Published on
October 31, 2025
Spain’s Tourism Office in Dublin has introduced the first “Spain Talks in Ireland,” a pioneering initiative focused on sustainability and partnership in the tourism industry. The first session will take place on Thursday, 13 November 2025, in Dublin’s Radisson Blu Royal Hotel.
Spain’s official tourism promoter, Tourspain, organized the first initiative aimed at emphasizing Spain’s sustainable tourism practices. The series “Caring for the Future” will focus on the integration of key sustainability practices in global travel and will foster collaboration between leadership from Spain and Ireland in the areas of responsible innovation in tourism and cross border travel collaboration.
Having been successfully hosted in the UK, USA, and Italy, the series is a value addition in the promotion of the tourism and cultural exchange globally between Ireland and Spain.
Fostering Collaboration Between Two Key Tourism Markets
Ireland and Spain share a strong travel connection, with Spain consistently ranking among the top holiday destinations for Irish tourists. According to Tourspain, over 2.3 million Irish travelers visited Spain in 2024, drawn by the country’s year-round sunshine, vibrant cities, and rich cultural heritage.
By hosting the event in Dublin, Tourspain aims to foster dialogue between Irish travel professionals and Spanish tourism innovators, ensuring that future cooperation between both markets is guided by environmental responsibility and sustainable growth.
A Platform for Industry Leaders and Innovators
The one-day event will feature panel discussions, keynote speeches, and interactive presentations, gathering some of the most influential voices in sustainable travel from both countries.
The opening session will be led by Laura Pena, followed by a moderation by Eoghan Corry, renowned Irish journalist and travel commentator.
The first panel, titled “Tourism Products and Experiences for a More Sustainable Tourism Model,” will feature leading figures in travel and hospitality:
- Juan José González, Sales Director, Paradores Hotel Chain (Spain)
- Mary Denton, CEO, Sunway Travel (Ireland)
- Abigail Sigüenza, Strategic Marketing Director, Madrid Destino (Spain)
- Clare Dunne, CEO, Irish Travel Agents Association (Ireland)
Discussions will focus on the practical integration of sustainability principles into tourism products — from eco-certified hotels and responsible travel itineraries to community-based cultural experiences that benefit local economies.
Aviation and Sustainability: Finding the Balance
A highlight of the event will be the keynote address by Donal Moriarty, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer at Aer Lingus. Moriarty will explore the aviation industry’s evolving role in sustainable travel, outlining how airlines can reduce emissions through fleet modernization, route optimization, and carbon offset programs.
His participation underscores the critical need for collaboration across all segments of the tourism ecosystem — from airlines and tour operators to destination managers — in building a greener future for international travel.
Sharing Best Practices in Sustainable Tourism
The second panel, “Good Practices in Sustainable Tourism,” will showcase real-world examples of how destinations, companies, and local authorities are implementing sustainability strategies.
Panelists will include:
- Natalia Bóveda, Marketing Executive, Costa del Sol Tourism
- Pere Granados, Mayor of Salou, Spain’s flagship family-friendly resort town
- Ken Lyons, Sustainability Manager, CIE Tours International
- Pat Neville, Communications Manager, Coillte (Ireland’s forestry management organization)
The discussion will highlight successful case studies in resource conservation, community engagement, and low-impact tourism infrastructure.
Panelists are expected to share insights on managing visitor flow in popular destinations, reducing environmental footprints, and creating authentic, sustainable experiences that appeal to modern travelers.
Spotlight on Andalusia and Spain by Train
Two major sponsors, Turismo Andaluz and Spain by Train, will deliver special presentations illustrating Spain’s diverse and sustainable tourism offerings.
Antonio Martín-Machuca, Head of Cooperation Management at the Andalusia Tourism Board, will highlight Andalusia’s pioneering efforts in responsible tourism, from green hotel certification to rural development initiatives that support small communities.
Representing Spain by Train, Diego Juárez will showcase Spain’s high-speed rail network (AVE) as a sustainable alternative to short-haul flights. With its extensive routes connecting Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, and Seville, the AVE network allows visitors to travel comfortably while reducing their carbon footprint, reinforcing Spain’s commitment to eco-conscious mobility.
These presentations aim to inspire Irish travel companies to integrate train-based itineraries and low-impact tourism products into their Spain-bound travel packages.
Honoring Excellence: The Tourism Sustainability Awards
The event will conclude with the Tourism Sustainability Awards Ceremony, recognizing Irish professionals and organizations whose work has advanced sustainable tourism in Spain.
Awards will be presented across four categories:
- Media Award – For outstanding coverage of Spain as a sustainable destination.
- Ambassador Award – For the best digital content showcasing Spain’s commitment to sustainability.
- Experience Award – For innovative travel experiences and packages promoting responsible tourism.
- Business Award – For companies demonstrating exemplary ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) practices.
The awards highlight the essential role of collaboration between media, tour operators, and travel agencies in shaping travelers’ perceptions and promoting sustainability as a defining value of modern tourism.
A Shared Vision for Responsible Travel
The global commitment to sustainable travel is another milestone for Spain Talks and Ireland. This initiative seamlessly blends the Spanish and Irish environmental consciousness with global sustainable travel trends.
Through this innovative event, Spain facilitates the integration of cultural connection with environmentally friendly tourism. This demonstrates to the world that tourists and environmentally friendly destinations can maintain global competitiveness.
The initiative demonstrates that tourism can be a vehicle for positive social change. Conscious global travelers protect and preserve culture for future generations. Creating and fostering international understanding is yet another social benefit of environmentally friendly travel. With this first edition in Ireland, Spain reaffirms its position not only as one of Europe’s leading tourist destinations but also as a trailblazer in sustainable tourism innovation.
