We put your business at the forefront of sustainable tourism

What is it?

The Biosphere Barcelona standard for Commitment to Sustainable Tourism is awarded to tour operators who are committed to responsible and environmentally-friendly management, to culture, to decent working conditions, to gender equity and to social and economic benefits.

More and more travellers are opting for tourism that has a positive impact on the city and that is respectful to the local population, the environment and makes an efficient use of resources.

By fulfilling a series of requirements, Barcelona City Council offers tour operators the opportunity to adhere to the Biosphere Barcelona Commitment. This is based on a handbook of best practices that includes the United Nations’ seventeen Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Adapt your products, services and experiences so that they meet the demand for this new traveller profile and contribute to creating a new model of sustainable tourism.

In 2011, Barcelona was the first city in the world to be awarded with the Biosphere certification, granted by the Institute of Responsible Tourism (IRT), an independent body promoted by UNESCO, and recognised by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC).

In 2022, with the three tourist brands of the province of Barcelona, the city has become the first destination in the world to receive Biosphere Platinum Certification for its will to promote respectful tourism from the institutions.

Advantages of incorporating and communicating your company's sustainable initiatives:

Position yourself in an emerging market
Improve your company’s credibility and reputation
Attract new customers with environmental awareness
Differentiate yourself and stand out from your competitors
Added value for your products/services
Establish new business relationships with other sustainable organisations
Consolidate your business in the long term
Contributes to promoting a more sustainable tourism industry that is more committed to the environment

Steps to follow:

The path to a new tourism model.

1 Commit to sustainability

The certification is linked to a voluntary and independent commitment, based on the principles of sustainability and continuous improvement.

2 Fill in the form

We will contact you and send you the necessary documentation to fill to start the procedure.

3 We will train and advise you

We will support you throughout the process of meeting the criteria for the standard and will suggest improvements for your company in the area of sustainability.

4 Create your improvement plan

We will help you bring in and implement the improvements recommended for you.

5. Congratulations!

You have been awarded the Biosphere Sustainable Lifestyle certification!

Are you in?

Barcelona City Council subsidises the total cost of this process for locally-based companies and those affiliated with the Barcelona Tourism Consortium.

Join us in fighting for sustainable tourism!

Fill in all fields to enroll in the year 2025.

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