Over 8,000 tourism leaders face costs and talent gap
More than 8,000 tourism professionals will gather at FIBES in Seville from 6 to 8 October for the Tourism Innovation Summit 2026. Rising costs, staff shortages and fast-moving technology will dominate the agenda. Around 400 international speakers are expected, including representatives of Grupo Piñero, Louvre Hotels Group, Rail Europe, WeRoad and Minor Hotels.
The summit will focus on moving away from a model built simply on higher visitor numbers. Delegates will instead examine value, profitability and the sustainable impact of tourism on destinations, while companies look at how to reshape management plans to withstand pressure.
Beatriz Miguel, chief executive of Ilunion Hotels, and Cristina Cabañas, president of Guitart Hotels, will discuss how businesses and public bodies can work together to improve competitiveness through sustainability.
Grupo Piñero global chief executive Encarna Piñero will set out the family group's approach to regenerative management, business diversification and digital repositioning. The company says those steps have helped it reach record turnover in Spain and the Caribbean.
Another key issue is the fight to control operating costs while attracting staff. Executives from Vila Galé, Wyndham, Petit Palace Hotels and Minor Hotels will examine options including franchises, acquisitions and more efficient processes using emerging technology such as artificial intelligence.
Tourism distribution firms will also weigh up geopolitical volatility and changing traveller demands. Leaders from Rail Europe, Evaneos, WeRoad, Thalasseo and Stayforlong will argue that specialist products and niche markets can help brands compete with the biggest global booking platforms.
Source: Europa Press / Mallorca.com