The weatherWe are clear that the future of rural tourism and agriculture depends on sustainability and inclusivity.
Our sustainability and inclusion criteria are outlined in Nekatur's Sustainability Best Practice Guide, which includes recommendations from leading experts in both fields.
We also work alongside these entities to implement their seals and certifications in both the affiliated establishments and la our organisation.
Nekatur sustainability best practice
Have you ever wondered what makes accommodation truly sustainable and inclusive?
We understand that claiming sustainability and inclusivity is different from truly achieving them, which is why we have compiled and follow a set of essential characteristics for all sustainable, inclusive accommodation.
See affiliated establishmentsPrinciples and keys to being a sustainable establishment
Being sustainable means striking a balance between economic growth, environmental care, and social well-being.
The following measures summarise some aspects our association works on for the common good.
Reduce energy consumption
Using less energy helps reduce our carbon footprint and lessen the effects of climate change.
Our establishments work consciously to mitigate unnecessary consumption.
Installing solar panels or other renewable energy sources, using more efficient appliances and LED lights, or simply turning off lights to use sunlight are small steps that collectively benefit the planet's health.
We are proactive.
Save water
Water forms the basis of life on the planet and is essential for survival.
Using water wisely and avoiding excessive consumption involves simple measures like turning off taps, avoiding toxic products, and washing bedlinen and towels less frequently, as well as more significant actions like monitoring responsible water supply.
Water is a scarce resource that we must strive to conserve.
We are working in this direction.
Manage and minimise waste
Eliminating, reducing, reusing and preventing waste is key to reducing our carbon footprint.
We avoid consuming plastic packaging in favour of unpackaged products, and adopt measures such as using organic waste for composting and recycling responsibly.
We recognise the importance of a good waste management system that includes waste collection, transport, recycling, use and reuse, along with control of all these processes.
We take all these aspects on board.
Respect and care for the environment
Tourism is only possible in a context that combines local tradition, cultural and natural heritage elements and local communities.
We value our identity, and work to preserve a lifestyle we want to share with our visitors. That is why we prioritise homegrown food or local farmers' produce, consume and promote artisan products, encourage respect for biodiversity, and inform guests about our land's traditions and culture.
We promote the implementation of theEcotourismseal, encompassing best practices in sustainability.
We want those who visit us to experience and appreciate our land as we do in the Basque Country.
Communicate sustainable initiatives
Sustainability is everyone's responsibility.
The association as a whole, and each establishment in particular, promote environmentally friendly tourism activities, implement inclusive services, and advocate sustainability best practices among both employees and guests.
Being sustainable requires everyone to be involved, including guests, service providers and the host community. Disseminating sustainability helps increase consciousness among everybody involved in tourism activities.
We communicate to improve.
Principles and key points to being an inclusive establishment
Embracing diversity means being tolerant and bringing together people with different perspectives, enriching everyone by welcoming all types of visitors and offering them a pleasant experience in our accommodation.
At Nekatur, we work proactively in the following areas.
Improve accessibility
We recognise that an accessible environment and service enhance the quality, safety and comfort of our accommodation, benefiting society as a whole.
Apart from adapted rooms, we take a holistic approach that addresses various needs: physical, visual, auditory, intellectual and organic, providing systems that help ensure interaction.
We prioritise people by recognising their individuality and promoting a welcoming experience.
Promote use of the basque language
Nekatur is firmly committed to preserving local culture and traditions, heritage, and our ancient Basque language.
We encourage the use of our language as a way to improve the competitiveness of our affiliated establishments, and because we genuinely appreciate it when visitors make an effort to listen and speak in Basque.
Bai, yes.
Welcome and embrace diversity
We welcome LGBTQ+ visitors from all over the world, and acknowledge the importance of everyone feeling comfortable when they visit us.
We strive to remove any social and psychological barriers and provide experiences that allow full participation regardless of age, ability, gender identity and expression, religion or sexual orientation.
We welcome all tourists with respect, inclusion and equality.
Basque country code of ethics
The Basque Country's Ethical Tourism Code seeks to integrate responsibility and sustainability into the daily practices of tourism businesses, emphasising respect and contributing to understanding as fundamental principles.
With this respect, Nekatur provides a high-quality service with a spirit of tolerance that promotes inclusion.
We prioritise understanding and appreciation of local culture and heritage as a fundamental aspect of our sustainable model, always valuing all visitors, supporting our workers, and improving the well-being of the local community.
See affiliated establishmentsEcotourism
Ecotourism is the commitment to travel while conserving and protecting natural spaces.
Nekatur's establishments, nestled amidst the countryside, promote nature-based experiences and activities such as hiking, wildlife watching and outdoor sports, while prioritising the conservation and protection of the natural environment.
Ecotourism thrives thanks to responsible tourists and local professionals dedicated to preserving the environment.
See affiliated establishmentsEcolabel
The Ecolabel is the European ecological label awarded to accommodation establishments that minimise their environmental impact.
These establishments implement measures such as reducing excessive water and energy consumption, managing waste, or eliminating products with toxic substances, among others.
Nekatur-affiliated agrotourism establishments, country houses and rural apartments with the Ecolabel promote efficient use of resources and guarantee high environmental protection, contributing to sustainable tourism.
See affiliated establishmentsTourism accessibility model
The Basque Country Tourism Accessibility Model assesses accessibility for a range of functional diversities: physical, visual, auditory, intellectual and organic for all establishments that so request.
Diagnosis is the basis for introducing improvements in all areas of accessibility and offering excellent service to guests at our accommodation.
See affiliated establishmentsBai euskarari
The Bai Euskarari certificate identifies and acknowledges the efforts of our establishments in promoting and using Basque in daily life, helping to normalise it.
Our language is part of Basque identity. Hearing the owners speak in Basque enriches our guests' experience, bringing them closer to our culture.
See affiliated establishmentsQueer destinations committed
Queer Destinations Committed Certification breaks down prejudices and stereotypes to make our accommodation a discrimination-free space for the LGBTIQ+ community.
At Nekatur, we embrace diversity and welcome everyone, offering a safe experience.
See affiliated establishmentsAt Nekatur, we advocate for responsible tourism
Nekatur is a committed association that aims to preserve local culture, traditions and heritage by involving local communities in tourism activities, ensuring they receive economic, social, and cultural benefits, especially in terms of employment.
We firmly believe that our work is not only to mitigate the effects of climate change, but also to contribute positively to improving our environment. That is why we have developed the Nekatur Sustainability Best Practice Manual, we are members of the Basque Country Ecotourism Board and the Spanish Ecotourism Association, and we have been awarded the Basque Country Ethical Code and Queer Destinations Committed distinctions, along with the Bai Euskarari certificate.
Our collective goal is to integrate sustainability and inclusion into the daily practices of each affiliated establishment as a fundamental principle for the development of tourism.
Ensuring our accommodation is sustainable and inclusive will help ensure a better world for future generations.
That is our goal.