Castelldefels has concluded an exceptional participation in the International Tourism Fair (FITUR) 2026, receiving three important distinctions that consolidate the city as a leading destination in Spain in terms of gastronomy, sustainability and tourism quality.
This is the first time that a destination has won three awards in its first two appearances at FITUR. During the fair, held at IFEMA MADRID, the city also hosted institutional events and an international twinning ceremony that expands its global reach.
Three awards that reinforce the city's tourism strategy
Castelldefels has been recognised with:
- The FITUR award for the most sustainable stand, revalidating the title achieved in the previous edition.
- The FITUR award for Active Tourism in the national category for the gastronomic initiative ‘Arroz de Castelldefels’ (Castelldefels rice), a product that is establishing itself as a local culinary emblem.
- The Q for Tourism Quality, awarded by ICTES and renewed during Q Night, which certifies the excellence of the municipality’s beaches and reinforces this success.
The mayor of Castelldefels, Manu Reyes, highlighted the importance of these awards: ‘These awards are not only a source of pride for Castelldefels, but also a reflection of the joint effort made by our city to offer quality, sustainable tourism based on our gastronomic and cultural identity.’
Manu Reyes also emphasised the role of these awards in boosting the tourism strategy for the coming years: ‘We are building a model of tourism that generates opportunities, showcases our local products and puts us on the international map. FITUR has confirmed that we are on the right track.’
Institutional agenda and international projection
Throughout FITUR, the Castelldefels delegation participated in several key activities:
- Announcement of the first edition of the Food Capitals Summit, which will bring together cities from around the world linked to gastronomy in Castelldefels in May.
- Presentation on Blue Flag and sustainability, reinforcing the destination’s environmental commitment.
- Institutional dinner with authorities from Coimbra, prior to the international twinning ceremony that expands its global projection with ‘Castelldefels meets Coimbra’, held last Friday.
- Regarding the twinning with Coimbra, the mayor said: ‘This agreement opens up new opportunities for cooperation in tourism, gastronomy and culture. This twinning is not between cities but between destinations, a region and a city united by a joint action plan already agreed for 2026’.
A stand that reinforces the tourist identity
Castelldefels had its own stand at FITUR for the first time, focusing on showcasing the essence of the municipality, its coastline, its gastronomy and its commitment to technology. One of the most striking elements was the transfer and assembly of a real beach bar brought from Castelldefels beach itself, an icon of the Mediterranean lifestyle that identifies the city and which will once again serve visitors and bathers this summer.
Manu Reyes highlighted the value of this space: ‘We wanted everyone who visited our stand to experience Castelldefels: its beach, its cuisine, its Mediterranean character. The response from the public and professionals has been extraordinary.’
Castelldefels, a destination that is moving forward with firm steps
With more than 9,500 exhibitors from 150 countries, FITUR 2026 is one of the main international showcases for the tourism sector. Castelldefels’ prominent presence confirms its growing position as a strong, competitive destination recognised for the quality of its offerings. A highlight of its strategy to become a leading gastronomic destination is its application to become a UNESCO Creative City in the gastronomy category in 2027.
The mayor concluded: ‘These achievements are just the beginning. Castelldefels will continue to work to offer the best of itself, consolidating its position as a gastronomic destination, sustainable and of tourist excellence’.
Source: TRAVEL MEDIA HUB