Andorra's Canillo parish unveils first phase of sustainable, family-focused plan with 25 activities to

Canillo parish unveiled the first phase of its tourism strategy on Thursday at the Palau de Gel auditorium, aiming to position itself as the Pyrenees' leading complete mountain destination by 2035 through sustainable, family-oriented initiatives.

The roadmap features seven strategic lines and 25 tourism activities, split into 10 flagship projects, nine nature-based complements, and six tied to culture and heritage. Officials seek to reduce winter seasonality—accounting for half of annual visitors from December to March—while addressing climate change's impact on snow tourism. Overnight stays have doubled since 2013 to two million in 2022, with families and young people as the main profile. Sites like Pont Tibetà and Roc del Quer viewpoint feature in Andorra's top 10 attractions, representing nearly three in ten national leisure visits.

Standout projects include a €2.624 million upgrade to the Roc del Quer viewpoint, now open to a national ideas competition for expansion and enhancement, expected to draw 20,100 additional visitors spending €1.8 million and recover costs in five years. The €1.83 million "El Tomb de Canillo" mountain bike and e-bike route will circle the central valley, connecting villages via improved paths and ENSISA concessions on the shaded side, projected to attract 22,500 users.

Major consul Jordi Alcobé described the plan as a defined path for integrated mountain tourism that outlasts the current term. He stressed the need for year-round attractions and better promotion beyond efforts by the council, Palau de Gel, and ENSISA, calling for public-private collaboration. "Public and private sectors often interact very little," he said, advocating synergies to engage potential tourists.

At the council's initiative, former consul and Grup JAT SL representative Francesc Camp—who developed the strategy—detailed a proposed public-private governance entity, functioning as a "small employers' association" or guild. Still unnamed, it would unite hoteliers, tourist accommodations, retailers, leisure firms, and others to define, implement, and fund initiatives, easing the public burden. Camp emphasized private involvement in decision-making and financing.

Other elements include a Canillo Tourism Committee and 2035 Strategy Council for data management; a unified website and app showcasing public-private offerings; expanding Canillo Escènic Arts into a two-week European festival with paid events and international programmers; and a "Living Lab" for co-developing sustainable mountain experiences amid the shift from winter dependency. Flagship projects overall could require €28 million, potentially adding 300,000 tourists. Details on the governance structure are under discussion with stakeholders.