Tourism is one of the most important activities in Barcelona and represents a priority for the city, both for the contribution it represents to the economy of the city and for the various effects it generates in urban dynamics.

Barcelona has grown as an international tourist destination since the 1992 Olympic Games, with tourism being a key factor in the successive transformations of the city. In recent years, tourism activity has multiplied its presence in the city, which has motivated a citizen debate on the sustainability of tourism development. In recent years the city has deployed measures to integrate urban tourism management, incorporate voice of the community in the deliberation on tourism, firmly fight against illegal practices in areas such as holiday rentals, support economic activity linked to responsible tourism, and improve management in spaces with greater tourist pressure, among other aspects.

Barcelona was the first urban destination to obtain the Biosphere certification for its commitment to sustainability in the tourism sector.