Observatori FabraTurisme de Barcelona has officially unveiled its Barcelona Convention Bureau (BCB) Legacy Programme, a strategic initiative designed to amplify the positive impact of congresses and events held in the city, extending their benefits far beyond their duration.
As explained by BCB’s director, Christoph Tessmar, “the point is to generate an impact that has a lasting effect beyond the event itself, to share and promote knowledge, professional connections, and to drive scientific and technological advancements within the framework of the economic development of the sector”.
A dedicated legacy team within BCB has already started working on four major congresses in 2025, including the European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) Congress in April, for which BCB is partnering with the Spanish Association Against Cancer to raise awareness on colorectal cancer prevention.
The Legacy Handbook, developed as part of the initiative, provides a methodology framework to guide associations in creating tailored projects aligned with Barcelona’s social, economic and environmental priorities.
BCB offers associations varying levels of support – from full project creation to integration into existing local initiatives – ensuring adaptability and impact.
Jordi Clos, President of Turisme de Barcelona, emphasised the importance of attracting congresses that actively contribute to the city’s social fabric and knowledge ecosystem, citing the Mobile World Congress as a precedent for transformative, community-driven legacies.
With Barcelona hosting over 500 congresses annually, this programme seeks to position the city not only as a leading congress destination, but as a pioneer in embedding lasting value into the DNA of business events.