Destination Barcelona surpasses 1,000 companies with the Biosphere Tourism Sustainability Certification

16-02-2024 | Turisme de Barcelona

The Barcelona destination has passed a significant milestone by certifying more than 1,000 businesses with the Biosphere seal of tourism sustainability, recognition awarded to 487 businesses in the city and 556 in the province. This achievement highlights the growing adoption of sustainable practices in tourism management, reflecting a commitment to the environment, culture and the economic and social development of the city.

The Biosphere Sustainable Commitment, promoted by Barcelona City Council, the Barcelona Chamber of Commerce, Barcelona Provincial Council and Turisme de Barcelona, seeks to promote sustainability in tourism in accordance with the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations 2030 Agenda. This commitment not only responds to the need for tour operators to offer more responsible experiences, but also to the demand from visitors to travel more sustainably.

The increase in the number of certified companies covers diverse areas, from accommodation to restaurants, shops and events. Iconic establishments such as Tibidabo, Llibreria Laie or La Mallorquina stand out, as well as educational institutions such as the Escuela Superior de Relaciones Públicas and hotels such as Room Mate or l'Alimara. This growth reflects a widespread commitment to sustainable management and recognition of the importance of reducing environmental impact in all areas of tourism.

Biosphere certification involves a series of concrete actions to improve sustainability, such as grey water recycling, the installation of water saving systems and the implementation of practices to reduce energy consumption. It is particularly relevant in the current context of drought, where companies are adopting measures such as the use of salt water instead of chlorinated water in swimming pools, grey water recirculation systems and campaigns to encourage customers to save water.

Barcelona's commitment to sustainability is reflected in its leadership in the certification of sustainable accommodation in the European Union, with the province of Barcelona ranking first in the EU's index of environmental labels and schemes. In addition, Barcelona is the only city in the world to be certified with the Biosphere Platinum seal, underlining its position as a global leader in sustainable tourism.

Restaurant and retail certification is a fast-growing area, with a significant increase in the number of certified establishments in recent years. This trend reflects the growing demand from responsible consumers and the need to adapt to tourism quality and sustainability standards.

In short, Biosphere certification represents a solid commitment by Barcelona and its province to sustainability in tourism, driving concrete actions to reduce environmental impact and promote more responsible tourism development. This approach not only benefits the environment, but also improves the quality of the tourist experience and strengthens the city's competitiveness as a top tourist destination.