We want to make sustainability a fundamental objective throughout the tourist industry. Accommodation, as a key element in the tourism supply chain, cannot remain outside the common goal of advancing towards sustainable tourism.

Sustainability is becoming an ever more important differentiating factor. In this regard, it would be to the benefit of all if tourist companies in general and hotels in particular competed with respect to sustainability too.

Tourists are asking more and more questions about matters related to sustainability and responsibility in order to make their purchasing decisions. With this classification of responsible hotels in Andalusia, we want to bring to light matters that are not usually visible.

Methodology

The following classification of hotels is based on a complete set of indicators that cover social and environmental matters, and those regarding corporate social responsibility.

This ranking values those businesses that satisfy their customers, following the principles of responsible tourism, respecting the environment, safeguarding local cultures and their economies and taking initiatives to improve their sociocultural and environmental setting.

The indicators are based on information from different sources that reflects the hotel's commitment to responsible tourism.

The province of Almeria has a long, beautiful Mediterranean coast, including unspoilt beaches in the Cabo de Gata-Nijar National Park. The territory's fragility requires a sustainable model to preserve this natural treasure, as well as to improve the tourist experience and influence the competitiveness of companies in the tourist industry through sustainability.

Cadiz can offer the sea, its bay, its history and a particular atmosphere that give it a unique vitality. From the countryside around Jerez de la Frontera to the towns of Campo de Gibraltar, Cadiz has much to offer.

Currently, wine tourism is being boosted and the activities on offer in the province are being diversified.

Cordoba province, in central Andalusia has a fascinating natural environment, created by the waters of the River Guadalquivir. Furthermore, the province has an important Iberian, Roman and Islamic heritage that has contributed to its tasty and varied food and drink.

Cordoba is working to set down the foundations of a sustainable, viable model as a framework for its major natural, cultural, ethnological, landscape and archaeological resources.

Granada province is an excellent example of what inland Andalusia has for the visitor. The Granada highlands and the Poniente Granadino area are attracting much more attention from tourists, sharing the flow of visitors in a more balanced way.

Its architectural treasures, such as the Alhambra in the city of Granada, famous throughout the world, are also recognised for their sustainable management model.

From the spurs of the Sierra Morena to the Atlantic Ocean, Huelva offers a wealth of nature. The climate in the mountains is humid and mild, taking the edge off the high summer temperatures and the rigours of winter. The centre, warmer and drier, is cooled in the evening by sea breezes

Huelva's west coast has open spaces whose natural and cultural riches are becoming more and more popular. Conference tourism, sports tourism, culture, health and nature are ever more popular reasons for visiting Huelva.

South of Despeñaperros, the extensive and peaceful territory of Jaen province, with its never-ending olive fields, opens up. Jaen also has a strong cultural legacy in its churches, palaces and castles of different architectural styles.

From its 19th and 20th century mining towns to the unique Sierra de Magina mountains, the hospitality of the people, its cultural and ethnographic values and its food and drink are here for all to see.

Malaga province is currently a major presence in Andalusian tourism thanks to the exceptional climate along its coast. The Costa del Sol is, without a doubt, its most famous aspect. However, there are many others to discover inland.

Work is being done to let visitors know about its natural heritage as well as its agro-industrial, cultural and historical assets, making them into competitive, quality resources.

The River Guadalquivir crosses Seville province, running through towns and cities that are evidence of its historical and cultural past. Seville, a universal city with a rich Islamic, Jewish and Roman history.

There is a commitment to the diversification of local economies through rural tourism, although this is not the only economic strategy in place.