Sustainable tourism in Tarragona takes a firm step forward with the Biosphere Certified certification. The city joins the international network of destinations committed to a tourism model aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), strengthening its leadership as a benchmark in sustainability, culture, and territorial responsibility.
Tarragona, a Mediterranean city with a two-thousand-year-old heritage recognized by UNESCO, has taken a decisive step toward a more sustainable tourism model by obtaining the Biosphere Certified distinction, awarded by the Responsible Tourism Institute (RTI). This international certification recognizes compliance with sustainable tourism standards aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
This milestone consolidates Tarragona as one of the leading sustainable destinations in Catalonia and reinforces its commitment to a more balanced tourism model, respectful of the environment, and aligned with the social, environmental, and cultural values of its community.
The Biosphere Certified certification means that Tarragona has passed a thorough external audit verifying the implementation of sustainable best practices in its tourism management.
Tarragona Biosphere Destination is a recognition that not only guarantees compliance with the commitments made by the destination but also allows continuous monitoring and improvement of its results in key areas such as governance, environment, circular economy, social inclusion, culture, and tourism quality.
Under the slogan “Tarragona, between blue and green,” the Tarragona City Council is shaping a sustainable ecotourism model backed by the Sustainable Tourism Destination Plan, financed by the European Union’s Next Generation Funds, within the Recovery, Transformation, and Resilience Plan. This project promotes the green and digital transition, energy efficiency, and destination competitiveness, consolidating a long-term strategy in favor of sustainable tourism in Tarragona.
Thanks to the Biosphere methodology, Tarragona has been able to evaluate and link its tourism initiatives with the 17 United Nations SDGs, generating data and indicators that rigorously measure the destination’s impact in social, environmental, cultural, and economic terms.
Tarragona thus joins the international community of Biosphere sustainable destinations, a global network of territories committed to responsible and regenerative tourism, based on principles of transparency, continuous improvement, and active participation of all stakeholders in the sector.
From Biosphere, we want to congratulate the technical team of the Tarragona City Council and all the people and institutions who contributed to this achievement. Their work reflects the collective commitment to a more sustainable future for tourism in Catalonia and Europe.
Tarragona is not only living history, with its Roman heritage listed as a World Heritage Site, but also a vibrant city 365 days a year, combining culture, gastronomy, nature, and the sea in an environment that invites visitors to enjoy it in a slow and mindful way.
This recognition is also an invitation for more destinations to follow Tarragona’s example and commit to responsible tourism management that puts people, biodiversity, and cultural heritage at the center.
Photo: Tarragona Turisme