More than 250 initiatives have been analyzed by the FiturNext Observatory for the 2026 Challenge

FITURNEXT, the FITUR Observatory dedicated to promoting good tourism practices with a focus on sustainability, announces that it has already analyzed more than 250 initiatives implemented around the world for the 2026 Challenge, focused on how tourism can contribute to the sustainable and responsible management of water through best practices that support a sustainable cycle.

With the call for entries open until August 31, nine initiatives will be selected as finalists, and three will become the winners of this upcoming edition, which will take place from January 21 to 25 as part of the International Tourism Fair in Madrid. 

Three key themes for sustainable and responsible water management in tourism

Reducing water consumption, reusing water from a circular perspective, and protecting the natural environment are some of the main focuses of tourism as a vehicle for water sustainability. Its main objectives are the responsible optimization of existing water resources and the reduction of consumption. All of this is achieved with the active participation of visitors, residents, and public and private organizations who seek to promote better management of water and its natural environment as a source of sustainability for tourism. As the research progresses, several thematic areas have been defined that encompass the values of the projects analyzed:

• Destinations and other territories: aimed at public administrations and territorial organizations that implement innovative strategies for sustainable water cycle management and that can serve as inspiration for other territories.
• HORECA and transport sector: focused on accommodation, catering, and transport companies that implement solutions to optimize water use in their tourism operations and do so in a participatory manner, playing an active role with both residents and visitors.
• Other stakeholders in the tourism value chain: for travel agencies, OTAs, travel experience providers, and other entities with tools or initiatives that promote responsible water use in tourism through travel. 

FITURNEXT, seven editions and over 1,750 initiatives analyzed 

This is the seventh edition of the Observatory, which already has a long history and recognition in the responsible and sustainable tourism industry. Over the past few years, FiturNext has analyzed around 1,750 initiatives that address the best sustainable practices in their destinations and contribute to fostering an industry that is more committed to the environment and the local community.

Destino FiturNext podcast has been launched. It already has several episodes focused on positive tourism and has already featured various industry experts and initiatives on gender equality, accessibility, and the regeneration of the natural environment, among other topics.