La Laguna’s New Tourism Education Program Aims to Preserve Culture and Environment, Get the Details Here

Published on December 15, 2025

The City Council of La Laguna, a city in Tenerife Island, is leading the way in encouraging responsible tourism by taking steps in education first. The city has introduced an educational initiative targeting students to teach them what sustainability and conservation of their environment mean. While this initiative aims at creating awareness among the generation of tomorrow, its impact will be far-reaching in establishing a culture of responsible tourism among all people.

A Collaborative Effort for Sustainable Development

This project is the first major initiative to be developed under La Laguna’s Economic Promotion and Sustainable Development Plan. Funded by the Cabildo of Tenerife, the plan aims to foster a balanced approach to tourism, integrating economic growth with environmental sustainability. What makes this project unique is its design and execution by staff hired under the Employment Plan, an initiative aimed at creating jobs and leveraging local talent to address the region’s needs.

Estefanía Díaz, the head of the Tourism Department, emphasized the importance of this educational initiative in shaping a more responsible and sustainable tourism model. “This project represents a clear commitment to education as a fundamental tool for developing a more respectful and sustainable tourism model, starting with those currently being trained who will become active members of our society,” Díaz said.

By involving local talent in both the creation and execution of the program, La Laguna not only addresses local employment needs but also fosters the development of effective, community-focused proposals that align with the municipality’s values and vision for sustainable tourism.

Raising Awareness Among Students About Responsible Tourism

The program targets students from various schools across La Laguna, aiming to instill a sense of responsibility for the preservation of their surroundings while exploring the role of tourism in their community. The sessions are designed to engage students in understanding how tourism impacts both the environment and local culture, and the importance of sustainability in the tourism industry. These educational sessions provide students with the tools to not only become responsible tourists but also active contributors to the future of their community.

The sessions are divided into different educational campaigns tailored to the target audience. For primary school students, the content is focused on cooperative learning and play, helping to teach responsible tourism through fun and interactive activities. Secondary education students, on the other hand, engage in more structured debates and analyses, diving deeper into topics such as sustainable tourism practices, environmental impacts, and the role of tourism in shaping local identity. The goal is to inspire critical thinking and foster discussions on good tourism practices that can be applied in La Laguna’s context.

Topics Covered: Sustainable Development, Cultural Identity, and Local Heritage

The program covers a wide range of topics that aim to provide students with a well-rounded understanding of sustainable development and tourism. These include:

• Sustainable Development: Educating students on the key principles of sustainable development and how tourism can align with these principles to create long-term benefits.
• Cultural Identity: Exploring the rich cultural heritage of La Laguna, helping students appreciate the importance of preserving cultural spaces and landmarks that define their local identity.
• Nature and Local Routes: Teaching students about the natural beauty of La Laguna, including its routes and landscapes, and the importance of preserving these areas for future generations.
• Tourism Impacts: Helping students understand the economic, social, and environmental impacts of tourism and how responsible tourism can mitigate negative effects on their community.

By focusing on these key areas, the program equips students with the knowledge they need to become responsible tourists and ambassadors for sustainable tourism practices in La Laguna.

Expanding the Initiative for Broader Community Engagement

The success of this initial program has been met with positive reception from the participating schools. Teachers, students, and community members alike have embraced the initiative, recognizing the value of educating the younger generation on responsible tourism and sustainability.

The City Council of La Laguna is already planning to expand the program to more schools, institutes, and community centers within the municipality. This expansion reflects the city’s strategic commitment to integrating education, employment, tourism, and sustainability into a cohesive approach for long-term growth. In the coming weeks, the program will also be delivered at local community centers, ensuring that the message reaches not just students but the broader population as well.

Connecting Tourism, Employment, and Sustainability

This educational program is part of a larger vision to promote sustainable tourism in La Laguna while creating job opportunities through targeted policies. The collaboration between the municipality’s tourism department and the local Employment Plan is a great example of how strategic partnerships can have a meaningful impact. By developing and executing initiatives that align with the community’s needs, the program shows how well-directed employment policies can create valuable, sustainable projects for the local population.

La Laguna’s efforts in promoting responsible tourism also serve as an important model for other cities that wish to preserve their local culture, environment, and identity in the face of growing tourism demand. By focusing on education and community involvement, the municipality is building a foundation for sustainable tourism that will benefit not only future generations of residents but also tourists who visit this unique part of Tenerife.

A Sustainable Future for La Laguna

The educational initiative offered by La Laguna on responsible tourism is a very important part of ensuring this balance is achieved in favor of both tourists and locals. Through education on sustainability and the need to conserve their culture and environment, La Laguna is providing a platform for a more sustainable tourist model. The strategic balance of education, employment, and tourism will aid La Laguna in dealing with the effects of increased tourist numbers in maintaining their identity.