The Destination Barcelona Commitment to Tourism Sustainability programme is continuing to establish itself as a key tool for transforming the region’s tourism model. This year, a record-breaking 1,198 companies and associations (including 121 new members) have been awarded the certification, demonstrating the sector’s increasing commitment to sustainability.
A total of 613 are located in the city of Barcelona and 585 are in the rest of the province, reflecting the regional scope of a programme that involves a wide range of stakeholders and drives a shared strategy between the destination and the sector. The initiative is a joint City Council/Barcelona Provincial Council project, in collaboration with the Barcelona Chamber of Commerce and the Barcelona Tourist Consortium.
A model aligned with global challenges
The programme seeks to promote responsible tourism, in line with the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the main international standards for tourism sustainability. This certification recognises businesses, services and public institutions with a commitment to moving towards management models that are more respectful of the environment, society and the local economy.
This focus helps to strengthen Barcelona Province’s position as a responsible tourist destination committed to the future and able to generate value for the region while preserving its resources.
Recognition across the sector
Certified organisations this year include leading cultural institutions such as the Catalan National Art Museum, Picasso Museum, Joan Miró Foundation, Gran Teatre del Liceu and the FC Barcelona Museum, as well as prestigious hotel establishments and major chains in the sector.
The programme has also recognised various towns and cities, such as Vilanova i la Geltrú, Igualada, Collbató and L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, for their efforts to incorporate sustainability into their tourism development strategies.
The certification award ceremony on 13 March showcased some of these strategies, presenting success stories involving best practices implemented by organisations and companies certified by the Destination Barcelona Commitment to Tourism Sustainability.
