The Ribagorza region celebrates the progress of the Tourism Sustainability Plan in Destination in 2024 with the fulfillment of Milestone 220 by reaching 34,63% of its implementation and is preparing for a decisive year for its tourism transformation

Graus, December 30, 2024.

The Ribagorza region has presented a positive assessment of the progress made on its Sustainable Tourism Destination Plan (PSTD), highlighting the achievement of Milestone 220, having reached 34,63% completion by the end of this year. This accomplishment, which surpasses the initial target of 30% set for December 31st, reaffirms the region's commitment to transforming and modernizing its tourism offerings.

“This plan represents both a challenge and an extraordinary opportunity for Ribagorza. It is probably the most important project of this legislative term,” said Roque Vicente , President of the Ribagorza Region, during the presentation to the media.

Performance Balance

In less than 10 months since signing the agreement with the Government of Aragon, the Ribagorza region has committed a total of €1.266.827,24 to actions distributed across the four pillars of the Plan, which comprises 25 measures. Of these measures, 23 are already underway, covering everything from the green transition to digitalization and tourism competitiveness.

The following initiatives stand out among those implemented:

• In the area of ​​Green and Sustainable Transition: This includes actions for the management of natural areas, the rehabilitation of exhibition spaces, and the implementation of climate change adaptation measures to enhance the visitor experience while ensuring the protection of the natural environment. €167.000 has been distributed through direct grants via collaboration agreements with six municipalities (Graus, Sahún, Sopeira, Viacamp, Benasque, and Secastilla) to carry out improvements in access areas to the Barasona, Linsoles, Paso Nuevo, and Canelles reservoirs, as well as the Sopeira and El Grado reservoirs within the municipality of Secastilla. A collaboration agreement has been formalized between the Ribagorza Regional Council and the Andalusian Mountaineering Federation (FAM) for the planning, improvement, conservation, and promotion of Ribagorza's tourist trails. Within this framework, measure 1.6, the Strategic Plan for the Enhancement of Routes, has been allocated €362.455 for the creation of thirteen new routes and the maintenance of existing mountain bike trails.
• In the area of ​​Energy Efficiency Improvement: which includes sustainable mobility initiatives. Within this framework, and also in accordance with the collaboration agreement between the Ribagorza Regional Council and the FAM (Andalusian Mountaineering Federation) for the planning, improvement, conservation, and promotion of Ribagorza's tourist trails, a grant of €350.000 has been awarded to the FAM for the creation of three major long-distance routes: the Turbón Loop, the Ésera Trail, and the Noguera Trail. In addition, grants totaling €300.000 have been allocated for the sustainable management of visitor centers and museum spaces.
• On the axis of Competitiveness: Focused on measures to improve the tourism offer, measures to consolidate and promote recreational tourism have been carried out by granting subsidies amounting to €60.000 to local entities and non-profit associations.
• At the heart of the Digital Transition: With the aim of digitizing and innovating the tourism sector to increase its competitiveness, a grant program for tourism entrepreneurship has been launched with a budget of €207.943, and applications will be accepted from January 1st to 30th, 2025. A digital marketing campaign for the region's tourism sector has been launched with a budget of €70.000, and the most significant development is the Ribagorza destination's joining the Network of Smart Tourist Destinations.

Preparations for 2025

The Ribagorza region is preparing for next year, with key milestones such as its participation in FITUR 2025, where it will receive recognition as an "Adhered Smart Tourist Destination" awarded by SEGITTUR, the public entity responsible for implementing the DTI methodology for the State Secretariat of Tourism, for its commitment to the DTI model.

“Sustainability and collaboration are the pillars of this plan. We not only want to transform tourism in Ribagorza, but also guarantee its future for the next generations,” its president emphasized.

With more than a year and a half ahead to complete the plan and achieve its full implementation ( €4.150.000 ), Ribagorza is moving forward with confidence and determination towards a sustainable, inclusive and competitive tourism model with the aim of strengthening the local economy and highlighting its rich historical, cultural and natural heritage.