The latest audit highlights Sitges’ strong points as its projects for reducing different sources of pollution at the destination, its tourism promotion policy within the tourism marketing plan 2024-2027 and its strategic plan on tourist sustainability.  

Sitges has again shown its commitment to sustainability and responsible tourism by getting its Biosphere certification renewed, awarded by the Responsible Tourism Institute (RTI). This recognition reaffirms the town’s adoption of a tourism model that respects the environment, culture, the economy and the well-being of its residents and visitors.

The Biosphere certification assesses and recognises destinations that meet high standards on sustainability in areas such as environmental management, cultural conservation, social inclusion and positive economic impact. Sitges has successfully passed the 2024 validation process, enabling it to ratify its Biosphere Gold distinction, reaffirming the town as a pioneering destination and recognising its collaboration with other stakeholders and businesses in the local tourism sector.

Notable strong points this year include the town’s investment in various projects to cut different sources of pollution at the destination, its tourism promotion policy within the tourism marketing plan 2024-2027 and its strategic plan on tourist sustainability. 

The Councillor for Tourism, Xavi Ripoll, stressed that "this renewal of the Biosphere Gold certification demonstrates our efforts to make Sitges a destination that is not only attractive for visitors, but also respectful towards our environment and our community. We’ll keep working to become a global role-model in sustainable tourism”.

About Sitges and the Biosphere certification

Sitges first gained the Biosphere distinction in 2016 and was the second destination in Catalonia to do so, just after Barcelona. Thanks to the involvement and level of commitment from its companies and local tourism services, the town gained the higher Biosphere Gold certification in 2023, awarded to destinations that have achieved a level of excellence in sustainability. At present, 29 resources and companies in Sitges adhere to the Biosphere commitment, including hotels, restaurants, beaches, tourist guides, tourist offices and more.