Benidorm invites the Neighbourhood Council to participate in the European Commission's award as a 'Green Pioneer' in Smart Tourism.

Benidorm City Council has officially announced to the Neighborhood Council the city's award as a "Green Pioneer" in Smart Tourism by the European Commission. This was announced during the regular session of the citizen body held in the City Council's Plenary Hall. The "Green Pioneer" award recognizes the city's best practices in the sustainability of its tourism model and will be accompanied by an annual program promoting this recognition at the European level.

Leire Bilbao, the manager of Visit Benidorm, explained to the Council members the initiatives that will be implemented, the first of which was the installation of a commemorative sculpture that will be displayed in the Plaza de la Hispanidad throughout the year. In addition, several workshops and specific events will be held in the coming months to promote the sustainability of our tourism model in Spain and Europe. Benidorm's participation in the "Spain Talks" organized by Turespaña in various European cities is also planned, where other data confirming the destination's sustainability will be presented.

Among other activities, a bootcamp will also be held with cities that have preceded Benidorm as a "Green Pioneer for Smart Tourism" destination in previous years or that have received the "European Capital of Smart Tourism" recognition, also awarded by the European Community.

Leire Bilbao congratulated the City Council "on the work done in recent years" and emphasized that this distinction is "very positive for the city," which is why she said, "we should all be very proud."

"You demonstrate an exceptional commitment to shaping the future of sustainable and innovative tourism and it endorses Benidorm's commitment to sustainability and smart tourism," she added.

Today's Neighborhood Council meeting also voted on the proposal for the Self-Regulation of the 2026 Participatory Budget, which was not approved. Also on the agenda was a proposal to request more control over pet owners who fail to pick up their droppings.

Another item discussed was the request to restore 24-hour service at the Tomás Ortuño health centre. The mayor clarified that the regional government has jurisdiction over this matter, but added that once the Rincón de Loix health centre is completed, the regional department will reorganize the emergency services, "although we still don't know whether there will be any changes to the current situation." The new neighbourhood association "Casco Antiguo Benidorm" was also presented to the Neighborhood Council today.

Finally, today's event also featured a heartfelt tribute to the Neighborhood Council secretary, Silvia Franco, who is retiring soon. All those in attendance thanked her for her work and dedication over the years. A thank you, according to Franco, "is reciprocated for the tremendous help and collaboration received."