At Nekatur, the association of farmhouses, rural cottages and rural tourist apartments in the Basque Country, we work alongside our members to promote sustainable and inclusive tourism. This is a type of tourism that seeks environmental, economic and social balance between tourism activity and the rural areas in which it takes place – and one that excludes no one on the basis of age, gender, race, language, religion or ability.

We achieve this by developing, implementing and monitoring our Good Practice Guide. This way, many small decisions – which may seem insignificant on their own – truly make a difference when taken together. One of our mottos is “strength in unity”, and this couldn’t be more true here.

Environmental Good Practices

To ensure that the rural tourism we believe in is environmentally sustainable, we support and assist our members in:

-Reducing energy consumption:

• Prioritising the use of renewable energy sources wherever possible.
• Raising awareness about turning off lights, appliances and electronics when not in use.
• Regulating heating and cooling systems sensibly.
• Opening or closing windows depending on the outdoor temperature, to avoid unnecessary climate control use.
• Regularly inspecting appliances and replacing them with newer, more energy-efficient models where possible.
• Arranging spaces to make the most of natural daylight.

-Saving water:

• Ensuring taps are properly turned off.
• Reusing leftover water for irrigation or cleaning.
• Collecting and using rainwater.
• Using water rationally and avoiding wasteful consumption.
• Covering swimming pools when not in use.

-Managing waste:

• Sorting and recycling the waste generated by tourism activities.
• Promoting composting from organic waste.
• Reducing plastic usage, avoiding single-use items and encouraging bulk products.
• Digitising processes to reduce paper consumption.

Socioeconomic Good Practices

Sustainability also has a social and economic dimension, which we encourage and develop through the following actions:

-Respect for the rural environment:

• Promoting local, seasonal, and zero-kilometre products, and encouraging guests to discover and support nearby shops, markets and fairs.
• Preserving biodiversity by caring for the local flora and fauna around our rural lodgings, prioritising native plants and raising awareness of vulnerable wildlife.
• Sharing our lifestyle, culture and traditions.
• Using organic and environmentally friendly products as much as possible.

-Raising awareness and communicating sustainable initiatives:

• Informing guests about implemented practices through signs and other communication tools around the lodgings.
• Promoting environmentally respectful activities: protecting flora and fauna, avoiding littering in natural areas, and so on.
• Recommending visits to less crowded, less environmentally sensitive locations, especially during peak seasons.
• Encouraging the use of public transport or bicycles for getting around locally.

Certifications that Build Trust

Our commitment to sustainable and inclusive tourism is more than just good intentions – it is backed by recognised labels and certifications.

Some of the most notable ones we have obtained and promote among our associated accommodations include:

• Ecolabel: the European eco-label that certifies a minimal environmental impact.
• Ethical Code of the Basque Country: an initiative by the Basque Government promoting social and environmental responsibility in tourism.
• Bai Euskarari: a certification that encourages the use of Euskara (Basque language) in everyday accommodation settings.
• Queer Destinations Committed: a distinction that ensures safe and respectful spaces for the LGTBIQ+ community.

What Can You Do During Your Stay?

Being a respectful tourist is something anyone visiting us can do. Ask your chosen rural accommodation about their sustainable and inclusive practices and how you can take part – you too can be part of the change!

Sharing your experience also helps inspire others around you to travel more responsibly. When you return home, tell others what you did to contribute to a more sustainable and responsible tourism – they’ll likely be inspired by what they hear.

At Nekatur, we also value your suggestions on how to improve the sustainability of our rural lodgings and our approach to tourism. Your opinion truly matters to us.

Your Sustainable and Inclusive Rural Stay – Find It on Our Website

Now you know what we at Nekatur are doing to make sure your stay in our rural accommodation is both sustainable and inclusive.

You too can support the environmental, economic and social balance of rural life by booking a farmhouse, rural cottage or rural apartment through our website. Find the rural stay that suits your needs best and book directly with Nekatur.

Ongi etorri gure etxera! Welcome to our home!