These are the winners of the 8th Responsible and Sustainable Tourism Awards

The Intermundial Foundation has presented the 8th Responsible and Sustainable Tourism Awards at FITURTECH, an initiative created in collaboration with the International Tourism Trade Fair (FITUR) and UN Tourism. These awards, open to all FITUR exhibitors and participants, recognize tourism companies that have excelled over the past year for their commitment to a responsible tourism model that respects the environment, boosts the economy, and benefits society.

In its eighth edition, the TRS Award included six categories: Hospitality, Transport, Tourism Products and Services, Destination, Social Media, and the Special DANA Solidarity Award.

In the words of Intermundial Foundation Trustee, Manuel López: “At the Intermundial Foundation, in collaboration with FITUR and UN Tourism, we reaffirm our mission to support and promote initiatives that make a difference and contribute to a more responsible tourism model. These awards reflect the tourism sector's unwavering commitment to sustainability, inclusion, and solidarity. Together, we recognize those who see tourism not just as an economic engine, but as a powerful tool for generating positive change in communities and the environment. This partnership is key to driving more conscious and transformative tourism.”

The ceremony was attended by Jaime Mayaki, Director of International Development and Cooperation at UN Tourism, and David Solar, Commercial Manager of FITUR, who were responsible for presenting the awards to the winners. Their participation symbolized the commitment and collaboration between institutions and companies to advance toward a tourism model with a positive impact on the sector.

The winners of the 8th TRS Awards:

Minor Hotels, winner in the “Hospitality” category, received the award for its Founder’s Dayinitiative, aimed at supporting disadvantaged communities and promoting environmental conservation. In 2023, more than 2,200 employees dedicated over 9,100 hours of volunteering in regions such as Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Australia, and New Zealand, positively impacting more than 28,000 people. The award was accepted by Elena Ruiz García, VP Sustainable Business Minor Hotels EU & AM.

In the "Transport" category, Vueling was recognized for its innovative Optipathproject, developed in collaboration with ENAIRE. This tool will optimize flight paths, reducing CO2 emissions and contributing to the airline's goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. The award was accepted by Santiago Lopezbarrena, Vueling's Sustainability Manager.

TUR4all Travel was honored in the "Tourism Products and Services" category for its commitment to equality and purposeful tourism. The company promotes accessibility for people with disabilities and fosters fair trade, creating a positive impact on local communities. Notable among its charitable initiatives are its collaboration with “A Marruecos por los niños”, which delivers basic supplies and provides healthcare and construction support to vulnerable communities, and #ExportaSalud, which sends ambulances, medical equipment, toys, and clothing to The Gambia. Francisco Sardón, President of TUR4all Travel, and Miguel Carrasco, Director of Operations at TUR4all Travel, were on hand to receive the award.

The city of Gijón/Xixón was recognized in the "Destination" category for its Tourism Sustainability Plan for Destinations: Gijón/Xixón, identity, sustainability, and digitalization. This plan is structured around four main pillars and is designed to promote the Coastal Camino de Santiago, boost sustainable mobility and walkability within the destination, restore landscape features in areas of tourist interest, improve the management and impact of visitor flows, advance energy efficiency, innovate in the application of technology to key services and resources (tourist offices, museums), and strengthen the culture-tourism connection by reclaiming historical heritage as a high-value asset. Ángela Pumariega Menéndez, Deputy Mayor of Gijón/Xixón and Councilor for Economy, Employment, Tourism, and Innovation, accepted the award.

Japonismo won the award in the “Social Media” category. The portal works to reduce overcrowding and seasonality in travel to Japan by offering sustainable and responsible tourism options through its platforms. Their work promotes alternative destinations to diversify tourism offerings and avoid overcrowding, while also encouraging travel during less busy seasons. Laura Tomàs and Luis Rodríguez, founders of the blog Japonismo, were in charge of accepting the award.

In the new “DANA Solidarity Special” category, Civitatis was recognized for its initiative “Donation for those affected by the DANA: Civitatis matches your contribution”. The campaign raised 19,265 euros, a figure the company matched to reach a total of 38,530 euros, which was donated entirely to the Red Cross. This project reflects the power of tourism as a tool for support in times of crisis and as a driver of change toward a more supportive and sustainable model. Enrique Espinel, Chief Operating Officer of Civitatis, accepted the award.

Fundación Intermundial, FITUR, and UN Tourism are proud to witness the growing interest and participation in these awards, a clear reflection of the sector's increasing commitment to more responsible tourism. With more than 70 entries received this year, the awards continue to gain relevance and prestige, establishing themselves as a catalyst for promoting a model that is not only an engine for economic development but also an agent of positive change for communities and the environment.

About Fundación Intermundial

For Quality Tourism.

The main objective of Fundación Intermundial is to showcase the benefits that tourism brings to society and the environment, fostering research in pursuit of responsible tourism development and rewarding any initiative that promotes the excellence and commitment that the tourism industry maintains with the socioeconomic and environmental context.

Fundación Intermundial belongs to Atlantigo, a group specializing in the tourism sector that provides insurance and services to companies and travelers, whose parent company is Intermundial, a leading travel insurance broker in Spain.