Torrevieja Strengthens Tourism Quality with 31 New SICTED Distinctions

67 businesses now certified under Spain’s leading tourism quality programme

Torrevieja continues to raise the bar for tourism standards. On 26 May 2026, the Centro de Turismo (CdT) hosted the official delivery of SICTED quality distinctions to 31 local tourist services and businesses, reinforcing the city’s commitment to excellence in the sector.

The event was presided over by Mayor Eduardo Dolón, Tourism Councillor Rosario Martínez, and the Director General of Tourism for the Valencian Government, Israel Martínez Fernández.

“Torrevieja is committed to quality, sustainability and continuous improvement. These distinctions recognise the excellent work of our tourism professionals and reinforce our destination’s competitiveness.”

What is SICTED?

SICTED (now evolving into “Sostenibilidad, Inteligencia y Calidad Turística en el Ecosistema del Destino”) is Spain’s leading destination tourism quality system. Promoted by the Spanish Secretary of State for Tourism and implemented regionally, it provides free training, advice and evaluation to participating businesses. Torrevieja joined the programme in 2014 and has steadily increased its participation since then.

New focus on sustainability and intelligence

The programme is currently undergoing a significant methodological transformation. The new model places greater emphasis on economic, social and environmental sustainability, digital innovation and smart destination tools. A new management platform and website (www.sicted.es) have been introduced to simplify processes and reduce bureaucracy for participants.

During the event, a special information session was held to explain these changes to both new and existing participants.

Strong local participation

The 31 new recipients include a wide range of businesses and services: nautical activities, hotels, apartments, restaurants, beach bars, shops, and several municipal resources. Among the most represented sectors are bars and cafés, restaurants, retail shops, hotels and tourist apartments.

Notable new distinctions went to services such as Hotel Madrid, Restaurante Barlovento, Velice Discoteca, several beaches (including Playa del Cura and Playa Los Náufragos), and the Local Police.

Why this matters for Torrevieja

With over 100 companies now involved, Torrevieja ranks among the most committed municipalities in the Valencian Community to tourism quality. The region itself holds second place nationally with 1,563 distinguished services. This recognition helps the city differentiate itself in a highly competitive Mediterranean market, where visitors increasingly demand high standards of service, cleanliness, sustainability and professionalism.

By certifying municipal services — including beaches and the Natural Park — Torrevieja demonstrates that quality tourism is a shared responsibility between the public and private sectors.

Long-term benefits and future outlook

Participation in SICTED brings multiple advantages: improved customer satisfaction, better operational processes, enhanced destination image, and increased competitiveness. For visitors, it means greater confidence in the services they choose. For the local economy, it supports job quality and business sustainability.

As Torrevieja continues to evolve as a year-round destination with a large international resident community, maintaining and expanding quality certifications like SICTED will be crucial. The programme aligns perfectly with broader goals of smart, sustainable tourism that balances economic growth with environmental respect and social wellbeing.

The 2026 awards mark another important milestone in Torrevieja’s journey toward becoming one of the most professional and welcoming destinations on the Costa Blanca.

Businesses and services interested in joining the programme can obtain information through the Torrevieja Tourism Centre or the regional tourism authorities. Participation remains completely free of charge thanks to funding from Turisme Comunitat Valenciana.