Iniciativas Eco-responsables y RSE

🏕 On October 10th, Madrid hosts the third edition of Ágora de Turismo Sostenible organized by Green & Human and Hosteltur, featuring over 20 sector leaders such as Simón Pedro Barceló. CONESTUR unanimously supports responsible tourism, advancing the 2030 Sustainable Tourism Strategy. Boeing's Seattle plant strike since September 13th stalls production; the company withdrew a 30% wage hike offer. High travel costs deter long-distance tourists from visiting Europe, with a 4% decline in plans to visit from September to December 2024 compared to last year, as per ETC and Eurail BV's survey of 7,000 travelers.

🌎 The Ayuntamiento de Madrid shifted its tourism strategy five years ago towards sustainability, focusing on quality over quantity, aiming to increase visitor stays and spread tourism benefits across local residents. Almudena Maíllo, Madrid's tourism councilor, highlighted the cross-sectional approach covering economic, social, and environmental aspects, including carbon footprint measurement for tourists and businesses. The III Ágora de Turismo Sostenible, where Maíllo will speak, is scheduled for October 10 at the Teatro Albéniz in Madrid.

🏨 Spanish hotel chains face a challenge of talent retention due to competition from emerging tourist destinations such as Saudi Arabia, which aims to become the world's leading tourist destination by 2030. Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 plan seeks to attract 150 million tourists and diminish oil dependency, creating over 70,000 new hotel jobs. Managers in Saudi Arabia can earn at least $12,000 monthly, with added benefits for housing, transport, family expenses, relocation, and daily meal allowances, plus annual bonuses tied to Eid al-Fitr festivities. Spanish professionals are highly valued globally, yet concerns include Saudi Arabia's extreme heat and non-democratic political system.

💸 Rolls Royce, a major aircraft engine manufacturer, has announced the closure of its electric engine subsidiary, Rolls Royce Electrical, after failing to sell it for almost a year. Initially advancing in electric engine technology, particularly for small aircrafts with demonstrations in Norway with Wideroe, the company now faces the shutdown of its electric-focused branch. Meanwhile, Rolls Royce continues to support sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) in its main business, unrelated to the electric subsidiary based in Germany.

🏡 In Valencia on October 2, 2024, the ITH Conference highlighted sustainability's role as a differentiator in the hotel industry. Architect Héctor Ruiz-Velázquez, key speaker, emphasized the importance of adapting hotels to the local environment. The event, co-hosted by Instituto Tecnológico Hotelero and Feria Hábitat, featured a roundtable moderated by Elena Fraile. Mayte García Córcoles of HOSBEC noted the hotel industry's dynamic nature and focus on updating with sustainability in mind. Belén Juárez from Barceló Hotels & Resorts detailed their internationally recognized sustainability certification. Francesca Heathcote from Teresa Sapey & Partners discussed the increasing use of recycled materials. Virginia Sarobe of Bioscore highlighted the swift adoption of sustainability certifications, with about 2,000 hotels certified, including around 300 from HOSBEC. The conference stressed customer awareness through small actions, contributing to the ongoing dialogue about integrating sustainability without overwhelming guests.

🛰 Berlin's airport renames runway 25R/07L to 24R/06L effective October 3, due to the magnetic north pole's yearly shift. The renumbering process started September 25, 2023. Changes align runways with magnetic bearings; most airports' runways remain unchanged due to location-specific magnetic pole relation.

💰 Imserso's Director, Mayte Sancho, announces improvements for future seasons. In a 2025 bid, the social tourism program will undergo a full review, aiming to enhance information accessibility, streamline processing, and ensure transparency. Currently, 3 million accreditation letters are mailed, but modern communication alternatives are being considered. Changes will involve stakeholders to better adapt to senior interests, potentially introducing more attractive destinations and aiding those with less financial means. Despite criticism over initial booking shortages, with 40%-45% cancellation rates, Sancho advises continual availability checks as canceled spots become available.

🏨 Javier Isidro Mosquera, director general de Ibervalles, anunció la conversión de un edificio de oficinas en un hotel de 5 estrellas en la avenida General Perón 27 de Madrid. La socimi, que compró el edificio a Allianz en 2023, ha contratado a CBRE para encontrar un operador hotelero y planea la demolición del actual inmueble de 7.020 metros cuadrados y 13 plantas. Con 63 plazas de parking, el proyecto apuesta por un diseño sostenible y aprovechará la cercanía al estadio Bernabéu. Ibervalles, con una cartera de 13 activos, invertirá 240 millones de euros en hoteles en 2025.

🎬 Cristina Lagé presented the tourism promotional podcast "Greal: el secreto de las ocho llaves" in Madrid. The 11-episode series, starring Michelle Jenner and Pol Monen with special participation from Andreu Buenafuente and others, is available in Catalan and Spanish on platforms like Youtube and Spotify. The binaural audio production includes over 20 actors and aims to promote Catalan tourism by offering an immersive auditory experience.

✈ The top 20 European airline groups by passenger numbers in 2023 show a 17% year-on-year increase, only 3% below pre-pandemic levels. Ryanair tops the list with 182 million passengers, followed by Lufthansa Group with 123 million, and International Airlines Group (IAG) with 113 million. Despite leading in passenger numbers, Ryanair ranks fifth in revenue due to lower average fares. Urban hotels have seen significant evolution over the past 30 years, from standardized business-focused offerings to diversified experiences. Ferrer Hotels will manage a new asset in Sant Llorenç des Cardassar from 2026, after renovating the 4-star hotel with 163 rooms, a gym, pools, and a pool bar.