Yesterday, Madrid hosted the first edition of the Forbes Travel Awards, gathering key figures from the global tourism sector. These awards from Forbes Spain recognize vision, trajectory, and innovation in the international and national tourism landscape, highlighting destinations, hotel chains, airlines, projects, and professionals shaping the industry’s direction.

The event was chaired by Spain’s Minister of Industry and Tourism, Jordi Hereu, who emphasized tourism’s strategic importance to the Spanish economy and its role as a driver of growth and international competitiveness. “We are a leading tourism country due to the combination of two great factors. The first is its immense appeal, but this would be nothing without the leadership, professionalism, and vision of our tourism sector; ultimately, the work of those who make it possible and those who came before us,” stated Hereu.

The ceremony brought together a broad representation of institutions and businesses, including public administration officials and executives from the leading companies in the national and international tourism ecosystem. The Forbes Travel Awards, driven by the Forbes Travel Editorial Committee and chaired by Andrés Rodríguez, are based on proprietary editorial criteria and a rigorous analysis of the economic impact, innovation, sustainability, and leadership of the awarded projects and professionals.

“Tourism is not only the engine of our economy; it is the best showcase of the excellence and effort that defines a country. For SpainMedia, and specifically for Forbes Travel, this sector represents a commitment to quality and constant innovation that we have always sought to present in our pages. At Forbes House, we understand the travel industry as the great connector of destinations and cultures, and our mission is to continue giving voice to that leadership that never stops and sets the global standard for hospitality,” expressed Andrés Rodríguez, President of SpainMedia.

During the gala, the Tourism Leadership Award (In Memoriam) was presented to Gabriel Escarrer Juliá, founder of Meliá Hotels International, one of the most influential figures in Spanish tourism. The award was handed by Minister Hereu, and received by Gabriel Escarrer Jaume, President and CEO of Meliá Hotels International. “We must value what has made Spain unique. We will strive to improve services and present our best image, honoring the pioneers. This award is a tribute to my father, but also to our workers and all the friends who accompany us. We will continue to meet the challenge of fulfilling another 70 years with the same legacy and spirit of improvement,” expressed Jaume.

The winners of the Forbes Travel Awards reflect the diversity and dynamism of the sector, including Best Spanish Destination (Tenerife), Best City (Madrid), Best Airline (Iberia), and Best Sustainable Initiative in Tourism (Iberostar Wave of Change) among others.