Global Destination Sustainability Index

Barcelona, Spain

Organisation: Turisme de Barcelona

Contact:
Download PDF Summary 2019

Performance Overview (2019)

DMO Supplier Social Environmental

Total

65 %

Performance Highlights

Does [DMO] have a Sustainability
Strategy?

Does [CITY] have a sustainable destination certificate?

Does [DMO] report on its sustainability performance?

The celebration in Barcelona in May 2017 of the International Conference on sustainable tourism for development in the framework of the New Urban Agenda, is part of the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development declared by the United Nations. The Conference reviewed the Biosphere criteria that apply to urban destinations, based on the adaptation and contextualization of the GSTC criteria to the new guidelines of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, the global agreement against climate change of the COP 21 and the New Urban Habitat Agenda 3. The results of the conference are: • Declaration of Barcelona: "Building sustainable tourism in the framework of the new Urban Agenda." • Memorandum Biosphere-Barcelona 2017. Document that updates and reformulates the criteria according to the 17 ODS, as well as enables "the adhesion of companies and services to the commitment of the destination"

4%

OF SUSTAINABILITY CERTIFIED HOTELS

25%

OF SUSTAINABILITY CERTIFIED VENUES

0%

OF SUSTAINABILITY CERTIFIED PCOS/DMCS

Barcelona is an open, cosmopolitan city, where social cohesion is a reality. The Catalan capital is also ranked among the best cities in the world for quality of life, safety and equality. It is a city that is easy to live in, a healthy city with a Mediterranean climate, green spaces and locally produced food. Living in Barcelona ensures a good quality of life.

SDG IMPLEMENTATION SCORE

78%

SCORE ON SOCIAL PROGRESS INDEX

87%

SCORE ON CORRUPTION PERCEPTION INDEX

58%

Barcelona wants its residents and visitors to enjoy the many attractions that the city offers in a balanced way that respects the environment. Therefore it promotes a model of tourism based on respect for the city's economic, social, environmental and cultural resources. As a result, and because it is always innovating, Barcelona has established itself as a tourist destination committed to sustainability, with responsibly managed tourism and a cross-cutting strategy which seeks to ensure it is a model that will endure well into the future. Barcelona promotes green means of transport for both residents and visitors alike, including cycling, electric vehicles and public transport with low CO2 emissions. For promoting tourism that shares environmental responsibility between visitors and residents, Barcelona has been accredited with Biosphere certification as a responsible tourist destination. Barcelona is a pioneering city in terms of its architectural adaptation of public spaces for everyone, as well as in proposing improvements for the elderly and people with reduced mobility. A city open to everyone, with a wide range of possibilities for tourism related to social responsibility projects".