Tenerife continues to move forward as a destination committed to a more sustainable tourism model
One that respects nature and supports the conservation of its most valuable natural spaces. As part of this journey, the Cabildo de Tenerife, through Turismo de Tenerife, is carrying out important work to promote the Sustainability Charters, an initiative that encourages good practices among companies and tourism organisations connected to nature-based activities.
One of the most notable examples is the Sustainability Charter for Whale and Dolphin Watching, a voluntary commitment by companies in the sector to carry out this activity with respect for cetaceans, the marine environment and the local community, while also offering visitors a meaningful and transformative tourism experience.
Tenerife, an example of sustainable tourism at the TuriSOS Forum in Málaga
On 11 May, Turismo de Tenerife took part in the seventh edition of the Ibero-American Sustainable Tourism Forum TuriSOS, held in Málaga, where its CEO, Dimple Melwani, presented Tenerife’s sustainability strategy.
During her speech, Melwani explained the work being carried out on the island to move towards a more responsible and resilient tourism model, placing special emphasis on the role of the Sustainability Charters as tools for collaboration between public administration and the tourism sector. According to Turismo de Tenerife, these charters serve as frameworks for good practice, commitment seals and collaboration networks for companies and organisations linked to tourism.
For Tenerife, this presence at a specialist forum represents an important step forward: it not only allows the island to share its experience with other destinations, but also helps to position the work carried out by participating companies as an example of how tourism can coexist with the protection of the territory.
A charter to protect the home of cetaceans
The Sustainability Chart for Whale and Dolphin Watching was created with a clear idea: enjoying the observation of whales and dolphins in the wild must always go hand in hand with respect for their habitat.
Tenerife is one of the most important places in Europe for whale and dolphin watching, especially in the marine area off the southwest coast of the island. For this reason, tourism activity in this environment requires sensitivity, training and commitment from the companies that operate there.
The principles of the Charter focus on offering meaningful experiences, caring for the environment, the sea and the local community, complying with current regulations and maintaining an attitude of transparency, commitment and continuous improvement. In addition, participating companies are assessed every year in order to renew their commitment.
This approach turns the Charter into much more than a distinction: it is a way of working, a guide for improving the quality of the tourism experience and a tool for protecting the natural environment that makes Tenerife unique.
Upcoming presentation at MARLICE 2026 in Puerto de la Cruz
This outreach work will continue in May with the presentation of the Sustainability Charter for Whale and Dolphin Watching at MARLICE 2026, the International Forum on Marine Litter and Circular Economy.
The event will take place in Puerto de la Cruz, Tenerife, from 19 to 21 May 2026, bringing together specialists, public administrations, scientific institutions, environmental organisations, companies and social agents to address one of today’s major environmental challenges: reducing marine litter and moving towards a circular economy applied to the ocean environment.
The Charter will be presented within the Forum’s Dynamic Coffee Sessions on 19 and 20 May, a format designed to encourage the exchange of projects, experiences and solutions among participating professionals and organisations.
Tourism, conservation and circular economy
The presentation of the Sustainability Charter for Whale and Dolphin Watching at a forum such as MARLICE is especially meaningful. Responsible whale and dolphin watching and the fight against marine litter are closely connected: both share the goal of reducing human impact on the ocean and promoting a more balanced relationship between economic activity and nature conservation.
MARLICE is organised by the Spanish Marine Litter Association (AEBAM), which promotes the forum as a meeting point for sharing knowledge, good practices and innovative solutions to tackle marine litter.
In this context, Tenerife’s experience with the Sustainability Charters shows how the tourism sector can become an active part of the solution. Companies that work at sea do not only offer experiences to visitors; they can also act as agents of awareness, observation, environmental education and continuous improvement.
Freebird Catamaran’s commitment
Limpieza de la costa del Puertito de Adeje, llevada a cabo por Freebird Catamaran y Big Fish Dive Center
At Freebird Catamaran, we celebrate and support the work being carried out by the Cabildo de Tenerife, through Turismo de Tenerife, to give greater visibility to the Sustainability Charters and to position the island as a destination committed to more responsible tourism.
For companies that carry out whale and dolphin watching activities, being part of this movement means taking on a direct responsibility towards the environment in which we work every day. The sea is our setting, but it is also the home of species that we must respect and protect.
Freebird Catamaran is part of the Sustainability Charter for Whale and Dolphin Watching and is listed among the companies participating in this Turismo de Tenerife initiative. Freebird is also a member of AEBAM, an organisation that works to prevent and reduce the impact of marine litter and to protect the marine environment.
Our commitment is to continue moving forward towards a form of tourism that allows visitors to enjoy Tenerife from the sea, always with respect, environmental education and ocean conservation at its core.
Because protecting the sea also means protecting the future of Tenerife.
