Northern European cities still dominate sustainable tourism rankings. However, Barcelona’s made impressive progress. The city climbed 17 positions in just one year, landing at number 14 in the latest Global Destination Sustainability Index.
Helsinki, Gothenburg and Copenhagen top the 2025 list. Nevertheless, Barcelona now sits ahead of Berlin, Dublin, Bilbao, Madrid, Marseille and Amsterdam. That’s quite the leap from last year’s 31st position.
The index uses 76 indicators across four areas. Destination management, social indicators like accessibility and citizen impact, environmental measures, and supplier quality all get assessed. Barcelona scores particularly well on that last category, which covers hotels, agencies and restaurants.
Meanwhile, the index evaluates nearly 100 cities worldwide and publishes the top 40. For southern European cities specifically, Barcelona ranks second behind Lyon in supplier quality. It beats Bilbao, Madrid, Valencia and Amsterdam in that category.
Among major metropolises, Barcelona leads in supply chain certifications. The assessment examines local tourism businesses, including event organisers, hotels, venues and restaurants. Barcelona scores over 81% in all four measured areas, with supplier quality hitting 85%.
The social category scored 82%. The GDS notes Barcelona is ‘an open and cosmopolitan city where social cohesion is a reality’. Furthermore, it ranks among the world’s best for quality of life, safety and equality. The report also highlights promotion of green transport with certifications and management measures.
Tourism Commissioner José Antonio Donaire says the 17-position jump ‘shows the City Council’s strategy is heading in the right direction’. His goal is making Barcelona the first urban destination where tourists consume water, energy and generate waste at the same level as residents.
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