A Boost for Sustainable Tourism in Lleida
The Diputació de Lleida has launched the active and adventure tourism season, which will run from March to October. This year, the focus is on attracting visitors from the rest of Spain, aiming to consolidate a tourism model that prioritises sustainability and local economic well-being.
Joan Talarn, president of the Diputació, highlighted during the presentation in Llavorsí that this sector has become a benchmark for its commitment to environmental and social sustainability. "The gradual growth of active tourism not only benefits visitors but also adds value to the citizens of Pallars," Talarn stated.
The vice president of the Patronat de Turisme, Juan Antonio Serrano, emphasised that while the international market is a future goal, this year they will focus on attracting more domestic tourists. "State tourism is our pending subject, and we are determined to tackle it seriously," Serrano commented.
Regarding the conditions for outdoor activities, Florido Dolcet, president of the Associació d’Empreses d’Esports de Aventura del Pallars Sobirà, celebrated the historic water and snow reserves. According to his estimates, this season has the highest recorded levels in 25 years, ensuring optimal conditions for activities throughout the year.
Throughout last year, over 847,000 activities were booked in Lleida, generating a significant economic impact: 114 million euros and 1,857 jobs, with more than half being full-time. This year, moderate or positive growth is expected for 95% of companies dedicated to active tourism.
With a total of 280 companies operating in mountain sports — a notable increase compared to the previous year — the sector offers a wide range of activities. About 82.9% will provide land-based experiences such as hiking or cycling; while water sports like rafting will represent 13.2%; and aerial activities like paragliding will account for 3.9%.
Despite the growing interest from both national and international audiences, the majority (76%) remains Catalan. The demographics show that adults aged between 36 and 59 are the most frequent visitors to these activities (36%), followed by young people (29%) and school groups (24%). However, a significant increase in tourists from the rest of the country has been noted.
Commemorative Closure: 40 Years of Rafting
This year also marks the fortieth anniversary of the first rafting descent on the Noguera Pallaresa River. Talarn recalled how this event radically transformed the local tourism landscape: "It changed everything." With plans to continue promoting this emblematic activity for another 40 years, both authorities and entrepreneurs are committed to keeping this tradition alive.
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