The sixth edition of FITURNEXT, the sustainability observatory of FITUR dedicated to advancing good tourism practices, concluded successfully, reaffirming its role as a leader in promoting sustainable food management. Over four days, the observatory facilitated discussions on how the tourism industry can tackle food surplus challenges and optimize resource use through circular systems and technological innovation.

Engaging Sessions and Key Contributors
More than 600 participants attended 18 dialogues and presentations during the International Tourism Trade Fair in Madrid, organized by IFEMA MADRID. Prominent figures, including Rosario Sánchez Grau (Secretary of State for Tourism), Marisa Dominguez Contador (Head of Tourism Promotion, Extremadura), and senior representatives from Hurtigruten Cruises, Too Good To Go, Costa Cruceros, Iberostar Hotels & Resorts, and Air Europa, shared insights and initiatives for promoting responsible and regenerative tourism practices.

Highlight: FITURNEXT 2025 Awards
A key moment of the event was the announcement of the FITURNEXT 2025 Challenge winners, recognized for their innovative and scalable contributions to sustainable tourism. The winners included:

• Rutas Gastronómicas Sostenibles de Extremadura, a project by Extremadura’s Department of Culture, Tourism, Youth, and Sport.
• Hurtigruten Cruises, for their commitment to sustainable travel.
• Too Good To Go, for leveraging technology and AI to combat food waste.

These initiatives highlighted the synergy between technology, gastronomy, and sustainability as pillars for attracting tourists responsibly.

Dialogue on Food Sustainability in Tourism
Experts convened for insightful discussions, such as the roundtable “Destination: Zero Surplus,” where leaders explored ways to minimize food waste in tourism. Institutional representatives emphasized the need for stronger public policies, with Francisco Rodríguez moderating discussions featuring government officials like Ana Díaz Perez (Spanish Ministry of Agriculture) and Mayte Alonso Gª de Vinuesa (Extremadura Directorate General of Tourism).

Additionally, Aqualia, the event sponsor, hosted sessions focusing on efficient water management in tourism, with Lucas Díaz, Aqualia’s Director for Spain, emphasizing the company’s commitment to sustainability.

Promoting Replicable Practices
Adela Moreda from the FITURNEXT Advisory Board praised the observatory’s efforts in identifying and showcasing success stories, positioning FITURNEXT as a source of inspiration for sustainable tourism practices. The 2025 edition reinforced the importance of adopting replicable strategies tailored to the unique needs and resources of various destinations.

Looking Ahead: FITURNEXT 2026
With the conclusion of the 2025 edition, FITURNEXT now turns its focus to the 2026 Challenge, centered on efficient and responsible water management in tourism. Scheduled for January 21–24, 2026, the observatory aims to continue fostering transformative initiatives that drive sustainable and regenerative tourism practices.

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