Galicia has been honoured with two prestigious awards at Fitur 2026, the international tourism fair held in Madrid. The region was recognised as the Best Stand in the Autonomous Communities category and also received the award for Best Sustainable Stand, marking a significant achievement as it is the first autonomous community to secure both accolades in a single edition.
Xosé Merelles, the director of Tourism of Galicia, accepted the awards on 30 September. The Galician stand was presented under the brand Galicia Calidade and featured promotional activities for the upcoming Xacobeo 2027, a celebration of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage.
The stand's immersive and interactive design showcased various aspects of the region, including its natural beauty, cultural heritage, gastronomy, and commitment to sustainability. The jury praised the Best Stand award for its alignment with commercial strategy, originality, and innovation.
In terms of sustainability, the award highlighted the use of recycled materials and measures implemented to minimise the environmental impact of Galicia's presence at the fair. This commitment to sustainability extended to the tourism promotion activities at the stand, which featured local products linked to protected designations of origin and other quality seals.
Furthermore, the stand aimed to enhance the visibility of small and medium-sized Galician businesses in the gastronomy sector. Accessibility measures were also incorporated, with staff knowledgeable in the Galician language and content related to the region's music, dance, and cultural expressions.