Barcelona continues to lead the way in sustainable tourism reaching a historic milestone with 1,141 Biosphere-certified companies. This achievement underscores the city's strong commitment to the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals and a responsible tourism model. The collaboration between public and private sectors positions Barcelona as a global leader in sustainability.
Barcelona continues to strengthen its position as a global leader in sustainable tourism. At an event held at the Petit Palau, Biosphere tourism sustainability certifications were awarded to various companies that have demonstrated their commitment to sustainability and are now part of the Biosphere community.
The event featured the participation of Patricio Azcárate, Secretary General of Biosphere, representing the Responsible Tourism Institute (ITR). He highlighted the joint efforts of businesses and public administrations in positioning Barcelona as a leading sustainable destination on the international stage.
The highlight of this edition has been the record-breaking figure achieved: 1,141 companies have obtained or renewed their Biosphere certification. Of these, 168 have joined the commitment to sustainability for the first time, while 973 have reaffirmed their certification, strengthening their dedication to implementing environmental, social, and economic best practices. This milestone reinforces the destination’s commitment to a responsible tourism model aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Barcelona holds the Biosphere Platinum distinction, an exclusive recognition for destinations where public administration and the private sector work together to promote more sustainable lifestyles and consumption models. It is worth noting that in 2022, Barcelona became the first urban tourism destination to obtain Biosphere certification, solidifying its leadership in the sector’s transformation.
This progress has been made possible thanks to the Commitment to Tourism Sustainability in Barcelona initiative, promoted by the Barcelona City Council, the Barcelona Chamber of Commerce, the Barcelona Provincial Council, and Turisme de Barcelona. Its goal is to foster a culture of sustainability among tourism businesses, encouraging management practices aligned with the United Nations' 2030 Agenda.
The Biosphere Sustainable Commitment not only recognizes the good practices of participating companies but also establishes key requirements to drive continuous progress toward the 17 SDGs.
At Biosphere, we celebrate the success of this edition and congratulate all the companies that have obtained or renewed their Biosphere certification. Their dedication and commitment actively contribute to transforming tourism in Barcelona and reinforce the city’s commitment to more sustainable development.
We also encourage more businesses and tourism sector entities to join this movement and become part of the Commitment to Tourism Sustainability in Barcelona. Sustainability is not just a trend—it is the path toward a more competitive, responsible tourism model aligned with the evolving demands of the market.