Luxury tourism drives high water consumption in Mediterranean

Luxury tourism is driving significant water consumption along the Mediterranean coast, with tourists in high-end establishments using between 700 and 1,000 liters of water per day during peak seasons. This figure is three to seven times higher than the national household average of 128 liters.

Maribel Cerezo, Director of the Master's in Environmental Engineering and Management at the Universidad Internacional de Valencia (VIU), suggests the issue stems from "evident mismanagement of resources and a deficit of infrastructure" rather than an absolute lack of water. She notes that five-star hotels average 500 liters per guest per day, particularly in areas like Palma de Mallorca, Granada, and Tenerife, due to the maintenance of gardens and pools.

Cerezo warns of long-term damage to underground reserves, specifically citing saltwater intrusion in Alicante's Vinalopó system due to overexploitation. She also critiqued the "politicization" of water resources, noting that adjustments often disproportionately affect the primary sector. To combat scarcity, she recommends adopting efficiency models similar to Benidorm, which has reduced consumption by 18% through network improvements and wastewater reuse.