Sector Professionals and Experts Participate in the FiturNext Program Dedicated to Sustainable Water Management

The FiturNext 2026 Program, part of the International Tourism Fair of Madrid (FITUR), is dedicated to sustainable water management in tourism. Here are the key highlights from the announcement:

Focus of the Program
- Organized by FiturNext Observatory in alliance with Aqualia, a leader in integrated water cycle management.
- Runs from January 21–23, 2026 at FITUR in Madrid.
- Theme: “Towards sustainable and responsible water management through tourism.”

Awards & Initiatives
- Fundación Visit Valencia – Winner in Destinations & Territories for its water footprint measurement program.
- Barceló Group – Winner in HORECA & Transport Sector for its Barceló Regen regenerative tourism project.
- Plastic Cup – Winner in Other Agents of the Water Value Chain for its participatory aquatic environment clean-up initiative.
- Finalists also receive special mentions during the ceremony.

Key Speakers & Experts
- Belén Juárez Gómez (Barceló, Head of Sustainability)
- Catalina Alemany Sorell (RIU Hotels, Director of CSR)
- Ana Pérez (Global Omnium, Sustainability Manager)
- Attila Dávid Molnár (Founder of Plastic Cup)
- Representatives from municipalities including Ibiza, Mérida, Santander, Badajoz, Almería, Vélez-Málaga, Torrox, Níjar, Vera, Benalmádena.

Program Highlights
- Panels & Round Tables on:
- Desalination as a water supply solution (Almería).
- Digitalizing water services (Badajoz & Santander).
- Tackling drought in Málaga.
- Water management in World Heritage Cities (Ibiza & Mérida).
- Dialogues on technology, regeneration, and heritage contributions to water sustainability.

This program positions tourism as a driver of responsible water management, showcasing how destinations and hospitality groups can innovate to protect vital resources.