For more than 25 years, the MaB (Man and Biosphere) UNESCO Programme has been focused on sustainable use of the Earth's resources. The cornerstone of this work is the network of World Biosphere Reseves, which now extends to 97 countries.
UNESCO is particularly interested in tourism, because of , its worldwide scope and its importance in the economic, social and cultural development of countries.
Therefore, the La Palma World Biosphere Reserve thinks that well thought out tourism can be enriching from the social and cultural points of view, without damaging the environment
The World Biosphere Reserve La Palma supports the idea expressed by the World Tourism Organization: that the systems of tourist certification perform an important function. They are highly benefitial for the environment and for the society in general
In fact, one of the main challenges for our island, and for all those involved in the tourist industry, is to find a sustainable tourist model which suits it.
On December 18th, 2006 La Palma was certified by the International Centre for Responsible Tourism as the first "Sustainable Tourist Destination" in the world.
La Palma has been awarded with five quality of Biosphere Certificates:
- BIOSPHERE DESTINATION
- BIOSPHERE HOTEL
- BIOSPHERE HOUSE
- BIOSPHERE RESTAURANT
- BIOSPHERE DISCOVER.
To achieve accreditation, hotels must reach demanding standards of environmental quality and services, and strive for sustainable development in cooperation with UNESCO in every way.
Accredited establishment:
- Apartamentos Hacienda San Jorge
- Caledonia Las Olas
- Caledonia La Caleta
Establishments working towards accreditation:
- Hotel Marítimo
- Hotel La Palma Princess-Teneguía Princess
These are traditional country houses which are used as tourist accomodation. Accreditation is awarded by the International Centre for Responsible Tourism to high quality houses in harmony with their surroundings. This harmony includes preservation of the environment and the cultural heritage
Accredited country houses:
- Casa El Sitio La Rosa (Villa de Mazo)
- Casa Villa Asunción (Breña Baja)
- Casa San Sebastián: Yaiza (S/C de la Palma)
- Casa Tomasín (Puntallana)
- Casa Nacientes: Marcos y Nacientes: Cordero (San Andrés y Los Sauces)
- Casa La Capellana (Tijarafe)
- Casa El Jócamo (Puntagorda)
- Casa La Oliva (Puntagorda)
- Casa Los Hondos (Puntagorda)
- Casa El Tendal (Puntagorda)
- Casa Simón (Barlovento)
- Casa Manuela (Fuencaliente)
- Casa El Pósito (Villa de Mazo)
- Casa Dos Aguas y Casa Rúbel (Villa de Mazo)
- Casa El Molino (Villa de Mazo)
- Casa El Níspero (Fuencaliente)
- Casa Puente Roto (Villa de Mazo)
- Casa Los Cardones (Villa de Garafía)
- Casa Carlota (Breña Baja)
- Casa La Higuerita (El Paso)
These days tourists don't just want a place to eat. They also want restaurants with good security, health and hygiene. They look for good quality, respect for the environment and, of course, traditional cuisine.
Accredited establishments:
- La Muralla (Tijarafe)
- Kiosco Teneguía (Tazacorte)
- Mesón del Mar (San Andrés y Sauces)
- La Balandra (Santa Cruz de la Palma)
- Bodegón Mambrino (Santa Cruz de la Palma)
- Merendero Casa Demetrio (San Andrés y Sauces)
Establishments working towards accreditation:
- Kiosco Montecarlo (Tazacorte)
- La Caleta (Los Cancajos)
- La Lonja (Santa Cruz de la Palma)
- Bodeguita el Medio (Santa Cruz de la Palma)
Visitor centres and leisure tourism firms play an essential role for a place to be considered as a sustainable holiday destination. They inform visitors and tourists about the characteristics of the place, its traditions, its cuisine, its handicrafts, its nature and its culture...Thus making them feel part of the place, enjoying and respecting it. They also improve the local economy.
Accredited establishments
- Natour-Trekking (Los Cancajos)
- Museo Casa Roja (Villa de Mazo)
- Parque Arqueológico Belmaco (Villa de Mazo)
- Agrotienda Turismo Rural Isla Bonita (S/C de la Palma)
- Centro de Visitantes Los Tilos (San Andrés y Sauces)
- Museo Cerámica El Molino (Villa de Mazo)
- Museo Insular (S/C de la Palma)
Establishments working towards accreditation:
- Museo del Plátano (Tazacorte)
- Museo del Mojo (Tazacorte)
