IV Edition of the VIAJAR AWARDS: All Award Recipients of the Grand Night of Tourism

On Monday, September 22, Madrid became the epicenter of tourism with the long-awaited fourth gala of the VIAJAR AWARDS, organized by Prensa Ibérica, an event that brought together more than 150 industry professionals to recognize the best initiatives, destinations, and projects making a difference in the tourism sector once again this year.

The event took place at the iconic Mandarin Oriental Ritz Hotel, a setting worthy of an award that recognized a total of 15 destinations, businesses, and initiatives that stood out in 2025 for their excellence, innovation, and sustainability.

At the start of the gala, Javier Moll, President of Prensa Ibérica, publisher of VIAJAR, opened the ceremony highlighting the importance and experience of traveling: "Traveling is becoming more prevalent. Humanity travels more than ever because traveling makes us grow and feel. The travel culture helps us, as human beings, to explore the world, to open our minds, to better understand other societies, cultures, and ways of being, living, and thinking; to enjoy life, and to explore new and intense emotions." He also added: "The sector recognizes VIAJAR as a great amplifier of national and international destinations, which has made it possible for many destinations to choose the magazine as a media partner for their promotional campaigns."

The award recipients were chosen by professionals from the VIAJAR magazine and tourism sector experts. VIAJAR is a reference in travel journalism: with over 45 years of history, it is the first travel magazine in Spain and currently the largest traveling community in the country. In its digital version, it has been the absolute leader for 25 consecutive months and ranks as the fourth most-read online magazine in Spain across all subjects. Josep María Palau, Director of the magazine, highlighted the commitment and responsibility the publication assumes with its readers and users, noting that the awarded prizes "focus on sustainability and those initiatives that do not seek the uncontrollable growth of tourism, but rather its sensible and lasting management."

The event was hosted by journalist Fátima Iglesias, whose experience and warmth captivated those in attendance. Notable figures present included Noelia Bonilla, chef Jesús Sánchez, and Matías Ferreira, among others. Among the significant personalities in attendance were the Minister of Industry and Tourism, Jordi Hereu, and the Secretary of State for Tourism, Rosario Sánchez Grau, who emphasized the importance of these awards in the institutional agenda with their presence. To conclude the event, Minister Jordi Hereu offered some words: "I congratulate the magazine VIAJAR because it is a pleasure that magazines still exist. I believe it is a format through which one stays informed about pressing realities. The magazine format is for enjoyment, and clearly, the magazine VIAJAR has always been a transmitter of this immense pleasure humanity experiences, which is travel: to know different realities and enjoy the experience of travel." You have been doing this since 1978, and now, with the digital format, you have also managed to build, through the VIAJAR Club, a community of people passionate and fascinated by the act of traveling."

He adds about the situation of tourism in Spain that: "We are in a process of transforming the tourism model in Spain because we are aware that if we want to maintain the economic sustainability of our model, which we need and which is very positive, we must invest significantly in social sustainability and environmental sustainability of the tourism model. Therefore, it is this triple sustainability that we are working on from the Government of Spain with the Autonomous Communities, with total leadership and clearly with the entire business ecosystem. This way we can guarantee a great source of social well-being and opportunities for all regions of Spain."

After the awards ceremony, guests enjoyed a cocktail in a relaxed atmosphere that encouraged interaction among professionals and industry leaders, reflecting a diverse roster that gathered the utmost richness of tourism.

The event was supported by DS Automobiles and Nautalia as exclusive sponsors, who, along with the magazine VIAJAR and the Prensa Ibérica group, managed to enliven an evening that each year gains more prestige in the sector. The sponsor car brand exhibited one of its models at the Ritz entrance, the No 8, which not only served as the official car of the gala but also transported some of the invited personalities such as Raquel Sanchez Silva, Marina Comes, or Javier de Miguel, Marta López Álamo, among others. Likewise, Maestro Dobel Tequila prepared cocktails for everyone present.

Finally, the musical finale was provided by DJ Duo, two young artists who brought a fresh and sophisticated atmosphere to the gala with their electronic duo performance.

This year's edition recognizes projects and initiatives that represent the diversity of the sector, from innovation in transportation to hotel excellence, as well as destinations that highlight their culture, gastronomy, or commitment to sustainability.

Bioparc, along with the Foundation and the parks in Fuengirola, Valencia, and the Gijón Aquarium, is committed to the conservation of biodiversity and endangered species, environmental education, and the transformative experience it offers to visitors.

This is a destination that combines nature, culture, traditions, and unique spaces in a region with a privileged setting for experiencing rural tourism in its most genuine essence.

Ceuta, an exceptional destination where cultures, history, gastronomy, and natural landscapes converge, offering visitors a different and authentic experience.

A trending destination with an unparalleled mix of spectacular landscapes, rich culture, and world-renowned cuisine.

The authenticity and diversity of its offering converge in a region that combines pure nature with an exceptional historical and cultural heritage, and a top-level gastronomy recognized both within and outside our borders.

The gastronomic richness of Tenerife reflects the identity and diversity of the island: from unique local products to the fusion of tradition and creativity offered by its internationally recognized chefs.

Royal Caribbean has an innovative offering that combines ships with activities for all ages, excellent service, exclusive experiences in unique destinations, as well as a firm commitment to innovation and sustainability.

Embodies the sophisticated luxury and warmth that characterize the best hotels in the world.

With a comprehensive commitment to responsible tourism, it stands out for supporting accommodations that respect the environment, promote biodiversity conservation, and support local communities.

Recognized for responsible and sustainable tourism in unique natural environments with itineraries that combine adventure, scientific exploration, and respect for the environment.

Authentic and sustainable: it has the ability to combine elegance, innovation, and memorable experiences with careful design, high-quality services, and personalized attention.

A leader in sustainable tourism, it combines excellence in tourism services with respect for the environment and conservation of its natural heritage.

From Oceania Cruises, they offer sophisticated and exclusive travel experiences, combining comfort, top-level gastronomy, and personalized attention.

It is their innovation in sustainable transportation, offering solutions that reduce environmental impact and promote responsible mobility, that makes them exceptional.

Promoting innovative, sustainable, and authentic travel experiences, combining creativity, operational excellence, and commitment to social and environmental responsibility, celebrates the 10th anniversary of Pangea.

With this new edition of the VIAJAR AWARDS, the magazine consolidates its commitment to recognizing tourism as a driver of economic, cultural, and social development. Not to mention that, at the end of the event, our guests received a 'goodie bag' with some products including the September issue of the VIAJAR magazine: a passport holder from Mr.Wonderful, a mini-bottle of Canvas Cream from the brand Lamixtura, socks from Jimmy Lion, coffee from RootCafé, gummy bears from Oh my Sweets!, and almonds from Sal de Ibiza.