In parallel, the town’s two Tourist Information Offices have renewed their commitment to sustainably for another year.

Sitges Convention Bureau, the programme by Sitges Town Council for the promotion of meetings, congresses and conferences tourism, has signed up to the Biosphere commitment for the first time, a certification system recognising good practices in sustainability. The move is another step forward by the Councillor’s Office for Tourism, which is working to make the town a sustainable destination by fostering responsible behaviour by visitors, and in the MICE sector too.

The Councillor for Tourism, Xavier Ripoll, highlighted the importance of this move: “We’re the second convention bureau to sign up to the certification, it’s just us and Barcelona. Through actions such as this the Town Council’s goal is to consolidate a meetings tourism model which is more sustainable and respectful with our environment. Sitges is therefore positioning itself as a leading destination for responsible events, promoting practices that reduce its ecological footprint and look after the environment”.

This way, Sitges CB is strengthening its alignment with the goals of sustainable tourism. Notable tools available to facilitate this process include the guide to sustainable green events, to help organisers reduce the environmental impact of their activities in Sitges. The guide features a series of tips for events organisers to follow before, during and after their meetings and congresses, such as the use of public transport, opting for digital communication and cutting the use of paper, and the responsible management of any waste generated.

The Sitges Tourist Information Offices in Plaça Eduard Maristany and at Can Milà have successfully passed the Biosphere Destination audit again this year, fulfilling all the necessary requisites to maintain their status as a service committed to sustainability in tourism. This commitment involves the application of good practices in various spheres, such as climate change, waste management, energy efficiency and the conservation of cultural heritage. In addition, the town’s Tourist Information Offices work to foster sustainable behaviour among visitors by promoting the use of public transport to reduce their CO₂ footprint, driving actions such as water savings and respect for the local community.

Sitges and the Biosphere certificate

Sitges became a Biosphere-certified destination in 2016 and was the second place in Catalonia to gain the recognition after Barcelona. In December 2022 the town received the Biosphere Gold certification in recognition of the joint work carried out by the administration and local companies. Today there are 32 companies and tourist assets in or around Sitges that embrace the Biosphere commitment, such as the beaches, the Parc del Garraf, the Port d’Aiguadolç and the Club de Golf Terramar.

The Biosphere Destination certificate is a voluntary and independent initiative based on the principles of sustainability and ongoing improvement. Launched by the Responsible Tourism Institute (RTI), this accreditation is supported by UNESCO and the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and based on the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGS) that form part of the 2030 Agenda.