Introduction
Sustainability has once again become a topic in the mainstream press — and we at Girus Soluções em Turismo were delighted to be mentioned in this highly relevant context. In an article published by NSC, the Hotel Boutique Quinta das Videiras, located in Lagoa da Conceição, Florianópolis, was recognized as the first hotel in Brazil to achieve this... Commitment Seal from Biosphere Sustainable, a global leader in sustainable tourism practices.
The article also highlighted Girus Soluções em Turismo's role as the official commercial representative of Biosphere in Brazil and as a company certified with the same seal. Our technical and institutional involvement in this process is a source of pride and reinforces our commitment to transforming Brazilian tourism.
What is the Biosphere Certificate?
Biosphere Sustainable is an international certification granted by the Institute for Responsible Tourism – ITR, based in Spain and partnered with UNESCO. It recognizes companies, destinations, and organizations that develop their operations in alignment with the UN's 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), promoting balanced management across environmental, social, economic, and cultural dimensions.
The certification process takes place in stages. The first step is... Biosphere Commitment Seal (Biosphere Committed) — which is the seal obtained by both Quinta das Videiras as much as for us, from Girus Tourism Solutions. This seal recognizes organizations that publicly commit to the SDGs and begin their journey towards more sustainable and conscious management.
Following this initial stage, the next step involves developing and implementing a strategic action plan, with goals and indicators aligned with the sustainability pillars of the Biosphere methodology. The company or destination then begins to register its initiatives, update data on the Biosphere Sustainable platform, and promote continuous improvements in areas such as governance, impact reduction, environmental education, social inclusion, and relations with the local community.
With the maturation of practices and the verification of results, it is possible to reach higher levels, such as the Biosphere Certified Seal, granted after external audit and validation of compliance with the commitments undertaken. This is a continuous process of evolution, in which each company or destination advances according to its context and degree of maturity.
In addition to Commitment Seal and of Biosphere Certified, There are even more advanced recognitions, aimed exclusively at tourist destinations:
- Biosphere Gold: Granted to destinations that, in addition to having certified public policies, demonstrate a strong commitment from the business sector to sustainability.
- Biosphere Platinum: Granted to destinations where public authorities and private companies work together in a coordinated manner, jointly promoting the adoption of more sustainable lifestyles and consumption experiences. In these territories, it is common to find several organizations already certified with the Biosphere Certified seal, demonstrating integrated and consolidated good practices.
Quinta das Videiras: the first hotel in Brazil with the seal.
The Quinta das Videiras Boutique Hotel became the first hotel in Brazil to achieve this. Commitment Seal Biosphere. Located in a charming area of Lagoa da Conceição, the hotel stands out for its structure, good environmental practices, and involvement with the local culture and economy.
As the commercial representative for the certification in Brazil, we enthusiastically followed and guided the hotel team through the process of joining. The result is a pioneering achievement that puts Santa Catarina and Brazil on the map of international sustainable tourism.
Girus: representative of the seal and also certified.
In addition to acting as the sole official commercial representative of Biosphere in Brazil, we have also received the Biosphere Commitment Seal as a company. This certification recognizes how we internally structure our practices, our work with tourist destinations, and the commitment we have publicly made to the Sustainable Development Goals.
We believe that leading by doing is essential — and that's why we made sure to go through the entire process, just like any other company that wants to start its journey with the certification. Today, we operate with expertise, technical knowledge, and legitimacy to guide destinations, attractions, and ventures that also want to take this step.
A highlight that inspires us to continue.
Seeing Girus recognized in the NSC article as a certified company and as a technical partner of the first Brazilian hotel to achieve this certification is a source of immense pride for us. More than an institutional achievement, it represents public recognition of our work focused on sustainability as an engine for tourism development.
We are certain that this is just the beginning. The Biosphere seal offers a clear, structured, and internationally validated path for companies and destinations in Brazil to make concrete progress in their social and environmental responsibility.
Conclusion
Girus remains committed to a more conscious, ethical, and transformative tourism. Whether as the official representative of the Biosphere seal in Brazil or as a certified consultancy, we are ready to support those who wish to take this step.
If you want to transform your business or tourist destination into a model of sustainability, we're here to help — with experience, methodology, and a clear purpose.
Do you want to be part of this change? Get in touch with Girus and discover how to begin your journey toward Biosphere certification.
See the full article – Hotel in Lagoa da Conceição is the first in Brazil to receive a global sustainability certification.