Arrecife, April 22, 2016 – This week, Turismo Lanzarote launched “The Lanzarote Effect” (#LanzaroteEffect), a new promotional tourism campaign focused on the island’s commitment to balancing art and nature with sustainable tourism development. While most visitors come to Lanzarote for the sun, sand and sea, this campaign will highlight a new way to experience the volcanic island, showcasing its unique cultural and historical attributes and told through the eyes of locals.
“We are proud of our island’s commitment to sustainability and to see how that commitment helps to shape a more inviting and authentic experience for our visitors. ‘The Lanzarote Effect’ campaign will help us share our yet to be told story with the rest of the world,” remarks Hector Fernández, CEO of Turismo Lanzarote.
The destination image of Lanzarote has historically been that of most other Mediterranean islands—sun, sand and sea. However, Lanzarote has much more to offer visitors. From their strict land-use and tourism infrastructure codes to the establishment of seven cultural centers highlighting the art, history, and values of the people, Lanzarote fosters a visitor experience that is more connected and enriched because of its commitment to a sustainable lifestyle. In 1995 they developed the Lanzarote Declaration, staking claim on their commitment to sustainable tourism values. Today, everywhere you go on the island, you are surrounded by culture, history, and gastronomy. In April 2015, Lanzarote was the first destination in the world to receive the Instituto de Turismo Responsible’s Biosphere Responsible Tourism certification, the first Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) approved certification for the globally recognized GSTC destination standard.
“Sustainable tourism certification may be better known for hotels, tours, and attractions, but destination certification is now growing. The Biosphere Responsible Tourism certification is one of the few certification schemes available for destinations, and has achieved the elite level “GSTC-Approved” mark. Destinations around the world can use the GSTC Destination Criteria to improve their sustainability policies and practices, and many are now pursuing certification as a means of proving their commitment and actions” remarked Randy Durband, CEO of the GSTC.
Turismo Lanzarote has partnered with Sustainable Travel International since 2012 to receive guidance on how to better identify and promote the island’s responsible actions and values. In 2012, Lanzarote was one of the Early Adopters of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council’s (GSTC) Destination Criteria. The organizations have worked together to refresh Turismo Lanzarote’s brand values and communications strategy, train public and private sector stakeholders about sustainable tourism messaging, and helped them achieve sustainable destination certification. In 2015, the island became the world’s first GSTC-recognized Biosphere Certified Destination. This certification highlights the island’s exemplary efforts toward mindful tourism development, conservation, and green growth. In 2016, Turismo Lanzarote and Sustainable Travel International developed “The Lanzarote Effect” campaign based on their six brand values: nature, gastronomy, health and sports, culture, the arts, and leaving a legacy.
“The compassion and commitment that the people of Lanzarote have toward their island’s future is both captivating and addictive. ‘The Lanzarote Effect’ draws you into the island in a way not experienced in other destinations,” stated Lizzie Keenan, Director of Marketing and Communications at Sustainable Travel International. “Lanzarote is one of the world’s best examples of destination stewardship. It is time they are recognized for it and more people experience what makes Lanzarote so special.”
Over the next 12 months, Lanzarote’s story will be told through the voices of local people. “The Lanzarote Effect” campaign, which was inspired by a short film produced by Lea Amiel and Nicolas Libersalle, will highlight the island’s spirit, something not commonly shared in its marketing campaigns. From artists to educators, scientists to wine makers, the people of Lanzarote will tell their story of what makes Lanzarote valuable and worth experiencing, both now and in the future.
In addition to a dynamic social media campaign, destination training is planned for travel trade in the UK and other target markets.
For the latest updates on the campaign, please visit http://www.turismolanzarote.com/en/ or follow them on Twitter and Facebook.
About Turismo Lanzarote
Lanzarote is a unique island of extreme and unusual beauty. Amazing nature, dramatic landscapes, long sandy shores, a deeply rooted local culture and gastronomy, and above all a genuine respect for nature and its environment. All of them make Lanzarote an ideal destination to enjoy, and visit again. Let yourself be surprised! Visit us at http://www.turismolanzarote.com/en/ to learn more.
About Sustainable Travel International
Sustainable Travel International is a non-profit organization working to improve the lives of people around the world and the environments they rely upon. By leveraging the power of travel and tourism and providing business and government leaders with the guidance, policies and solutions they need, we aim to ensure that the communities they’re engaged in thrive and their environments are healthy for future generations. For more information, visit www.sustainabletravel.org.