Canary Islands Tourism Shifts to Sustainability with Award-Winning Water Filtration Initiative

The Canary Islands are shifting toward a greener tourism model, with a new focus on how essential resources are managed. At the eighth annual Sustainable Practices Competition, held at Espacio Mutua Tenerife, local company Aguamac was honored for its work in improving water supply systems for hotels. The award highlights a growing need for businesses to change their daily operations, particularly by reducing their reliance on single-use plastics.

Aguamac’s winning project, "Agua que te cuida" (Water that cares for you), replaces traditional bottled water with filtration systems installed directly in guest rooms. This solution meets the rising demand for eco-friendly travel options while solving a major logistical headache for hotels: managing the waste created by plastic bottles. With 30 years of experience, the company has shown that hotels can improve efficiency while lowering their carbon footprint—a move that is becoming essential as new European and regional environmental regulations take effect.

This recognition is part of a wider strategy by Turismo de Tenerife. This year, the competition reviewed 38 different proposals, looking for scalable ideas in areas like energy efficiency and sustainable dining. For the tourism industry, Aguamac’s system offers a way to eliminate plastic waste without sacrificing guest comfort, which is vital for keeping the islands competitive.

Esther Mayaca, the company’s manager, noted that sustainability is no longer just a long-term goal; it is an immediate business necessity. Given the constant pressure on water resources in the archipelago, on-site filtration is becoming a key tool for hotels looking to reduce their environmental impact. By presenting eight awards across various categories, the Island Council is reaffirming its commitment to a tourism model that relies on innovation to stay responsible.