InterMundial Foundation celebrates the presentation of the 4th Responsible Tourism Award

InterMundial Foundation presented today, at Fitur, the 4th Responsible and Sustainable Tourism Award organized in collaboration with the International Tourism Trade Fair (FITUR) and the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).

The Responsible and Sustainable Tourism Award recognizes the commitment of companies in the sector to developing a type of tourism that advocates for practices and initiatives that are responsible toward the environment, the economy, and the local community within their business model.

Winners of the 4th Responsible and Sustainable Tourism Award

• Palladium Hotel Group
• Viajes El Corte Inglés
• Sociedad Geográfica de las Indias
• PANGEA The Travel Store
• Madrid
• Travel Inspirers Association

During the awards ceremony, which took place at the ITH space, Fiturtech, Manuel López, patron of the InterMundial Insurance Foundation, highlighted the importance of being able to hold this edition at a trade fair that will serve as the starting point for the sector's recovery. He also wanted to emphasize that “on the road to recovery, responsibility and sustainability will be valued by travelers more than ever. 2021 is ready to teach us that we must prioritize a new way of traveling that is more sustainable, accessible, and different.”

The event was attended by the Councilor for Tourism of the Madrid City Council, Almudena Maíllo, who accepted the award on behalf of the city of Madrid. In her speech, she highlighted how, after a very difficult year, “I feel great happiness to be able to gather here today in such an iconic place, showing that things can be done responsibly and proving that the people of Madrid never give up.”

Javier García Cuenca, president of the ITH, was in charge of presenting the award to Palladium Group, highlighting their environmental commitment and, especially, their priority goal of eliminating all single-use plastics in their hotels. The award was accepted by Hugo Lecanda, Director of Operations at Palladium Hotel Group.

Next, Ana Larrañaga, Director of Trade Fair Business at Ifema, presented the award to Viajes El Corte Inglés (VECI) for the implementation of their CSR Master Plan and their Utópica Travel initiative. Álvaro Gallego, the company's CSR Director, was in charge of accepting the award.

For its part, Sociedad Geográfica de las Indias, an agency specializing in travel to India, was awarded for its commitment to the development of the most disadvantaged groups in India and for its direct contribution to the comprehensive development of the communities with which it works. Its director, Pablo Pascual, received the award and highlighted how, over its 15-year history, the adventure of Sociedad Geográfica de las Indias has been a compendium of “daring, passion, and naivety.” Furthermore, during his speech, he wanted to make a special mention “to all the healthcare workers who, months ago, took care of us in these very pavilions.”

For its commitment to innovation, David Hernández, CEO and founder of the travel agency Pangea The Travel Store, received the award from Soraya Romero, Director of Sustainability at Iberostar Group.

Finally, the Travel Inspirers association, which brings together 13 travel bloggers and influencers, was also recognized for its work in promoting responsible and sustainable tourism through their blogs and social media channels. Accepting the award on behalf of all its members was Nani Arenas, a journalist specializing in travel and tourism communications.