Ordino Councillor Highlights Balanced Growth in Sports and Sustainable Tourism

Jordi Serracanta, Ordino's councillor for Tourism, Dynamisation and Sports, has struck a positive note midway through his third term, highlighting progress in balancing growth with quality while positioning the parish as Andorra's "garden."

Speaking to Altaveu, Serracanta reviewed achievements over the past decade, including sports infrastructure. The local sports centre, once aiming for break-even, now runs at deficit zero with unexpectedly high membership and upgraded facilities. Ordino has solidified its reputation as a trail running hub through events like the Trail 100, successor to the Ultra Trail, in partnership with the government and Andorra Turisme. Cycling has also gained ground, with the Volta als Ports routinely finishing at Arcalís and collaboration on the MoraBanc Clàssica, establishing the parish as a road cycling destination alongside mountain biking in neighbouring areas.

On tourism, Serracanta addressed the parish's dilemma: expand visitor numbers or prioritise quality. Ordino remains far from massified, he said, with fewer ill-prepared hikers—such as those once climbing Tristaina lakes in flip-flops—thanks to measures like road closures and paid chairlift access. Similar steps at Sorteny Nature Park, including paid parking in July and August, have cut litter by nearly three tonnes in the first year. "People don't mind paying if they find a place clean and well-kept," he noted, arguing free access undervalues natural sites. Drawing parallels to Menorca's biosphere reserve beaches, he endorsed the government's new tourism law for identifying overcrowding risks, though Ordino sees no need for additional paid access or limits at spots like the Camí Ral trail or Arcalís.

To boost low seasons beyond summer and winter peaks, the parish organises events like the Christmas market, Nit de la Candela and livestock fair, spaced every two to three weeks. Subsidies favour off-peak sports events to fill hotels and create advocates—Trail 100 draws 60-70% foreigners who promote Ordino abroad. Sports tourism, in his view, is "very healthy" and counters fleeting Instagram-driven visits.

Ordino lacks "postureig" hotspots beyond the popular Secnoa solar viewpoint, which attracts 65,000-70,000 visitors annually and boosts local businesses. Designations as a biosphere reserve and Best Tourism Village aid niche marketing, despite limited promotion by Andorra Turisme. Serracanta anticipates no massification downside and welcomes a potential national biosphere candidacy, provided Ordino retains its status. Hoteliers and restaurateurs report satisfaction with current visitors who respect nature and heritage, aligning with the parish's goal of sustainable appeal.