Travel Industry News Page 241
The First International Summit on Communication and Tourism aims to become “a major global milestone
The first International Summit on Communication and Tourism, organized by FITUR and Agencia EFE and held as part of FITUR 2026, took place on Friday with the ambition of becoming “one of the major global milestones as a source of knowledge for professionals in communication and tourism”. This was stated at the opening session by José Vicente de los Mozos, President of the Executive Committee of IFEMA MADRID.
The seventh edition of FITURNEXT invites placing water at the heart of sustainable tourism mgmt
FITURNEXT, FITUR’s Sustainability Observatory, supported by Aqualia, a benchmark brand in the management of the integrated water cycle, has concluded its seventh edition with a focus on water and on the role of tourism as an ally in the sustainable and responsible management of this resource. Throughout its sessions, more than 40 experts from the public and private sectors took part in this forum to share best practices and present innovative solutions and technologies that are already helping to transform the tourism sector.
FITUR 4all highlights a 10% increase in tourists with reduced mobility in Spain in 2025
Participants at FITUR 4all highlighted on Friday that Spain recorded a 10% increase in tourists with some form of reduced mobility in 2025, underlining the need to continue working to firmly establish the country as a leading global reference for tourism for all. The specialized FITUR section brought together experts, institutional representatives and business leaders, who emphasized accessibility as a driver of competitiveness, innovation and positive impact within the tourism sector.
FITUR 2026 announces the winners of the Best Stand Award and the Sustainable Stand Award
The International Tourism Trade Fair highlights the designs of Castilla y León, Madrid and Galicia in the Autonomous Communities category; Guatemala, Abu Dhabi and Egypt in Countries and Regions; and Vincci, Meliá and Alsa in the Companies category. The Government of Cantabria, Grupo Piñero, the Castelldefels City Council and Turismo de Galicia are recognized for their commitment to sustainable participation.
Jamaica and TUI Group to explore Expansion into Latin America and Eastern Europe
Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett has initiated talks with TUI Group, one of the world’s leading tourism companies, to enhance the destination’s presence in Latin America and Eastern Europe. By leveraging TUI’s extensive marketing network, Jamaica's strategic initiative to diversify its tourism source markets and expand its presence would receive significant momentum.
Kerten Hospitality signs Casadora Resort by Cloud 7 Hotels
Kerten Hospitality expands its presence in Morocco with the signing of Casadora Resort by Cloud 7 Hotels, a lifestyle seaside destination shaping the next chapter of El Jadida’s coastal evolution.
WTTC signs MOU to formally ratify its new global office in Madrid
This agreement signals a new era for global tourism, officially confirming the relocation of WTTC’s headquarters to Madrid and establishing the city as the world capital for tourism governance.
Loews Hotels & Co Announces Americana by Loews Hotels in Arlington, Texas
Loews Hotels & Co, a wholly owned subsidiary of Loews Corporation, and a branded owner, operator, and developer, today announces plans for Americana by Loews Hotels – Arlington, TX, its third hotel in Arlington, Texas' Entertainment District, reinforcing the company's long-term belief in the destination and its continued growth as a premier meetings, events, and entertainment hub.
Mews Secures $300 million Investment to Cement Position as World's Leading Hospitality Operating Sys
Mews, the operating system for hospitality, today announced it has raised $300 million in a Series D funding round led by EQT Growth, with new investors Atomico and HarbourVest Partners, and participation from existing investors Kinnevik, Battery Ventures and Tiger Global. This investment marks a defining moment for hospitality technology and values the company at $2.5 billion. Following a year of strong and durable growth, during which SaaS gross profit increased by 55%, this fundraise establishes Mews as the leading hospitality tech provider for hotels of all sizes.
FITUR Lingua announces a record year for language tourism in Spain, with 177,576 students in 2025
Participants in the sixth edition of FITUR Lingua, the section organized by FITUR in collaboration with FEDELE (Spanish Federation of Schools of Spanish as a Foreign Language), held today as part of the International Tourism Trade Fair at IFEMA MADRID, unveiled a preview of the findings of FEDELE’s Sector Report. According to the report, a total of 177,576 students of Spanish were enrolled in FEDELE-affiliated centers in Spain in 2025, representing a 12.77% increase compared to 2024. During the event, a range of experts also examined the role of language as a multiplier effect for tourism and as a key factor in the cultural and educational experience of destinations.
FITUR Cruises Analyses the Evolution of Cruise Tourism and New Experience Models in the Sector
FITUR Cruises, organised by IFEMA MADRID in collaboration with the online magazine Cruceroadicto.com, celebrates its fifth anniversary as the leading platform for analysis and professional debate within the cruise industry. Launched yesterday as part of the International Tourism Trade Fair, FITUR Cruises brings together cruise lines, experts and industry stakeholders during the professional days to address market evolution, traveller profiles and new onboard experience models.
FITUR Experience Reveals Culture, History and Heritage Trips as the Most In-Demand Travel Experience
Tours focused on culture, history and heritage continue to be the leading experiences sought by people booking trips to Spain, according to experts participating today in FITUR Experience, the new section of the International Tourism Trade Fair organised in collaboration with Viator, a Tripadvisor company. The event highlighted the growing importance of experiential tourism in Spain. Speakers also noted that among the fastest-growing experiences are outdoor activities, nightlife, shopping, cultural excursions, theatre and music.