Tourism industry experts debate about sustainable food management in the sector at FiturNext

FiturNext, the FITUR Observatory, dedicated to promoting good tourism practices in terms of sustainability, publishes the full programme of its sixth edition in alliance with Aqualia, a benchmark brand in the management of the integral water cycle. From 22 to 25 January at the Madrid International Tourism Trade Fair (FITUR), the Observatory will combine the awards ceremony for the winning initiatives of the FiturNext 2025 Challenge with dialogues, conferences, round tables and talks with professionals from the sector that will highlight food sustainability in tourism.

An inauguration dedicated to the winners of FiturNext 2025

The agenda will begin with the inauguration on 22 January at 12:30h (CET) and a subsequent speech by Francisco Rodríguez, head of tourism at Ideas for Change, who will explain the FiturNext 2025 report ‘Towards sustainable food management through tourism’, an analysis document with the keys, guidelines and good practices to promote accessible resources for sustainable food management in tourism. The presentations will be followed by the presentation of awards to the winning initiatives of the 2025 Challenge, and throughout the day they will present their winning projects in the three categories of the Observatory in this edition.

The Sustainable Rutas Gastronómicas Sostenibles de Extremadura initiative, promoted by the Regional Government of Extremadura's Department of Culture, Tourism, Youth and Sport, winner in the Destinations and Other Territories category, will talk about its rural agrotourism programme based on local products that connect culture, nature and local gastronomy. On the other hand, Hurtigruten Cruises, winner in the HORECA and Transport Sector category, will present its circular food system that reduces food surplus in its travel offer. Finally, the company Too Good To Go, winner in the category Other Agents of the Food Chain in Tourism, will present its app that connects establishments that have surplus food with users who can buy these products at a reduced price.

In addition, the finalist initiatives of this edition will also have a special mention during the ceremony: WASP-Alentejo Wines Sustainability Programme, Hungry for Finland, STAY GREEN by H10 Hotels, Honest Food: Iberostar and sustainable food management, Gourmet Catering & Events and Naria, Intursa: Hotel Food Rescue Programme, Sustainable Food in Hotels by Futouris, Finca la Floración and Arqueogastronomy. 

Round tables on the tourism industry and public policies

 

The FiturNext 2025 programme includes an agenda of activities including talks, conferences and round tables with professionals and experts from the sector committed to food sustainability.

One of the most anticipated activities is the round table discussion between 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. The dialogue will focus on how the tourism industry can reach zero surplus, its business opportunities and services.

The event will also feature another round table dedicated to public policies in this sector with Ana Díaz Perez, Deputy Director General for Food Quality and Sustainability, Spanish Ministry of Agriculture, and Mayte Alonso Gª de Vinuesa, from the Directorate General for Tourism of Extremadura. In addition, there will also be space for talks organised by the sponsor, Aqualia, keynotes from Brazil, this year's FITUR partner country, and sessions dedicated to technology, regeneration and heritage and their contribution to the 2025 Challenge.

There will also be space for two roundtable discussions organized by the sponsor, Aqualia. The first, titled "Opportunities of the Circular Economy in Water Cycle Management", will take place on Thursday, January 23 at 13:00 and will feature the participation of Víctor Monsalvo, Head of the Eco-efficiency Area in the Innovation Department at Aqualia; José Manuel Alcántara, General Director of Arcgisa (Water and Waste of Campo de Gibraltar); Juan Franco, Mayor of La Línea (Cádiz); Ignacio Gragera, Mayor of Badajoz; and Silvia Heredia, Mayor of Écija (Seville).

On January 24 at 13:00, a second meeting will be held under the title "Benefits of Sustainable Water Management in Tourist Cities: Success Stories", with Rocío Santiago, Director of Studies and Operations at Aqualia, Carmen Ferrer, Mayoress of de Santa Eulària des Riu (Ibiza) and Antonio Osuna, Mayor of Mérida (Badajoz).

There will also be keynotes from Brazil, the Partner Country of FITUR this year, as well as sessions dedicated to technology, regeneration, heritage, and its contribution to the 2025 Challenge.

Finally, the FiturNext Observatory will organise a debate with the public to explore the 2026 Challenge and its positive impact on the tourism industry. The final touch will take place on Saturday 25th with a workshop with universities to reflect on and analyse future opportunities in the sector.