Category Events, Tourism, Organisations & Operators, Sustainability

Under the bright lights of ITB Berlin—one of the world’s most influential tourism fairs—Lanzarote is making its presence felt with quiet confidence and a clear sense of purpose. This is not an island content to simply sell sunshine and scenery. Instead, Lanzarote arrives in the German capital with a compelling message: the future of travel must be thoughtful, climate-conscious, and regenerative—and this Atlantic island has been living that philosophy for decades.

The Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association (CHTA), alongside its public sector partner, the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO), took center stage at the Global Tourism Resilience Day Forum, in Nairobi, Kenya, presenting a forward-looking framework that positions the Caribbean not merely as a region that survives crises but one that is systematically and collaboratively building the infrastructure to emerge stronger.

Galapagos Shark Diving, a conservation-focused dive travel operator, has donated USD 31,523.40 in 2025 to marine conservation initiatives in the Galápagos Islands, directly supporting whale shark research and ocean education for young girls. As part of this commitment, the company has launched the “Name a Whale Shark 2025 Contest”, allowing participating citizen science divers to name newly tagged whale sharks in recognition of their contribution to research.

The Croatian tourism capital City of Dubrovnik has been recognised with the title of ‘World’s Leading Sustainable Destination 2025’ by voters at the World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards.

Dubrovnik’s ‘Respect the City’ initiative is a pioneering model for managing overtourism while preserving cultural heritage and enhancing residents’ quality of life. Launched in 2017, the strategic, multidisciplinary project positions Dubrovnik as a sustainability leader in the Mediterranean by balancing economic growth with the protection of its UNESCO-listed Old Town. Through innovative technology and coordinated governance, the city has introduced Croatia’s first electric car-sharing scheme, implemented an AI-powered visitor forecasting system, and launched the Dubrovnik Pass – integrating attraction access and visitor flow management.

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.

The International Tourism Trade Fair (FITUR), organized by IFEMA MADRID from 21 to 25 January, announced during its third professional day the winners of the 46th Best Stand Awards and the 7th Sustainable Stand Awards. These awards recognize excellence in stand design, image and functionality, as well as commitment to sustainable participation.

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.

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.

Dubai has been recognised with the title of ’World’s Leading Sustainable City 2025’ by voters at the World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards.

The prize was revealed in front of hundreds of global leaders of sustainable tourism at the World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards 2025, held at Terra, Expo City Dubai. The VIP ceremony recognised the individuals and organisations that are accelerating change in net positive tourism.

Gamewatchers Safaris & Porini Camps – Selenkay Conservancy has been recognised with the title of ‘World’s Leading Conservation Programme’ by voters at the 2nd annual World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards.