The current drought emergency means some companies are working to cut their water consumption, with initiatives such as the “4-minute challenge” in Yurbban hotels, encouraging guests to reduce the time they spend in the shower, or the reuse of grey water at the St Christopher’s Inn hostel.

Companies obtain the certificate from the Responsible Tourism Institute, based on the 17 Sustainable Development Goals in the UN 2030 Agenda.

Destination Barcelona is still the only Biosphere Platinum certified destination in the world, after gaining recognition in 2011. This status was achieved through the Barcelona Biosphere Commitment to Sustainable Tourism, resulting from consensus between the City Council, Barcelona Provincial Council, the Tourism Consortium and the Chamber of Commerce.