The platform, integrated into the municipality’s new tourism website and developed through the Tourism Sustainability Plan in Destinations, attracted significant interest from destination managers across Spain.

The Tourism Department of Nuevo Baztán Town Council took part this week in the 8th Meeting of Managers of the Smart Tourism Destinations (DTI) Network, held in Vitoria-Gasteiz from 1 to 3 June. This leading national forum brought together more than 180 tourism destination managers and professionals from across Spain to exchange experiences, share best practices and showcase innovative initiatives.

During the closing session, Spain’s Secretary of State for Tourism highlighted the importance of continuing to promote more innovative, sustainable and people-centred destinations that enhance both visitor experiences and residents’ quality of life. This vision is fully aligned with the work being carried out by Nuevo Baztán as part of its Smart Tourism Destination strategy.

As part of the event, Nuevo Baztán was invited to present one of its most innovative initiatives as an example of best practice within the DTI Network: the tourism participation platform integrated into the municipality’s new tourism website, a tool developed through the Tourism Sustainability Plan in Destinations (PSTD).

During the presentation, the Town Council’s Tourism Officer explained how the platform works. Designed as a space for active participation, it enables residents, visitors, businesses and tourism stakeholders to submit ideas, suggestions and proposals related to the municipality’s tourism development, fostering a more collaborative and participatory approach to governance.

The initiative generated considerable interest among attendees, attracting the attention of destination managers and tourism professionals from other regions. The session concluded with several questions regarding the platform’s operation, implementation process and potential application in other municipalities.

Representatives from several destinations within the DTI Network expressed a strong interest in replicating the initiative in their own territories, highlighting the practical and innovative nature of a solution that encourages citizen involvement in tourism planning and management.

For the Tourism Department, this invitation represents important recognition of the work being undertaken in Nuevo Baztán in the fields of smart tourism, governance and citizen participation, further strengthening the municipality’s position as a benchmark in the use of innovative tools that improve tourism management and public engagement in decision-making processes.

Nuevo Baztán’s participation in this national gathering also enhances the municipality’s visibility within the Smart Tourism Destinations Network and demonstrates the positive impact of projects delivered through the Tourism Sustainability Plan in Destinations, funded by the European Union’s Next Generation EU programme.

This recognition follows the municipality’s achievement of Smart Tourism Destination certification in March 2026, a milestone that reinforces Nuevo Baztán’s commitment to a tourism management model built on innovation, sustainability, accessibility, technology and participatory governance.