Catalonia is a leading sustainable destination and holds the first Biosphere Destination certification as an integrated tourist destination, awarded by the Responsible Tourism Institute, an organisation supported by UNESCO and a member of the UNWTO and the Global Sustainable Tourism Council. This certification recognises the quality, environmental sustainability, and social responsibility of tourism destinations. Catalonia boasts an exceptional natural heritage and biodiversity, treasure to be discovered and preserved. It has an extensive network of highly valuable natural areas that range from high mountains to the coastal plains.

The system of protected areas is based on a network of 184 zones of ecological value that include a national park (Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici), areas of environmental interest, landscapes, monuments and nature reserves.
The Catalan Tourist Board leads the Med Pearls project, which aims to create 26 different tourism experiences across several Mediterranean countries. These experiences must take place in low-density tourist areas with high potential for developing Slow Tourism products. The initiative focuses on responsible and sustainable tourism, promoting the Mediterranean as a high-quality destination.

Some of the new sustainable tourism and ecotourism initiatives in Catalonia include:
•Barcelona, UNESCO’s Global Hub for the Sustainable Blue Economy
•Sustainable tourism in Tarragona takes a firm step forward with the Biosphere Certified certification
•DO Penedès in Catalonia: The World’s First 100% Organic Wine Region by 2025
•Vallter 2000 to Undergo Major Rewilding and Sustainable Transformation
•Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya Named World’s Most Sustainable Motorsport Circuit

In Catalonia, there are many eco-friendly hotels that care for their guests while respecting the environment, as well as sustainable experiences and much more. This sustainable philosophy is applied across the board to make better use of natural resources and reduce the carbon footprint. For more information about ecotourism in Catalonia: www.ecotourism_catalonia