Mario Tirado (Meliá): FITUR 2026 helped us to strengthen relationships and open up new opportunities
Interview with the Designer & Trade Fair Specialist at Meliá Hotels International: "FITUR is an international showcase that helps us to stay top-of-mind with our stakeholders".
"Over the course of the trade fair we held more than a hundred meetings, which shows the interest that Meliá generates and how intensive our agenda was".
What was the main message conveyed by your stand at the last edition of FITUR?
This year, our 70th anniversary played a central role in our stand communication. It was the perfect occasion to look back on our legacy, review our history and share how we see the future of the company. In addition, we presented our latest openings and expansion plans, with almost 30 new hotels planned by 2026. The main message was clear: Meliá, with 70 years of experience, continues to be a benchmark for the hotel industry in Spain and faces the coming years with ambition, solidity and a global vision of growth.
What did the trade fair represent for your company?
The assessment is very positive. Like every year, FITUR is an essential event for us: not only because of its importance in the tourism industry, but also because it allows us to meet a huge cross-section of our partners face-to-face. It enables us to network with contacts ranging from commercial and expansion roles, to investors, academic centres, tech companies, the media, customers or young talent. It’s a space that really helps us to strengthen relationships and open up new opportunities, and that’s why we have always been committed to attending.
How did it go for you in terms of business agenda and activities?
Over the course of the trade fair we hosted over a hundred diverse meetings, which shows the interest that Meliá generates and how busy our schedule was at FITUR. In addition, we held our press conference with the chairman of Meliá, a key moment to share all our news. We also organised the MeliáPRO Awards, with which we recognise the work of travel agencies, and we had a very important meeting with the Les Roches hospitality school, where we formalised an important academic collaboration agreement.
How does FITUR influence Meliá's relationship with all its stakeholders?
FITUR is an international showcase that helps us stay top-of-mind with all our stakeholders: customers, partners, investors, institutions, the media and talent. Our presence at FITUR gives us visibility, strengthens existing relationships and opens up new opportunities for collaboration and business. In short, it has a direct impact on our business and helps us to further advance our goals as a company.