Orihuela Costa joins Green Flags campaign as cricket facility plans advance

Orihuela Costa is making headlines this summer for two very different reasons. While local businesses and authorities are joining forces to improve environmental sustainability through a major recycling campaign, debate continues over plans for a large new cricket facility that supporters believe could boost sports tourism and attract visitors throughout the year. Both initiatives reflect wider discussions about how the area can grow while balancing the needs of residents, businesses and the environment.

Green glory for recycling efforts

Orihuela Costa has joined this summer’s Green Flags Movement campaign, a regional initiative promoting glass recycling and environmental sustainability across the Valencian Community.

The programme, organised by Ecovidrio, brings together 28 coastal municipalities and almost 3,000 hospitality businesses, with two Green Flags awarded to the top-performing destinations.

Orihuela is one of 14 participating municipalities in Alicante Province, where more than 1,700 bars, restaurants and hospitality businesses will compete for the environmental award.

Councillor for Urban Waste Rocío Ortuño said the campaign highlights the importance of recycling and the role it plays in protecting the local environment, particularly during the busy summer season when visitor numbers rise sharply.

As part of the initiative, Ecovidrio will provide additional recycling containers, specialised collection equipment for businesses and training programmes aimed at improving recycling rates within the hospitality sector.

The campaign also recognises businesses that demonstrate strong environmental practices, including responsible waste management, energy efficiency and water conservation.

Last summer, participating municipalities across the Valencian Community collected almost 14,700 tonnes of glass packaging. According to Ecovidrio, it helped prevent more than 8,500 tonnes of CO₂ emissions while reducing the consumption of raw materials and energy.

Ortuño encouraged local hospitality businesses to take part and thanked residents and visitors for supporting recycling efforts.

Cricket clash sparks local debate

Plans for a major cricket facility in Orihuela Costa have sparked debate after work began on a large plot of land in Playa Flamenca.

The proposed development would occupy a 28,000-square-metre site and could become one of the largest cricket venues in southern Europe.

Supporters believe the project could help attract international sporting events, extend the tourist season and provide new opportunities for local players. Cricket has steadily grown in popularity across the Costa Blanca, particularly among British, South Asian and Commonwealth communities, with several clubs already established in the area.

Backers of the scheme say a dedicated venue would give the sport a permanent home while helping bring visitors to Orihuela Costa outside the traditional summer months.

However, not everyone is convinced. Some residents have questioned whether the development reflects the priorities of the wider community, arguing that improvements to roads, infrastructure and public spaces should take precedence.

Balancing growth and community priorities

Those in favour point to the growing importance of sports tourism, which has become a valuable source of year-round income for many Mediterranean destinations. They believe a modern cricket venue could strengthen the Costa Blanca’s appeal to