Last month, several local associations in the tourism sector met with Bilbao’s town hall for the presentation of a Manual of good practices for guided tours in public spaces in Bilbao. Carmen Romo, director of Romotur, signed this document in her role as current president of ASOARTE, one of the associations of local incoming agencies.
The purpose of this initiative is to establish guidelines to ensure that Bilbao’s development as a touristic destination evolves in a harmonious, and thus sustainable way with the day-to-day life of residents. By signing the manual of good practices, the members of the associations pledge to respect these guidelines and contribute a socially sustainable tourism.
Ensuring a socially sustainable tourism for the future
The presentation of the manual of good practices comes at a time when overtourism in certain areas in Europe and in Spain has become a growing concern. The Basque Country in general is far from being completely overrun with visitors. (Although there are a few hot spots, such as San Sebastian in the summer months.)
Nevertheless, the Bilbao Greater Area’s popularity as both a MICE and leisure destination is growing. This means that it is important to implement a framework to manage the flow visitors and ensure that guided tours in Bilbao respect of local residents, shared public spaces, monuments, etc.
The Manual of good practices…in practice
What does the manual mean for you and your clients’ guided tours in Bilbao? It’s a short document in several languages, and we encourage you to give it a look. Many of the issues raised are, we think, a matter of common sense and being considerate and respectful.
There are, however, some points that have some logistical consequences for guided group tours operations in Bilbao:
Group size and noise control for guided tours in Bilbao
Guided tour groups should be limited to 30 people in Bilbao. Guides should not use sound amplifiers, but instead are encouraged to use audio guide systems. Romotur regularly recommends this option to its clients. We will be making this a given in its future offers for group tours in Bilbao and throughout the Basque Country.
Audio guide systems not only reduce ambient noise, but also save our guide’s voices. In addition, it leads to a better flow of the visits and less time standing blocking public space; the guide doesn’t have find a spot, stop, wait for everyone to gather round.
Good to know: Group Tourism in the Basque Country
In certain cases, smaller group sizes can be necessary. For example, in the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, groups are limited to 20 people; in San Sebastian, groups should not be larger than 25 people. For pintxo tours, where the group wanders from bar to bar, Romotur recommends no more than 15 people. Keep in mind that the Basque Country is a “boutique destination”; Certain restaurants, wineries, and touristic sites may have their own limits for group size in order to ensure the best possible experience.
Designated drop-off and pick-up points for group tours in Bilbao
Another topic that directly affects guided group tours in Bilbao is the implementation of designated areas for group tour buses. The town hall wants to reduce the concentration of buses in areas of high tourist influx, such as the Old Town.
Currently, there are two officially designated stops for tourist buses. One is the Guggenheim Museum (river level). The other is the long-distance bus station near the San Mamés football stadium. However, the incoming agency associations are working on enabling another stop closer to the Old Town. This is not only important from a logistical standpoint. But it is also necessary for clients who are more limited in how much they can walk.
Respectful Tourism
Romotur is committed to organizing its guided tours in compliance with the guidelines of the manual of goof practices. Making sure tourism is well received by local residents is key to the long-term success of our sector and destination.
Thankfully, in Bilbao it is still the case that local people still live in areas of touristic interest. So as you enjoy yourself in the city, there are local people getting on with their daily lives. They are going to work. Students are trying to study. Babies are taking naps. Workers are trying to get some shut-eye before their night-shift, etc. While Bilbao is not a huge city, there is room for everyone as long as everyone is considerate.
Click here to read the Basque Country Respectful Tourism Guide
Read the original press release (Spanish).
Download the Manual of good practices for guided tours in Bilbao (English).
