Sitges has renewed its Biosphere Gold certification, an international recognition granted by the Responsible Tourism Institute (RTI) to destinations actively working on comprehensive tourism sustainability in terms of the environment, society, culture and good governance. The ceremony to award the Biosphere certifications was held at the Hotel Sunway Playa Golf, where there was also recognition for 36 local resources and tourism companies that form part of the Biosphere Commitment.

The 35 tourism services that renewed their sustainability distinctions are: Agbar, Blau Sitges, Club de Golf Terramar, Cristina Milà, Gremi d'Hostaleria de Sitges, Hola Camp Sitges Garrofer, Hola Camp Sitges Relax, Hotel Calipolis, La Caseta, Little Beach House, ME Sitges Terramar, Nootka Kayak & Sup, les dues oficines de turisme de Sitges, 15 platges, Port de Sitges - Aiguadolç, Sitges Convention Bureau, Sències Can Girona, Sunway Playa Golf & Spa, Vivero Beach Club and Xiringuito Iguana. The Observatori Astronòmic del Garraf has also adhered to the commitment for the first time.

Sitges has managed to renew the Gold certification for its ongoing work in favour of a responsible tourism model, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals and geared towards preserving the environment, cultural heritage and people’s quality of life. During the ceremony to award the distinctions, the Mayor of Sitges, Aurora Carbonell, noted that “sustainability is one of main areas in municipal government policy. This Biosphere Gold renewal shows that we’re heading in the right direction, with a more balanced and environmentally respectful tourism model. This is a collective success that we share with the whole local sector”. For his part, the Councillor for Tourism, Xavier Ripoll, noted that “the renewal reflects our collective, ongoing progress towards a more responsible, balanced tourism model, aligned with Sitges” values. Ripoll added that “progress on this responsible tourism model requires a collaborative approach involving the public and private sectors and local stakeholders.”

This year’s validation process once again highlighted various strategies the destination is implementing through the 2024–2028 Tourism Marketing Plan. The approach of the Councillor’s Office for Tourism centres on a responsible, sustainable and accessible promotion, which it has transferred to its projects. Some of the most outstanding projects include the strategic tourist accessibility plan, with special recognition for the PROA project, a digital tool aimed at improving the accessibility of tourism resources. Similarly, the development of the decarbonisation project for companies in the sector, which calculates their carbon footprint and proposes specific improvements to reduce emissions associated with tourism.

Sitges and the Biosphere certification

Sitges first earned Biosophere certification in 2016, becoming the second Catalan destination (only after Barcelona) to do so. In 2023, thanks to the commitment of the destination and the local tourism sector, Sitges reached Biosphere Gold level, which recognises destinations with an exceptional level of sustainability excellence.

This recognition is part of the ‘Barcelona Biosphere Destination Tourism Sustainability Commitment’ programme led by Node Garraf, the Barcelona Provincial Council and the Barcelona Chamber of Commerce.