Tourism

The renewal of the certificate as a Biosphere destination recognises the work which goes into offering quality standards in tourism and the appropriate management of this activity, particularly in terms of progress to combat climate change, the model for an accessible city for everybody, action in the social sphere and international solidarity.

The Biosphere World Class Destination certificate is the result of an audit by the Responsible Tourism Institute and is approved by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council according to criteria on the seventeen SDGs in the UN’s 2030 Agenda.

Through the Barcelona Biosphere commitment to sustainable tourism, the goal is for as many businesses and organisations as possible in the tourist sector to be covered by the certification. Funded by the tourist tax and promoted with the collaboration of the Barcelona Tourism Consortium and the Barcelona Chamber of Commerce, the distinction recognises tourist operators opting for responsible management, which is respectful towards the environment, culture, labour conditions, gender equality and social and economic return.

After running for two years, the programme includes 230 recognised organisations, and 150 new companies in the city have joined in 2021. In term of Barcelona as whole destination, where the project is promoted with the collaboration of Barcelona Provincial Council, there are now 664 participating companies.

Over the last few months, the project has adapted to the Covid-19 reality and introduced health and safety measures which are obligatory for obtaining the distinction and applying for the Safe Travels seal promoted by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) and managed by the Barcelona Tourism Consortium.