Sustainability in tourism has gone from being a differentiating factor to a necessity. Destinations and companies that adopt sustainable practices gain greater competitiveness, attract a more conscious public, and contribute to the preservation of natural and cultural resources. In this context, the International Sustainability Certificate – Biosphere Sustainable It emerges as an essential tool to ensure that companies and destinations are aligned with global best sustainability practices.
What is Biosphere Sustainable?
O Biosphere Sustainable It is an internationally recognized certificate, developed by Responsible Tourism Institute (RTI), an organization linked to World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and to Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC). It certifies tourist destinations, businesses, and services that adopt concrete policies and actions in favor of sustainable development, following the principles of... The UN's 2030 Agenda and its 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Benefits of the Certificate
Companies and destinations that obtain the certificate. Biosphere Sustainable They demonstrate a commitment to sustainability and gain advantages such as:
- International recognition: The seal reinforces the credibility of the company or destination in the global market.
- Competitive advantage: Consumers are increasingly attentive to sustainable practices and prefer services that are committed to the environment and the community.
- Improved management: Certification provides a detailed diagnosis, helping to implement continuous improvements.
- Greater attractiveness for investors and tourists: The seal strengthens the institutional image and opens doors to new business opportunities.
- Monitoring and support: Certified companies have a management system in place to monitor and continuously improve their practices.
Who can obtain the certification?
O Biosphere Sustainable is available for tourist destinations, hotels, travel agencies, tour operators, restaurants, attractions, events and other businesses in the sector. that wish to implement practices aligned with the principles of sustainability. The certification process is structured to meet the needs of each type of business, ensuring that the requirements are applicable and adaptable to the specific characteristics of each segment.
How do I obtain the Biosphere Sustainable Certificate?
The certification process involves the following steps:
- Registration and sign-up on the Biosphere platform;
- Initial assessment, where sustainable practices already implemented are analyzed;
- Improvement plan, with guidelines for achieving global sustainability standards;
- External audit, carried out by independent experts;
- Obtaining the Biosphere Sustainable certification, after validation of best practices.
Success Stories: Destinations and Companies with Biosphere Sustainable Certification
The Biosphere Sustainable certification has been adopted by numerous destinations and companies worldwide. Currently, more than 4,400 companies in 77 countries are members of this program, standing out as examples of commitment to sustainability and, at the same time, attracting millions of tourists who annually visit destinations and companies certified by Biosphere. Below, we present some success stories:
Certified Destinations
- Barcelona, SpainIn 2011, Barcelona became the first city in the world to obtain Biosphere certification, awarded by the Institute for Responsible Tourism (ITR). This recognition highlights the city's commitment to sustainable tourism that respects the environment, local culture, and promotes social and economic benefits. Since then, more than 1,000 tourism businesses and entities in Barcelona have joined the program, reinforcing the city's position as a responsible tourism destination.See HERE!
- Thompson Okanagan, CanadaThe Thompson Okanagan region in British Columbia is a notable example of a destination that has earned Biosphere certification. This recognition reflects the region's commitment to sustainable tourism practices, aligned with the United Nations' 17 Sustainable Development Goals. The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) implemented the... Biosphere Commitment Program, which offers tourism companies tools and resources to measure, manage, and report on their sustainability efforts, preparing them for a globally recognized certification.See HERE!
- Historic Villages of PortugalThis group of 12 villages was the first networked destination worldwide to receive Biosphere Destination certification, demonstrating an exemplary balance between heritage, culture and the environment. See HERE!
- Gran Canaria, SpainThe island of Gran Canaria has obtained Biosphere certification, reinforcing its commitment to sustainable tourism practices and the conservation of its natural resources. See HERE!
- Tenerife, SpainRecognized for its sustainability initiatives, Tenerife has also earned Biosphere certification, promoting responsible and balanced tourism. See HERE!
Certified Companies
- FC BarcelonaThe football club renewed its Biosphere certification in 2024, demonstrating its ongoing commitment to sustainable practices ranging from environmental management to social and cultural initiatives. See HERE!
- Barcelona International Convention Center (CCIB)CCIB renewed its Biosphere certification in 2024, standing out for its environmentally responsible management practices and its contribution to sustainable tourism in the city.See HERE!
- Quinta do Tedo, PortugalThis winery and tourist accommodation obtained Biosphere Sustainable certification in July 2023, demonstrating its commitment to sustainable practices in the wine industry. See HERE!
- Your Hotel & Spa Alcobaça, PortugalThis hotel stands out for meeting all 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), holding the Biosphere Sustainable certification, in addition to other environmental and quality certifications. See HERE!
- Abreu Travel, PortugalThe travel agency Viagens Abreu has obtained Biosphere certification, attesting to its compliance with sustainable practices in the environmental, social, and good governance domains, aligned with the 17 SDGs of the United Nations 2030 Agenda. See here!
These examples illustrate how the Biosphere Sustainable certification has been successfully implemented in various contexts, promoting more responsible tourism aligned with the principles of sustainability.
Become a sustainable destination or business with Biosphere Sustainable!
A Girus Tourism Solutions is a sales representative of Biosphere Sustainable Certified in Brazil and is available to assist destinations and companies in the certification process.
If you want to make your company or destination more sustainable, increase your competitiveness, and gain international recognition, contact us to learn more about our services. Biosphere Sustainable And how do you get that certification!
Learn how to obtain Biosphere Certification and apply sustainability to your tourism business: ACCESS THE PRACTICAL GUIDE HERE!