FITUR 2025 presents the FITUR-Jorge Vila Fradera Tribune Award for the best research work in the tourism industry

Borja Torres Fuentes has been awarded the 26th FITUR Jorge Vila Fradera Tribune Award for his research entitled ‘La planificación, gobernanza y gestión transfronteriza de un destino turístico: la Eurorregión de Nueva-Aquitania Euskadi Navarra’. (The planning, governance and cross-border management of a tourist destination: the New Aquitaine-Euskadi-Navarre Euroregion).

The award, given by FITUR in collaboration with the Spanish Association of Tourism Experts (AECIT), was announced during the International Tourism Trade Fair, held from 22 to 26 January at IFEMA MADRID, which recognises the best unpublished academic research work related to the tourism industry each year.

The jury considered his work to be this year’s worthy winner due to its solid structure and academic rigour, which were aligned with the quality standards required by the award. Firstly, the research hypotheses, clearly aimed at identifying the opportunities, risks and threats of cross-border tourism, demonstrate an innovative and relevant approach to sustainability and regional development. These hypotheses have been constructed on the basis of a thorough and well-founded literature review, encompassing previous studies and contemporary theoretical approaches, establishing a robust and relevant conceptual framework for analysing a topic of growing interest in the area of tourism.

Furthermore, the methodology applied effectively combines qualitative and quantitative techniques, reinforcing the validity and depth of the results obtained. The integration of bibliographic analysis, the study of data from various sources and the evaluation of initiatives funded by programmes such as Interreg and DEDER allows for a comprehensive and applied approach. The results of the study not only provide a clear understanding of the strategic elements necessary for efficient cross-border tourism governance, but also present practical guidelines and applicable knowledge, which is key for professionals and managers.

Finally, the conclusions reflect the working capacity to promote economic, socio-cultural and environmental development in cross-border regions, highlighting its contribution to the advancement of knowledge and sustainable tourism practice, in line with the values recognised by this prestigious award.