FITURNEXT 2025 cierra una edición marcada por la apuesta por la sostenibilidad alimentaria en el turismo
The FITUR Observatory, in alliance with Aqualia at this edition, has highlighted the importance of replicability in the adoption of good practices and has awarded pioneering initiatives in sustainable food management.
FITURNEXT, FITUR's sustainability Observatory dedicated to promoting good tourism practices, closed its sixth edition reaffirming its role as a benchmark in the promotion of good tourism practices that encourage sustainable food management. Over the course of four days, the Observatory has promoted debate on how the tourism industry can contribute to reducing food surpluses and making the most of resources through circular systems and technological innovations.
More than 600 people attended the 18 dialogues and presentations that took place during the International Tourism Trade Fair in Madrid organised by IFEMA MADRID. Rosario Sánchez Grau, Secretary of State for Tourism, Marisa Dominguez Contador, Head of Promotion, Organisation and Tourism Products of the Regional Government of Extremadura, Àlex Pàmies, Managing Director of Hurtigruten Cruises Spain, Marie Lindström, Country Director Manager Too Good To Go Spain, Rafael Fernández-Álava, Communication and External Affairs director of Costa Cruceros, Álvaro Sánchez López, Global Director of Sustainability at Iberostar Hotels & Resorts and Rosa Nordfeldt, Director of Sustainability at Air Europa, among other prominent figures, participated in the programme sharing experiences, initiatives and reflections on how to promote a more responsible and regenerative tourism in terms of food.
FITURNEXT 2025: a recognition of innovation in food management
One of the most eagerly awaited moments was the presentation of awards to the winning initiatives of the FITURNEXT 2025 Challenge, which were recognised for their ability to provide sustainable and scalable solutions to the tourism sector. Rutas Gastronómicas Sostenibles de Extremadura, promoted by the Department of Culture, Tourism, Youth and Sport of the Regional Government of Extremadura, Hurtigruten Cruises and Too Good To Go, were the winners of the edition for their innovative proposals that are committed to technology, AI and gastronomy as axes of tourist attraction and sustainability.
Debates and reflections on the future of food sustainability in tourism
FITURNEXT 2025 was also a space for dialogue in which experts from the sector shared their experiences and visions on food sustainability. During the round table ‘Destination: zero surplus’, with the participation of Fernández-Álava, Sánchez and Nordfeldt moderated by Javi Creus, founder of Ideas for Change, challenges and opportunities in the reduction of food waste in the tourism industry were addressed.
Throughout the event, institutional representatives and experts agreed on the importance of continuing to promote responsible practices in the tourism sector. One of the key points was the round table dedicated to public policies moderated by Francisco Rodríguez, Head of Tourism at Ideas for Change, together with Ana Díaz Perez, Deputy Director General of Food Quality and Sustainability, Spanish Ministry of Agriculture and Mayte Alonso Gª de Vinuesa, from the Directorate General of Tourism of Extremadura. On the other hand, the sponsor of this edition of the Observatory, Aqualia, organised a series of conferences together with mayors and partner authorities of the leading company in the management of the integral water cycle. Lucas Díaz, Aqualia's Director for Spain, highlighted the company's commitment to the efficient management of water resources, stating that ‘count on Aqualia as a travelling companion on this path towards sustainability’.
Replicability as a final destination for the tourism industry
From the FITURNEXT Advisory Board, Adela Moreda praised the work of the Observatory, assuring that ‘FITURNEXT acts as a beacon, identifying success stories in tourism that inspire and generate positive impact’.
The 2025 edition has consolidated the Observatory as a key space for innovation and collaboration in the field of tourism sustainability. It has highlighted the importance of promoting the replicability of good practices, highlighting winning initiatives from previous editions and the keys to adopting strategies according to the resources, context and needs of the destination.
With the closing of this edition, the Observatory is now looking ahead to the FITURNEXT 2026 Challenge dedicated to how tourism can contribute to the efficient and responsible management of water, the aim of which will be to continue promoting transformative initiatives that contribute to the regeneration of tourism. FITURNEXT 2026 will be held from January 21 to 24.