The regional minister of Culture, Sport and Tourism, Rebeca Esnaola, participated in a working day in the plazaola-sakana-ultzamaldea area to assess the main tourism initiatives developed with funding from the European Union's Next Generation EU programme and the Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan. This visit is part of a series of events aimed at showcasing the results achieved through the Sustainable Tourism Plans in Destination (PSTD) in the region.
The event brought together institutional representatives, technical staff, and tourism sector agents, allowing them to witness firsthand the impact of initiatives in areas such as sustainable mobility, infrastructure improvements, accessibility, digitalisation, and the enhancement of natural and cultural resources.
During her visit, Esnaola expressed gratitude to all participants for their efforts, emphasising that such projects contribute to the region's wealth and aim to develop a tourism industry that respects and aligns with the local heritage and community. She highlighted the collaborative work of public institutions and the private sector in fostering sustainable tourism from a social, territorial, and environmental perspective.
Alicia Echeverría, the Government delegate in Navarra, noted that while Spain is a global leader in tourism, the sector requires modernisation, particularly in sustainability and digitalisation. She stated that the Sustainable Tourism Plans have added value to destinations and helped create a more respectful, higher-quality, and competitive tourism model for both residents and visitors.
Highlights of the visit
The day began in Uharte-Arakil, where attendees visited the Itxesi Hostel, part of the Sustainable Tourism Plan for plazaola-sakana-ultzamaldea. The group then moved to the "Horizontala" cycling path to review improvements made to enhance sustainable mobility and cycling infrastructure.
The next stop was the former station in Leitza, where the hostel in the area was showcased, alongside a professional meeting discussing the tourism transformation in the region thanks to European funds. Key speakers included Esnaola, Echeverría, Ana Rivas, the director general of Tourism, and Arkaitz Goikoetxea, the mayor of Lekunberri, along with other municipal representatives and private tourism sector stakeholders.
The tour continued at the Uitzi tunnel, where safety and experience enhancements for visitors were presented by local officials Mikel Mugiro and Josu Oreja. Participants then travelled to Basaburua to learn about the Bosque Benéfico-Baso Babeslea project, which aims to strengthen the link between tourism, sustainability, and environmental conservation.
The day concluded in Ultzama, where mayor Martín Picabea presented improvements made to the valley's network of trails, designed to enhance the experience for both visitors and residents through the adaptation and connection of natural routes.
Investment and sustainability efforts
The Sustainable Tourism Plan for plazaola-sakana-ultzamaldea has received an investment of five million euros, aimed at initiatives aligned with the four key areas defined by the national tourism sustainability strategy: green and sustainable transition, energy efficiency, digital transition, and competitiveness.
In addition to the projects highlighted during the visit, other sustainability and environmental adaptation efforts have included environmental adjustments to the Basaburua footbridge, new reception points along the Larraun River and in Unanu, and the creation of rest areas in Ultzama. Energy efficiency initiatives have also been implemented in Latasa and the Lekunberri Tourist Office wagon.
Digital transformation has introduced innovative solutions such as bioclimatic and radon sensorisation in the Mendukilo Cave, digitalisation of routes and trails, digital reconstruction of the Castle Route, installation of smart counters in cycling infrastructures, and development of audiovisual tools for interpreting and promoting tourism resources.
Furthermore, competitiveness improvements have enabled the renovation of the former station in Leitza, enhancement of the Mendukilo Cave reception centre, establishment of a service point for cyclists in Latasa, promotion of the Sakana cycling path, expansion of the trail networks in plazaola and Ultzama, improvement of accessible signage on the Vía Verde del Plazaola, and development of new tourism awareness and mentoring initiatives.
These investments complement other initiatives funded through various programmes by the General Directorate of Tourism, including Cohesion Actions between Destinations and several lines of aid for public and private entities, contributing to the broader transformation of tourism in the region.
The event served to demonstrate the tangible results of this investment and highlight the collaboration among administrations, local entities, tourism agents, and the community, a collective effort that has advanced towards a more innovative, sustainable, and competitive tourism model for the entire territory.
