Paradores
The Paradores environment
LOOKING TO ORGANISE SUSTAINABLE EVENTS IN SPAIN – PREPARE TO BE SURPRISED WITH THE SUSTAINABLE PARADORES EVENT VENUE PROPOSAL
F or those travellers in
Spain seeking an authentic heritage feel in their venue and accommodation, yet eager to ensure international hotel chain-style guaranteed quality standards, a parador may be the answer. The state Paradores organisation has a broad selection of these venues suitable for meetings and events, places where Spanish heritage charm comes with a very modern take on preserving the environment and delivering venues and traditional Spanish backdrops for events keen to make a positive impact on local communities as well delivering an authentic experience to delegates.
Loosely described as a unique type of state-owned luxury hotel, the parador comes in many shapes, sizes and locations.
Paradores are invariably historic, many located inside restored castles, convents, and palaces. There are also paradores reflecting a major nature landmark or set in classic mountain scenery.
The concept was launched in 1928 by King Alfonso XIII to boost tourism and preserve Spain ' s monumental heritage.
Profits from the hotels are used to maintain these historic structures, which include castles, monasteries, palaces, and fortresses.
The public company Paradores, operates a national network of 98 hotels and more than 100 dining venues, many of which are famous for their regional dining, with menus focusing on traditional cuisine made with local and seasonal produce and to ancient local recipes.
Sustainable credentials All properties are committed to a sustainable tourism model that integrates environmental protection, social welfare, local development and service excellence.
The Paradores organisation holds certifications including the ISO 14001, ISO 9001 and ISO 22483, as well as the“ Q” for Tourism Quality and“ Ecostars” seals. They also set great store in measuring and reducing the carbon footprint with external verification.
Paradores may have more publicity and marketing serving Spain’ s traditional leisure tourism market, but corporate events play a key role now.
Conferences and meetings held at paradores are an opportunity to create value in a responsible manner – an important part of today’ s international meeting zeitgeist.
The organisation also offers a‘ Sustainable Events Guide’, designed to support companies, through practical recommendations, in organising events that are more respectful of the environment, people and the community. According to the Guide, Paradores aim“ to ensure that every event not only meets the highest quality standards, but also contributes to the Sustainable Development Goals( SDGs) and the transition to a more responsible and resilient tourism model”.
“ At Paradores, we consider an event to be sustainable when it is planned, developed and evaluated with the aim of minimising its environmental impact, maximising its social value, especially in the local environment and the well-being of attendees, as well as ensuring the efficient use of economic resources, all in line with our principles of responsibility and excellence,” the Guide explains. The organisation of events at Paradores is based on sustainability principles that guarantee environmentally friendly management, in line with corporate values and the commitments set out in the 2025-2028 Sustainability Plan. These principles are grouped into environmental, social and governance( ESG) pillars, which are applied across all stages of the event.
All of the electricity contracted by Paradores is guaranteed as coming from renewable sources.
28 / CONFERENCE & MEETINGS WORLD / ISSUE 143