Barcelona: 31st Most Attractive for Conscious Travelers
published on 18.05.24
According to a survey released by KAYAK, Barcelona, Madrid and Málaga -ranked 31st, 60th and 62nd, respectively- are the three Spanish cities included in a ranking that places cities depending on how attractive cities are when it comes to sustainability-related features.
City Index for Mindful Travellers (CIMT)
KAYAK’s source to make the ranking is based on an index that values regards such as airport carbon accreditation, local traffic, or air quality: they have called it City Index for Mindful Travellers (CIMT), in which Rotterdam takes the lead.
As a matter of fact, European cities are in the top 30 of this ranking, except for Tokyo, a city placed in the 29th position. Moreover, after Rotterdam, the podium is taken by Amsterdam and Graz. Rotterdam’s Airport Carbon Accreditation, the city’s variety of prices of accommodations rated by Booking.com, the large urban network and the length of cycling routes place the Dutch city on top.
In the same way, Amsterdam has a remarkable amount of cycling options and walkable streets, which allows pedestrians to access the city easily. Gaze, on the other hand, concentrates a pedestrian-friendly UNESCO World Heritage city centre, excellent rail connections and vehicle charging stations.
Barcelona ranks as the 31st most attractive city for conscious travelers due to its commitment to sustainability and rich cultural heritage. This Mediterranean hub has implemented various initiatives to promote eco-friendly tourism, making it a model city for sustainable urban tourism.
Barcelona: more local culture respectfully and sustainably
One of the city’s key strategies is the promotion of responsible travel practices among tourists. Barcelona encourages visitors to engage with the local culture respectfully and sustainably. For example, it supports small businesses and local artisans by promoting markets and local crafts, helping maintain the city’s unique Catalan identity while also boosting the local economy.
Moreover, Barcelona has made significant investments in sustainable infrastructure. The extensive public transportation network, including buses, trams, and a comprehensive metro system, is powered increasingly by renewable energy sources. This not only reduces the city’s carbon footprint but also provides a convenient, affordable, and eco-friendly way for tourists to explore the city.
The city also boasts numerous green spaces, such as the Parc de la Ciutadella and the Montjuïc area, which are vital for biodiversity and provide locals and tourists alike with a natural retreat from the urban environment. These areas host a variety of activities that educate visitors about local flora and fauna and the importance of environmental preservation.
Barcelona’s approach to sustainable tourism is reflected in its accommodation options as well. Many hotels in the city are certified with eco-labels, assuring travelers of their commitment to environmental standards such as reducing energy consumption, minimizing waste, and using sustainable materials. Even our campus in Barcelona has recently received LEED GOLD and WELL Platinum certifications for its commitment to high quality and sustainability standards.
TBS Education-Barcelona is a well-aware school in terms of sustainability. This value is not only present in specific fields or studies like our MSc Sustainable Financial Management with Data Analytics or our Sustainable Business specialization track in our Bachelor in Management, but it is also one of our fundamental bases to build a better future for our students, in order for them to make a positive impact on society.
Learn more about our MSc Sustainable Financial Management with Data Analytics and our Bachelor in Management here:
