Bilbao Turismo (Bilbao Tourism), previously Bilbao Iniciativas Turísticas (Bilbao Tourism Initiatives), was created in 1992 by the Bilbao Town Council as a Local Autonomous Organisation. In 1999 it changed its legal status and became a municipally-owned Limited Company

Its aims and objectives are reflected in the Company Acts, and can be summarised in the company's corporate statement: "Bilbao Turismo is a Limited Company created to strategically manage Bilbao as a tourism product, with the task of supporting the city's economic development via the collaboration with other public and private agencies".

As a reflection of its commitment to cooperation and internationalisation, Bilbao Turismo is a member of:

- The Basque Country Tourism Assessment Council
- The Basque Country Interinstitutional Board
- Innobasque
- Bilbao Dendak
- Spain Convention Bureau
- International Congress and Convention Association
- European Cities Tourism