FITUR recognises leadership, innovation and sustainability in tourism at its annual awards ceremony

FITUR, organised by IFEMA MADRID, today held the FITUR 2026 Awardsceremony, an annual event that recognises excellence, creativity, sustainability and contributions to the development of the tourism industry. The event, held at WAH Madrid, brought together representatives from institutions, tourism professionals, businesses and national and international destinations.

The ceremony was attended by Ana Muñoz Llabrés, Director-General for Tourism Policy at the Spanish Ministry of Industry and Tourism; Marco Sansavini, Chairman of the FITUR Organising Committee and CEO and President of Iberia; and Daniel Martínez, Executive Vice President of IFEMA MADRID; alongside other officials and representatives of the award-winning destinations and projects.

Best Stand Awards

In the ‘Countries and Regions’ category, the awards went to Guatemala-Inguat, the Egyptian Tourism Authority and the Abu Dhabi Department of Culture & Tourism. In the ‘Institutions and Autonomous Communities’ category, Madrid, Castile and León, and Turismo de Galicia were recognised. Meanwhile, in the ‘Companies’ category, the awards went to Vincci Hotels, Meliá Hotels International and ALSA.

Best Sustainable Stand Awards

Sustainability once again took centre stage with the presentation of the Sustainable Stand Awards, which recognise exhibition proposals developed in accordance with responsible criteria and are aimed at minimising environmental impact. The winners at this year’s event were the Government of Cantabria, Piñero, Castelldefels City Council and Turismo de Galicia.

Active Tourism Awards

The FITUR Active Tourism Awards were also presented, recognising initiatives that showcase natural and cultural resources through high-quality, sustainable tourism experiences. In the national category, ‘Huesca, la magia de la aventura’ and ‘L'arròs de Castelldefels Enogastronomic Experience’ were the award-winning entries. In the international category, this year’s winners were ‘Ruta de las Aves del Noreste Mexicano’ and ‘Festa de Caminhadas na Arrábida de Setúbal’ (Portugal).

FITUR-Jorge Vila Fradera Tribune Award

Finally, FITUR presented the 23rd Tribuna FITUR - Jorge Vila Fradera Award, which recognises research and knowledge applied to tourism. This year’s winning entry was ‘Gestión pública del turismo e innovación en destinos urbanos: Estado de la cuestión’, (Public management of tourism and innovation in urban destinations: state of the art) by Núria Guitart Casalderrey, Professor at the CETT Barcelona School of Tourism, Hospitality, and Gastronomy, an institution affiliated with the University of Barcelona, and Coordinator of the UB-CETT Chair

Through these awards, FITUR reaffirms its commitment to promoting innovative, responsible and value-generating tourism, highlighting those initiatives, destinations, companies and professionals that contribute to the strengthening and transformation of the tourism industry at both national and international level.