María Reyes (WUR) visits the University of Alicante to carry out the first phase of the Spanish case study (Benidorm) of the SIMTWIST project

Dr. María Reyes, researcher of the Department of Environmental Systems Analysis of the University of Wageningen, travelled to Alicante from January 11th until February 5th, in order to carry out together with the team of the University of Alicante (Dr. Antonio Rico, Dr. Sandra Ricart and Dr. Rubén Villar), the first phase of the fieldwork related to the Spanish case study (Benidorm) of the SIMTWIST project. The fieldwork consisted of interviews – previously scheduled – with each of the 11 actors that make up the management model of the Benidorm hydro-social cycle in relation to the tourism-water nexus. Each of the interviews was divided into two sections: the first part consisted of a conceptual map regarding the perception of what a robust integrated water system requires, while the second part consisted of a questionnaire on governance and the capacity to reach agreements on key issues of the water system. The analysis of each stakeholder’s conceptual model is an essential part of the project’s WP3, which focuses on participatory modelling of the water system. On the other hand, the questionnaire is a fundamental component of WP4, which deals with the hydro-social cycle of the city of Benidorm.







  • Interview with Nuria Montes (General Secretary) and Jordi San Juan (food hygiene technician). Asociación Empresarial Hostelera de Benidorm, Costa Blanca y Comunidad Valenciana (HOSBEC)






  • Interview with Ángel Uribe, Secretary. Irrigatoes Community of Canal Bajo del Algar
  • Interview with Vicente García, General Director of Urbanism. Urbanism Counseling of the Generalitat Valenciana




  • Interview with Jaime Berenguer, Chief Engineer of Water Consortium of the  Marina Baja

  • Interview with Salvador Sostres (President) and Raúl Guardiola (Exploitation Chief) of the General Community of Irrigators and Users of Callosa d’En Sarrià
  • Interview with Pedro Alemany (Manager and Secretary). Irrigators Community of Villajoyosa Orchads





  • Interview with Vicente Sapena, Chief of Distribution. HIDRAQUA. Integrated Management of Aguas de Levante
  • Interview with Vicente Mayor, chief of Engineering Department, Municipality of Benidorm


  • Interview with José Luis Wagner, Chief of Tourist Competitivity Department. Autonomic Secretary of Tourism, Valencian Agency of Tourism.  Generalitat Valenciana
  • Interview with Laura Tanco, Service Chief of Planning of Júcar Hydrographic Confederation