Iniciativas Eco-responsables y RSE

🏨 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.

🏠 Barcelona aims to collect €100 million in 2024 with the Tourist Stay Tax (IEET). The municipal surcharge on this tax will increase by €0.75, reaching €4, effective October 1, 2024. Rates per night will be €7.5 for 5-star hotels, €5.7 for 4-star, €6.25 for tourist apartments, €5 for other establishments, €6 for cruises over 12 hours, and €7 for cruises under 12 hours. Since 2012, Barcelona has raised €253 million with the tourist tax, with €115 million for the municipality and €55 million from the surcharge in less than two years. The funds finance city services impacted by tourism and projects like festivals and educational center air conditioning.

📖 Ilunion Hotels, led by CEO José Ángel Preciados, aims to balance responsibility with profitability and societal well-being. They've been working for two years to incorporate their ethical values into the Food & Beverage sector, with the project Umániko. This initiative offers 100% accessible spaces and focuses on sustainability, efficiency, and social commitment, including local and seasonal produce, animal and staff welfare. Umániko will be implemented across 13 of their 15 Special Employment Centers, where over 70% of staff have disabilities, by the end of the year. Openings scheduled for October 14 at multiple Ilunion Hotels locations such as Ilunion Pío XII and Ilunion Suites Madrid, with others following, including Ilunion San Mamés on October 21 and Ilunion Fuengirola and Ilunion Hacienda de Mijas on October 28.