The Asturian destination has renewed its Biosphere Sustainable Certified Gold certification, reinforcing its role as a benchmark for sustainable tourism in Spain. This distinction, granted by the Responsible Tourism Institute, recognizes Gijón/Xixón’s commitment to a tourism model aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and with the continuous improvement of destination management. It is a strong commitment to responsible tourism that inspires other cities to join the Biosphere community.
Gijón/Xixón has successfully renewed its Biosphere Sustainable Certified Gold certification, an acknowledgment that confirms its firm commitment to sustainable tourism and the continuous improvement of destination management. This achievement strengthens Gijón/Xixón’s position as one of Spain’s leading sustainable tourism destinations and consolidates its presence within the international Biosphere community of sustainable destinations.
The certification was granted after successfully passing an external audit conducted by an accredited team from the Responsible Tourism Institute (RTI). The final report highlighted the destination’s “solid commitment to sustainability” as well as “the rigor and transparency in the documentation and management of its Biosphere sustainability plan.”
Since 2013, Gijón/Xixón has pursued a model of responsible tourism development, with a strategy based on the integration of different plans and actions such as the Destination Tourism Sustainability Plan, the Smart Tourist Destination Action Plan, and the Tourism Accessibility Plan, among others. These efforts are reflected in concrete initiatives that promote social inclusion, improve business competitiveness, and encourage the active participation of the local tourism sector.
Currently, Gijón/Xixón has 30 entities certified with the Biosphere label and 12 more in the process of certification, demonstrating a strong commitment from the private sector to advancing toward a more conscious form of tourism aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
One of the greatest strengths of Gijón/Xixón’s tourism model is its ability to integrate sustainability across all dimensions: environmental, economic, social, and cultural. The city stands out for impactful initiatives such as the “Gijón/Xixón Tourism Commitment: Solidarity Collection” program, the “Gijón Legacy” project, the Gijón Future 2024–2027 social agreement, and other initiatives aimed at employment integration and social inclusion.
These actions, together with a long-term vision based on sustainability, responsible mobility, and quality of life, position Gijón/Xixón as an ideal destination for responsible tourism—one that generates real benefits for both the local community and visitors.
At Biosphere, we want to congratulate all those involved for renewing this commitment and for continuing to lead the way toward more balanced, regenerative, and respectful tourism. This renewal not only represents recognition of work well done but also encourages more destinations to follow Gijón/Xixón’s example, joining a global network that is steadily advancing toward sustainability.
The Biosphere Sustainable system enables both destinations and businesses to develop personalized action plans to improve their environmental, social, and economic impact, contributing to a tourism model that addresses today’s and tomorrow’s global challenges.
Gijón/Xixón proves that sustainability is possible when vision, commitment, and collective effort come together. Its example reinforces the message that tourism can and must be a positive force for people and the planet.