Sitges reaffirms its position as a benchmark in sustainable tourism in the Mediterranean by renewing its Biosphere Gold Destination certification. This recognition reflects years of joint work among institutions, businesses, and the local community to promote a responsible, inclusive tourism model aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The Mediterranean destination revalidates its commitment to sustainability and continuous improvement, advancing toward a more responsible tourism model aligned with the SDGs.
Sitges, one of the most emblematic destinations in the Mediterranean, has successfully renewed its Biosphere Gold Destination certification, awarded by the Responsible Tourism Institute (RTI). This international recognition accredits destinations that actively and comprehensively work on sustainability in its environmental, social, cultural, and good governance dimensions.
This renewal, achieved after successfully passing the annual audit, reinforces Sitges’s commitment to a responsible and regenerative tourism model and consolidates its position as a leader within the international network of Biosphere sustainable destinations.
Since Sitges first obtained the Biosphere certification in 2016, the municipality has maintained a steady trajectory in its commitment to sustainable tourism. In 2023, thanks to the high level of commitment from both the administration and the local business network, Sitges reached the Biosphere Gold level, which recognizes destinations with a high degree of excellence in sustainability.
Currently, 35 local resources and businesses—including hotels, restaurants, beaches, tourist offices, and local guides—are part of the Biosphere Commitment, demonstrating the tourism sector’s involvement with the values of sustainable development and continuous improvement.
At Biosphere, we congratulate the entire destination team and all public and private actors who make this transformation possible. This achievement reflects the joint work and Sitges’s commitment to real, measurable sustainability aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The renewal process for the Biosphere 2025 certification has once again highlighted the actions promoted under the 2024–2028 Tourism Marketing Plan, emphasizing the promotion of responsible, sustainable, and accessible tourism.
Among the most notable initiatives are the Strategic Plan for Tourism Accessibility and the PROA project, an innovative software that improves the accessibility of the municipality’s tourism resources. Likewise, the tourism decarbonization project, supported by Next Generation European funds, represents a key advance toward the destination’s climate neutrality.
These actions position Sitges as an example of sustainable governance, where collaboration among institutions, businesses, and citizens drives a tourism strategy aligned with emission reduction, energy efficiency, and social inclusion.
Beyond its recognitions, Sitges is defined by its Mediterranean identity and its commitment to authenticity. In its whitewashed streets, coastline, and natural surroundings—with Garraf Park as a symbol—sustainability becomes a way of life.
Traveling to Sitges means doing so without rush, choosing low‑impact routes, consuming local products, and enjoying experiences that strengthen the bond between visitors and the community.
Sustainability here is not a sacrifice but an opportunity to travel better, with more meaning and less impact.
The Biosphere Gold Destination certification distinguishes destinations that not only meet high environmental standards but also promote social equity, cultural heritage protection, and sustainable economic development.
In the case of Sitges, this distinction supports an integral tourism management approach that seeks to balance economic, environmental, social, and cultural dimensions, enhancing the destination’s competitiveness and reputation.
At Biosphere and the Responsible Tourism Institute, we celebrate this renewal and encourage more destinations and companies to follow Sitges’s example by joining the international network of Biosphere Sustainable destinations to build together more conscious, responsible, and transformative tourism.