Madrid is taking a determined step towards purpose-driven tourism with the launch of the CO₂Responsables Madrid programme, a City Council initiative designed to encourage sustainability through the measurement, reduction and offsetting of emissions derived from tourism. The City Council is thus reinforcing its commitment to placing the capital among the most responsible urban destinations in Europe, involving both the tourism sector and travellers themselves in caring for the city. The programme is financed with NextGenerationEU funds as part of the 2021 Tourism Sustainability Plan in Destination.
CO₂Responsables Madrid is structured around two lines of action. The first is aimed at hotels, restaurants, cultural venues and other establishments, which can join a technology platform to measure and manage their carbon footprint and apply for official seals awarded by the City Council. There are two certifications, depending on the level of progress in emission reduction, and both are subject to external auditing and annual review. The Meliá Castilla hotel was the first to obtain the “Establishment with reduced emissions” seal.
The second line is aimed at visitors, who will be able to calculate and offset the carbon footprint of their trip using a simple tool available on the project website. Offsetting will be carried out through certified reforestation projects in Spain and will allow travellers to receive a certificate that reinforces their commitment to Madrid and to more responsible tourism.