorm looks towards the future

In the 1950s, Franco’s mayor Pedro Zaragoza had a vision for Benidorm and developed it with determination, changing the history of the place forever. Zaragoza turned a small fishing village into a world tourist reference point. He promoted visionary urban planning for the time, was a forerunner of what we now call destination marketing and laid the foundations of an economic model for tourism. He took advantage of the potential of the magnificent geographical and climatic situation of the enclave.

Sun and beach tourism as the driving force behind Benidorm’s economic development has been a success for 60 years, but its days are numbered. A new cycle is approaching, conditioned by the increase in the Earth’s temperature and a growing public sensitivity towards healthy and sustainable lifestyles. New travelers are concerned about reducing their ecological footprint and are sensitive to the circular economy. There is a growing interest in the renaturalisation of urban environments and the restoration of native natural landscapes.

The transition will not be easy, but Benidorm has an advantage. Its pioneering high-density urban planning means that resources are used much more efficiently than in other tourist destinations. Mobility in Benidorm is another advantage over extensive urban planning models dependent on private vehicles. A commmaket to the operation of large hotels as opposed to the sale of privately owned flats makes Benidorm a flexible economy in the face of the challenges ahead.

Let’s imagine for a moment some characteristics of the new Benidorm. Skyscrapers covered with vegetation and masses of trees in its streets. A cultural and family offer for a model of responsible and deseasonalised tourism. Enhancement of a gastronomy based on local zero-kilometer products. Efficient use of natural resources, renewable energy generation and a recycling plan. Efficient and sustainable public mobility that links the territory. An inclusive city with access to housing and decent job opportunities.

Benidorm is fortunate that its future no longer depends on a visionary mayor and the approval of a dictator. It is now up to businesspeople, citizens and their political representatives to define the needs of our cities. Cities in which future generations will live better lives.

Text by: Boris Strzelczyk, GA Valencia