Benissa transformed: €2.45m tourism plan delivers major changes across the town

Benissa, a municipality in Marina Alta, has undergone a €2.45 million tourism transformation plan over four years, backed by European funding. The 'Plan de Sostenibilidad Turística en Destino' (PSTD) program, which ended in 2022, encompassed 23 projects aimed at making Benissa more sustainable, accessible, digital, and attractive to visitors.

The project's success was marked by the 'Benissa es Transforma' event, where local officials, tourism professionals, businesses, associations, and residents gathered to celebrate achievements and discuss future plans. European funding supported the projects, which included pedestrianisation of Sant Josep and Pare Zacarías streets, wider pavements, upgraded junctions, remote water meter management, forest fire detection systems, environmental sensors, cycling and outdoor recreation initiatives, and sophisticated tourism data tools.

These changes have improved the town's infrastructure, technology, and tourism offerings while creating a more inclusive tourism model that benefits both residents and visitors. The municipality plans to continue developing its tourism strategy and potentially seek further European funding, focusing on creating a tourism model that works for all stakeholders in Benissa.