The Global Meaningful Travel Map

Asociación Ecoturismo de España

National ecotourism network connecting travelers to certified nature-based experiences that protect biodiversity and rural communities.

Through our mutual partnership with Turespaña, Soy Ecoturista has helped connect Tourism Cares to Impact Partners across Spain, including Natureda, Izkira, Cabanyes Entre Valls and Viatges Nemon.

OUR EXPERIENCES

We promote authentic ecotourism experiences across Spain, connecting travelers with sustainable activities, nature-based destinations, and locally owned accommodations in protected natural areas. Visitors experience Spain’s biodiversity and cultural heritage in a responsible manner, directly contributing to conservation efforts and supporting local communities. Through our network of certified professionals, travelers can enjoy meaningful, environmentally respectful travel experiences.

Under the brand name and the portal https://www.soyecoturista.com/en/ you may find:
· Destinations with protected areas throughout Spain which stand out for their landscapes and for implementing a sustainable tourist plan.
· Professional and committed accommodation and tourist service companies, which collaborate with protected areas, supporting conservation and local development.
· Ecotourism experiences and various activities suitable for all ages and interests, to enjoy while discovering these spaces (birdwatching, wildlife observation, hiking, cycling, cultural activities, local gastronomy, etc.).

ABOUT US

We are a non-profit association founded in 2010 that brings together tourism professionals, protected area managers, local development groups, conservation organizations, universities, and public administrations to promote sustainable ecotourism in Spain’s protected natural areas. Our mission is to be the national reference for ecotourism by coordinating and empowering stakeholders to educate visitors, conserve biodiversity, support local communities, and strengthen a virtuous cycle of sustainable nature-based tourism across Spanish landscapes.

Soy Ecoturista is managed by the non-profit association “Asociación de Ecoturismo en España” — created in 2010 — that welcomes ecotourism destinations and entrepreneurs located in protected areas. The Association collaborates with public tourism authorities, environment and rural development organizations to encourage and promote the product “Ecotourism in Spain” based on sustainability criteria.

IMPACT

We drive measurable positive impact across governance, community, environmental conservation, and education. Through our work at Soy Ecoturista, we bring together over 800 small rural enterprises and more than 50 destinations committed to sustainable tourism, supporting local economies and creating jobs in protected natural areas. By requiring members to follow environmental and social sustainability criteria, we ensure travelers’ experiences directly contribute to biodiversity conservation and community well-being. We provide training and capacity-building and share best practices with other industry stakeholders to raise awareness of responsible travel. Our projects enhance sustainability and digitalization for ecotourism providers. Together, our work strengthens governance in the ecotourism sector, promotes environmental stewardship, and generates lasting positive socio-economic impacts for rural Spanish communities.

Soy Ecoturista, the Ecotourism Club in Spain, is a pioneering initiative supported by the Ministry of Tourism of Spain that offers authentic ecotourism experiences, ensuring travelers' contributions to local development and the conservation of biodiversity in the protected areas they visit, as well as the tourist services they enjoy.

Tourist destinations and companies which belong to Soy Ecoturista comply with the quality and environmental requirements established by the Association of Ecotourism in Spain and other sustainable tourism criteria for protected areas such as the European Charter for Sustainable Tourism (EUROPARC Federation) or those for the Natura 2000 Network (Spanish Ministries of Environment and Tourism), which guarantees that Soy Ecoturista offers authentic and memorable experiences linked to natural and cultural heritage. Currently, there are 53 destinations and over 800 tourism businesses certified by Soy Ecoturista.