The Biosphere sustainable tourism certificate has been awarded to 403 companies in the city, accrediting their backing for environmentally friendly management, culture and social and economic return for the city and the counties of Barcelona. Nearly 40% of the certified companies offer accommodation.
In all, 282 companies renewed their Biosphere certificate in 2022, while 121 made a commitment to the initiative for the first time. Out of the 403 certified companies, nearly 40% offer accommodation (154), while 9% are travel agencies (36 companies) and 7% are companies linked to business travel (28 companies).
Organisations receiving the Biosphere certificate for the first time include FC Barcelona, the Barcelona Convention Bureau, the Museu Picasso, the Disseny Hub, the Llotja de Mar and the Palau Güell. In the sphere of hospitality, this sustainability initiative has now been backed by NH Hoteles, Hoteles Hesperia, W Barcelona, Majestic Hotel, Hotel Barcelona Princess, Hotel Negresco Princess and Duquesa de Cardona.
The tourist office in Pl. Catalunya has obtained the sustainability seal and the Barcelona Convention Bureau (BCB) has become the first congress office in the world to earn it. Similarly, Destinació Barcelona (Barcelona city and the three tourist brands for Barcelona province: Costa Barcelona, Paisatges Barcelona and Pirineus Barcelona) is the only destination in the world with the Biosphere Platinum certificate.
The Barcelona Biosphere sustainable tourism commitment bases it methodology on work towards the 17 sustainable development goals in the UN’s 2030 Agenda.