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🌏 Benidorm awarded the "Pionero Verde Europeo del Turismo Inteligente 2025" by the European Commission, succeeding Grosseto, Italy. The decision was made in Brussels, led by Mayor Toni Pérez and Visit Benidorm director Leire Bilbao. Benidorm's urban model ensures 61% of the territory protected since 1956, with buildings designed for energy efficiency. Water management efficiency exceeds 95%, with an 18% reduction in water consumption over 25 years. The city boasts a 70% pedestrian mobility rate and 134 km of bike lanes. Benidorm also hosts Serra Gelada Natural Park, producing 3,600 tons of oxygen daily. Celebrating 700 years in 2025, Benidorm is recognized for sustainability, accessibility, and innovation in tourism.

🏨 On November 21, the Hotel Gran Bilbao hosted the 8th edition of Hotel Innovación with 300 attendees. The event, organized by Spirit Hotel Gran Bilbao, Hotel Bécquer, and Hotel Kivir, focused on sustainability and innovation. José Estrella proposed a water-saving solution cutting usage by 30%. Patricia Vela emphasized the strategic role of housekeeping. José Ángel Preciados Fernández received the I Premio Hotel Innovación for his inclusive business model at Ilunion Hotels. The next edition is planned for 2025, with Avifes as the partner.

📌 The Spanish Ministry of the Interior will hold a public hearing "in the coming days" on a ministerial order regarding documentary registration, effective December 2. The process will last two weeks, aiming to provide a clearer framework for companies to manage required data more efficiently. Affected companies will have the opportunity to propose improvements through the Ses.Hospedajes platform. Despite opposition from the hotel sector and threats of legal action over the government's lack of response, the executive will implement the regulation, previously rejected by both Congress and Senate, in a few days. The order emphasizes system automation and future updates to meet technological advances and company needs.

🍽 Gala de Estrellas Michelin 2025 en Murcia premió a Casa Marcial con su tercera estrella. Tres restaurantes alcanzaron dos estrellas: Alevante, Lú y Retiro da Costiña; y 32 recibieron su primera. Cinco criterios definen la concesión de estrellas: calidad de ingredientes, armonía de sabores, técnica, personalidad del chef y regularidad. Además, 9 establecimientos obtuvieron la Estrella Verde por su sostenibilidad, sumando 57 en total, y la selección Bib Gourmand creció a 213 restaurantes.

📌 Real Decreto 933/2021, mandating a traveler data registry, becomes effective on December 2, despite the tourism sector's attempts to halt or negotiate it. UNAV and CEHAT consider legal action in response. CEAV has not confirmed an extension, unlike three previous instances. The State Secretary of Security and the Director General of Coordination and Studies will address the media, potentially about non-extended application. ECTAA, collaborating with UNAV, ACAVE, and FETAVE, has alerted the European Commission about the negative implications for data protection and tourism security. The registry requires travelers to submit over 50 personal data points for accommodation and over 60 for vehicle rentals, which could deter European tourists from visiting Spain and impact privacy.

🏠 Spanish companies and establishments win big at World Travel Awards, known as the tourism Oscars. Barceló Hotel Group wins best hotel management company worldwide, with five of its hotels in Spain receiving accolades in various categories. Kaizen Hoteles, with an investment of €23 million in Andalusia, is named best independent hotel chain globally, and its 5-star GL Casa Palacio Don Ramón in Seville clinches the best boutique hotel in the world. Madrid is awarded the world's leading meetings and conferences destination for the sixth consecutive time, matching Las Vegas's record. Other winners include Hilton Diagonal Mar for best business hotel, Nuba for best luxury travel agency, and Real Madrid's Tour Premium Bernabéu for best football stadium tourist experience.

🌊 In November 2024, Spain's Alliance of Sun and Beach Municipalities (AMT) showcased innovative, sustainable coastal practices at Sun&Blue Almería Congress. Juan Antonio Amengual, president and mayor of Calvià, highlighted AMT's commitment to future generations through sustainable management. The congress, held from 20-22 November in Almería, featured global experts discussing the future of 'blue' destinations. AMT, formed in 2017 by eight pioneering Spanish tourist destinations, focuses on funding, digitalization, sustainability, accessibility, and inter-destination cooperation.

📍 Over 150 independent travel agents participated in Airmet's "Con Altura" tour stops in Sevilla and Málaga during a weekend, marking the company's 25th anniversary. Airmet's general director, Rubén Fernández, emphasized the value of unity in the industry for achieving ambitious goals. Partners like Amadeus, Bedsonline, Iberia, and others engaged in "Charlas Con Altura" talks, promoting collaboration. Andalusian tourism also featured, introducing their Andalusian Crush campaign. Following events in Santiago, Madrid, and Barcelona, the tour heads to Tenerife and Gran Canaria on November 29-30.

💻 Urban hotel chains are integrating artificial intelligence (AI) for operational enhancement, including chatbots and cancellation predictions. Noteworthy is the "La inteligencia artificial para una mejor gestión del éxito del turismo urbano" event by Hosteltur, supported by Ayuntamiento de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and Turismo LPA. Casual Hoteles and Sercotel Hotel Group adopt a cautious stance towards AI deployment, focusing on organizational readiness. RIU Hotels & Resorts utilizes a chatbot for web and AI for revenue improvement, exploring AI Generative for employee needs. Data quality is deemed crucial for effective AI-based decisions. Challenges like data handling personnel and cybersecurity risks remain.

🏖️ El Palace de Barcelona, a 5-star hotel, in partnership with Palacio Domecq in Jerez de la Frontera, launches a new premium product allowing guests to immerse in an 18th-century baroque palace. The experience includes private palace tours, Andalusian breakfasts, flamenco shows, traditional Jerez dinners, wine tastings by Mora-Figueroa Domecq, and visits to the Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art. Tailored experiences and additional visits to a private brandy collection are available.