NEWSLETTER

Following the path set by the United Nations (UN) with the adoption of 2017 as the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for the Development, Catalonia advocates for a model of responsible, accessible, environmentally sustainable and socially inclusive tourism.

The Catalan Tourist Board is actively promoting the development of new experiences that capture the vibe and authenticity of the destination and ensure better quality experiences for both visitors and locals.

International association Global Green Destinations has listed Terres de l'Ebre as one of the top 100 sustainable tourism destinations in the world in recognition of its environmental values. The destination was declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 2013.

Terres de l'Ebre is one of the most emblematic and unique areas in the Mediterranean, as it includes the fascinating Ebro Delta, with its 320 square kilometres of wetlands and extensive rice fields. The area has been declared Natural Park and is the ideal place for bird watching. The Ebro Delta also provides visitors with a range of activities, such as river navigation, fishing 'a la paupa' (a revived local method of catching fish by hand) and cycling, in addition to enjoying its numerous unspoilt beaches.

Els Ports Natural Park, with its close to 1,500-metre-high peaks, is home to more than 1,200 different plant species and offers a different landscape for hiking and more challenging bike activities. 

Less than 40 minutes from Barcelona, the Penedès 360º circular routes offer 3 different ways to discover the beautiful landscapes of one of Catalonia's major wine and cava producing regions: on foot, by mountain bike and by normal bike. Penedès has been mainly a rural area for centuries, growing vineyards and producing wines as a way of living. This project approaches a sustainable use of the destination and puts value to old cultural sites (wine cellars considered architectural masterpieces) and the traditional rural landscape and paths.

The three 150 to 270 km-long circular routes, which explore the Penedès coastline, vineyards and mountain regions, are made up of a number of stages. Combined with its gastronomy, cultural and wine tourism options, offers a complete and unique experience that can be enjoyed year-round thanks to the mild and pleasant Penedès climate. 

The Catalan coast has been extensively included in WILDSEA Europe, as part of this route connecting European coastal destinations that offer ecotourism experiences actively nurturing love and respect for the ocean. Check the best marine wildlife experiences one can enjoy in Catalonia here: from sea swimming, snorkelling and diving, to kayaking or sailing!

WILDSEA Europe is a network of ecotourism operators and destinations working together to empower marine and outdoors ecotourism in Europe. Its main purpose is to deliver a fantastic offer of tourism experiences, while empowering small, local businesses of coastal communities, supporting sustainable livelihoods, enhancing ocean literacy through citizen science and preserving our marine ecosystems.

The town of Sitges, located 30 km south of Barcelona, has received the sustainable tourism certification ‘Biosphere Destination’ awarded by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council. This certificate is a recognition of the quality, environmental sustainability and social responsibility of Sitges as a tourist destination.

Sheltered by the Garraf mountains and due to its geographical position in the Mediterranean, Sitges has a warm climate that makes it possible to enjoy outdoor activities all year long. Throughout the year numerous events take place in this beautiful town, such as the Sitges International Fantastic Film Festival of Catalonia, its renowned Carnival or the International Vintage Car Rally Barcelona-Sitges. One can also enjoy taking a stroll along the sea-front boulevard, a bike ride through the Garraf Natural Park or soak up the atmosphere of the Sitges nights.

The Barcelona Sustainable Tourism (BST) programme, launched by Turisme de Barcelona, offers visitors products and services that will allow them to enjoy the city in a sustainable way. An example of such activities is the accessible guided tour around the Gothic Quarter of Barcelona for people with reduced mobility or others disabilities.

What was the former Roman colony like? What transformations have taken place over the centuries? This guided tour will give an insight into the present and past of Barcelona’s oldest district, from its Roman origins to the present day. 

The one-hour tour is led by an English-speaking professional guide and is adapted to the mobility and pace of those taking part. While the scheduled tours take in a maximum of 10 people, there is the possibility to adapt the day and time of tours for private groups.

April 7 sees the gates open on Europe’s first Ferrari theme park, which will boast the highest and fastest vertical accelerator in the continent. The opening of Ferrari Land consolidates PortAventura World's position as a leading global leisure destination, with five hotels, three theme parks, a conference centre, three golf courses and a beach club.

The attractions on the 70,000-square-metre Ferrari Land site include replicas of the Colosseum in Rome and St Mark´s Campanile bell tower in Venice. The park will offer adrenalin-fuelled activities to delight both families and Ferrari enthusiasts of any age. The vertical accelerator is the star of the show, setting a double record: as the highest (112 metres) and fastest (0-180 km/h in 5 seconds) rollercoaster in Europe.

Tickets are already on sale. To enjoy the 11 attractions designed for the whole family, advance booking is recommended. 

> Barcelona is offering the opportunity to visit its art nouveau buildings at special prices to mark The Year of Puig i Cadafalch, commemorating the 150th anniversary of the birth of this architect and Gaudí contemporary. The architect's houses around Barcelona with scheduled activities include: Casa de les Punxes, Casa Serra (Els 4 Gats), Casa Muley Afid, Palau Baró de Quadras, Palau Macaya and the former Casaramona Factory.

> A new website gathers, for the first time, information about all 14 works designed by Gaudí in one single online platform. The Portalgaudi.cat aims at promoting and disseminating the architectural heritage of the architect and it is available in four languages (Catalan, Spanish, English and French).

> Art nouveau cultural attractions to (re-)open in 2017 include Gaudí’s Casa Vicens, a UNESCO heritage building; Torre Andreu (also known as La Rotonda) by architect Ruiz i Casamitjana; and Casa de les Punxes by architect Puig i Cadafalch. 

Catalonia's first tourist restaurant-train is set to begin running this Easter, taking visitors on a 40-minute-long trip, with aperitifs offered on the way there and lunch on the way back.

This new service has been developed as a special package deal for cruise passengers arriving at the Port of Barcelona and wanting to visit Montserrat. The trip collects cruise passengers from the Port and takes them to board the train to Monistrol. Once at Monistrol, passengers can take the Montserrat rack railway up to visit the monastery. On their return, they will be able to enjoy lunch on the restaurant-train.

The restaurant-train is an Alstom locomotive manufactured in France in 1955, with carriages dating from the early twentieth century belonging to the former General Catalan Railway Company, which were restored in 1945. The train retains its original appearance both inside and out, and is able to accommodate up to 40 passengers. Trips are run by FGC prior arrangement. 

Catalonia was chosen by the Belgian Climbing Team as their training destination! During their stay, the group of climbers discovered Catalonia’s most renowned climbing sites: Siurana and Margalef.

 "The best spot in the world to climb is Siurana. We absolutely loved it."

"There are routes for every climbing level; both professionals and amateurs can enjoy climbing in Catalunya."

"The accommodation was perfect; people are very friendly, flexible and helpful; the local atmosphere is great; and the nature is just unbelievable. We never imagined such an incredible place like this so close to Barcelona."

(Tijl Smitz & Robby Toth)

> Catalonia Trek Festival - Fam Trip & Workshop
   Costa Brava (May 03-07)
   [Registration open]

> Sea Otter Europe - Fam Trip
   Costa Brava (June 02-04) 
   [Registration open]

> MEET Catalunya - Fam Trip & Workshop
   Catalonia (June 14-17)
   [Registration open]

> Presentation Gran Barcelona
   Amsterdam (June 15)
   [Registration open]