The inaugural Spain Talks event was hosted by the Dublin office of the Spanish tourist board today at Radisson Blu Royal Hotel.
The programme included panels on sustainable tourism models, a presentation on Spain by Train, keynote from Donal Moriarty of Aer Lingus, a good practices discussion, Andalusia Tourism presentation, and Tourism Sustainability Awards Ceremony with drinks and canapés.
The awards recognised excellence in media coverage, influencer content, sustainable tourism products, and ESG projects from Irish market partners..
The event was one a series organized by the Spanish tourist board in their offices abroad promoting dialogue, collaboration, and knowledge exchange for responsible tourism future.
- Media Award Winner. Article on Vitoria-Gasteiz by Tom Sweeney. The piece addresses the culture, gastronomy and nature aspects of this lesser known inland Basque city and promotes respect for the local communities and urban sustainability. Tom Sweeney is the Travel Editor at The Herald. Tom is a well-established travel writer with a particular expertise in Spanish destinations.
- Ambassador Award. Winner: This Wild Life of Mine blog as the best digital content of Spain as a destination committed to sustainability. Created by Irish zoologist Dearbhaile Ní Dhubhghaill, the blog inspires readers to explore Spain responsibly through personal stories and expert insights, promoting lesser-known places.
- Experience Award Winner: “Treasures of Southern Spain”, by The Travel Department, as the best package promoting sustainable tourism in Spain, offering an inclusive and cultural itinerary for solo travellers and promoting slow and responsible tourism. Travel Department is known for creating authentic travel experiences led by expert local guides.
- Business Award Winner: Follow The Camino, for their exemplary ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) project, with a carbon footprint compensation programme, low impact tourism based on hiking and cycling, direct support for local communities and a transparent sustainability policy. Follow the Camino is the first tour operator to specialise in the Camino de Santiago, offering personalised walking and cycling routes since 2006.
The conference concluded with a presentation by Antonio Martin showing Hans Zimmer’s promotional video for Andalusia.
