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Águilas has once again been recognised as an Affiliated Smart Tourism Destination, renewing the accolade it first received in 2020. This status, granted through Spain’s Smart Tourism Destination (DTI) programme, confirms the town’s ongoing efforts to embrace modern, sustainable and tech-forward tourism strategies.

 

The renewal follows a rigorous review process based on nearly 100 official criteria and over 250 performance indicators. The process examined how Águilas has evolved since its last assessment in 2021, with experts analysing everything from digital infrastructure to sustainable practices and accessibility improvements.

 

Rather than a symbolic title, the DTI recognition comes with expectations. It requires destinations like Águilas to engage in a cycle of continuous improvement, constantly updating their goals, strategies and systems to keep pace with the changing needs of travellers and residents alike. At the heart of the model are five key pillars: governance, sustainability, technology, innovation and accessibility.

 

A spokesperson for Águilas City Council said the renewed recognition is “a reflection of the collaboration across all departments of the council and a shared vision for smarter tourism”.

 

That includes not only investing in digital tools and services, but also improving environmental impact and ensuring the town remains welcoming to all visitors, regardless of mobility or other challenges.

 

The DTI programme is a national initiative led by the State Secretariat for Tourism and managed by SEGITTUR, the government body responsible for tourism innovation. It was created to help destinations like Águilas compete in a fast-changing global travel market while also enhancing quality of life for their residents.

 

For Águilas, the renewed affiliation isn't just a badge of honour, but rather a commitment to smart, inclusive tourism that benefits everyone. The next review will come in two years, but the work continues now.

 

 

Image: Ayuntamiento de Águilas