In 2024, Spain played host to an impressive 94 million tourists, confirming its place as a world-leading holiday destination. This influx, however, has placed notable pressure on resources, leading to increased living expenses, a reduction in available affordable housing, and water scarcity in numerous areas. Consequently, local communities and authorities are taking action; for instance, protests in Tenerife underscore the urgency of the situation.
To tackle water scarcity, the Spanish Organization for Environmental Education and Consumer Protection (ADEAC) is suggesting a significant step: the removal of public beach showers to decrease excessive water use.
The Real Cost of Tourism
Spain’s thriving tourism sector has, no doubt, created economic opportunities but simultaneously presents considerable difficulties. In sought-after locations such as Mallorca, a single tourist might use between 250 and 450 liters of water daily during the busiest times, accounting for approximately a quarter of the island’s total water consumption. Ongoing droughts and limited rainfall have made water scarcity worse, particularly in regions such as Catalonia, where a state of emergency was once declared. The strain on water has led to some public unrest, including demonstrations in the Canary Islands – at times, turning violent in Tenerife – calling for sustainable measures.
Focusing on Beach Showers
ADEAC is prioritizing public beach showers as a key area for potential water conservation. While these showers are certainly convenient for rinsing off sand and saltwater, they are also seen as something of a luxury. With hotels and other accommodation providers generally offering more regulated and efficient shower facilities, ADEAC contends that doing away with beach showers could lower water use without significantly affecting visitor convenience. The organization emphasizes that proactive steps are critical to ensuring long-term water security, specifically as droughts become more extreme.
A Promising Trial in Galicia
In Sanxenxo, a coastal town in Galicia, a pilot project has highlighted the potential of this strategy. The town experienced a noticeable reduction in water consumption by simply removing beach showers, and without causing significant inconvenience. According to ADEAC, the changeover was relatively easy, and many residents and visitors alike seemed to accept the change as a necessary measure for protecting the environment. The success of this project has increased confidence that this initiative could be expanded to other areas of Spain with heavy tourist traffic.
Finding the Right Balance
Spain’s tourism industry is walking a tightrope, striving to maintain the economic advantages of 94 million visitors per year while simultaneously handling the related environmental and social consequences. Though water scarcity is a key issue, there are others too. Growing living costs, alongside a shortage of affordable accommodation, are contributing to tensions in tourist hotspots, prompting calls for policies focused on the needs of local communities.
ADEAC’s proposal concerning beach showers forms part of a larger effort aimed at sustainable tourism. By encouraging tourists to use private facilities and boosting awareness of water conservation, the organization aims to encourage a culture of responsibility. Since visitors to Sanxenxo were generally willing to adapt, this suggests that small adjustments to comfort could gain ground when framed as crucial for the environment.