The initiative, a collaboration between the District and Barcelona Activa, primarily aims to increase local employment among residents and encourage the consumption of local products and services by tourists and tourism sector stakeholders.
Direct work has already begun with over 60 cultural institutions, hotels, and hotel chains in the district to identify employment needs and local product/service opportunities. Proximity hiring circuits are also being defined in coordination with Barcelona Activa for job offer channeling.
According to the Deputy Mayor and District Councilor, Albert Batlle, this office provides an opportunity for "the visitor economy to have a positive impact on a neighborhood level." The goal is for tourism establishments to recommend the district's own commercial and cultural offerings, thereby promoting unique businesses with a social dimension.
The Commissioner of the Pact for Ciutat Vella, Ivan Pera, highlighted that the measure addresses a significant citizen demand to ensure that tourism activity yields positive returns for Ciutat Vella's residents through responsible management focused on social impact.
The office originates from the pilot project "Compra a Ciutat Vella" (Shop in Ciutat Vella), a digital catalog of unique, sustainable, and locally rooted businesses, promoted among the district's hotels since the summer of 2024.
Its priority areas include four key aspects: proximity employment and hiring; local procurement by cultural and tourism facilities; promoting local businesses through these facilities; and Corporate Social Responsibility with territorial collaborations.
