Casa Vicens obtains the Biosphere certification for its commitment to tourism sustainability

Gaudí’s first house demonstrates its commitment to the city’s tourism sustainability

Today, Gaudí’s first house obtained the Barcelona Biosphere Commitment to Sustainable Tourism certificate (CSTBB) in an online ceremony broadcast from the Barcelona Chamber of Commerce. The event included speeches by Xavier Marcé, Barcelona City Council Councillor for Tourism and Creative Industries; Abigail Garrido, Deputy Delegate for Tourism of the Barcelona Provincial Council; Mònica Roca, President of the Barcelona Chamber of Commerce; and Eduard Torres, President of the Turisme de Barcelona Executive Committee.

More than 200 entities were awarded certification at the event, including prestigious hotel, tourist and cultural facilities of the City of Barcelona.

During the certification process, Gaudí’s first house once again emphasized the project’s values (proximity, audacity, creativity, discovery and excellence). It put the focus on its projects linked with the Gràcia neighbourhood, its constant participation in city activities, support for local businesses, efficient management of the building, and the creation of sustainable experiences and products that help position the City of Barcelona in the tourism market in a responsible manner.

One of the features of this stamp is the on-going improvement it entails. A continuous improvement plan in the field of sustainability – environmental, social and economic – must be presented in order to obtain the certification. The plan includes short-, medium- and long-term actions that enable the facility to integrate sustainable behaviours into its day to day operation and demonstrate the City of Barcelona’s commitment to tourism sustainability.

This sustainability certification is thus added to the list of those obtained by this World Heritage Site in under a year. They include the Safe Tourism badge awarded by the Institute for Spanish Tourism Quality, and the Safe Travels stamp endorsed by the World Travel and Tourism Council. Both certifications recognize the correct application of all the health and hygiene measures established to address COVID-19.