The hotel, managed by Suara Inserció, the social enterprise established by Suara Cooperativa, has been recognised by Besalú Town Council as part of a programme promoting sustainability and social responsibility among local businesses.
A hotel can be much more than a place to stay. It can create employment opportunities, help preserve local heritage and promote economic activity that supports people and the local community. This is the philosophy behind Hotel Casa Marcial, our hotel project in Besalú, which has recently received the "Besalú més Sostenible" award.
On 21 October, Besalú Town Council, with the support of the Girona Provincial Council, recognised six local businesses and shops for their participation in the "Besalú més sostenible: empreses i comerços amb propòsit" programme ("A More Sustainable Besalú: Businesses and Shops with Purpose"), an initiative promoting the integration of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into business activities.
The award marks the culmination of a process that has enabled Casa Marcial to identify and highlight its good practices in social responsibility, environmental sustainability and responsible management.
A hotel project that creates opportunities
Managed by Suara Inserció since 2023, Casa Marcial combines hospitality with a social mission: providing training, employment and professional development opportunities for people experiencing social or economic vulnerability.
The hotel currently employs two people participating in supported employment pathways. They contribute to the hotel's daily operations while receiving professional guidance and training tailored to their individual needs.
The aim goes beyond providing an initial work experience. We support people in developing their skills, building autonomy and confidence, and improving their prospects of entering the mainstream labour market.
This approach to business is one of Casa Marcial's key distinguishing features: demonstrating that it is possible to deliver a high-quality hospitality experience while also generating positive social impact.
Environmental sustainability and commitment to the local community
The award also recognises the measures implemented by the hotel to reduce the environmental impact of its operations.
These include energy-efficient lighting, rainwater harvesting for garden irrigation, reducing single-use packaging and preventing food waste.
Casa Marcial also maintains strong ties with the local community by sourcing locally produced goods, collaborating with local businesses and helping preserve and showcase Besalú's historic heritage.
This commitment is also reflected in the hotel's active participation in the "Besalú més Sostenible" programme. In July, the hotel hosted an event bringing together representatives of the local business community, where its director, Xavier Sala, shared Casa Marcial's experience as a business committed to the SDGs.
"This recognition encourages us to continue developing a hotel model that cares for our guests, our employees and the environment around us. For us, sustainability is an integral part of how we approach and manage this project, and we want to keep moving forward in this direction," said Xavier Sala.
A different approach to business
The "Besalú més Sostenible" award reinforces Suara Inserció's commitment to developing business activities that combine quality, economic viability and social impact.
Through Casa Marcial, we continue to demonstrate that tourism can be a driver of social transformation and contribute to a more inclusive, sustainable economy rooted in the local community.
Want to learn more about the hotel? Visit the Casa Marcial website or call +34 608 029 427.