Growtur’s founder received one of three special distinctions awarded by the ILUNION Hotels and TecnoHotel initiative at TIS in Seville. We want to share this recognition with the team, people and institutions who have made this journey possible.
On 7 October 2026, at the Tourism Innovation Summit (TIS) in Seville, Rafael de Jorge López, CEO and founder of Growtur, received one of three special distinctions in the 25 Most Innovative Tourism Professionals of 2026, an initiative led by ILUNION Hotels and TecnoHotel.
We are delighted to share this news, both for what it recognises and for the people behind it. The award bears Rafael’s name; the work that made it possible is a collective achievement.
Recognising AI that works in the real world of tourism
According to TecnoHotel’s report, the jury recognised Rafael’s work in turning artificial intelligence for tourism into replicable implementation models, bringing together technology, data, sustainability and training.
Highlighted projects include secure AI environments for Turespaña and destination agents in Lloret de Mar and Gran Canaria. This is about more than discussing technology’s potential: it means translating it into processes, tools and teams working in tourism every day.
That is how we approach our work at Growtur: understanding tourism, listening to its professionals and building solutions they can actually use. Our team’s experience and the trust of those who work with us are inseparable from that journey.
One name on the award, many people to thank
When accepting the distinction, Rafael dedicated his speech to the people and institutions who have supported Growtur. We want that gratitude to have a place here too, because one person cannot do all of this alone.
To Growtur’s team, past and present
Thank you to Mar Pérez Aranda, Cristina Gisbert, Luis, Ana, Álex and everyone on the team. And to those who once worked at Growtur and have since taken other paths: your contribution remains part of who we are.
Behind every training programme, project and implementation are knowledge, time, effort and many conversations. This recognition belongs to you too.
To the institutions and destinations that have placed their trust in us
Thank you to Pascuala Pérez and the Instituto de Turismo de la Región de Murcia (ITREM) for supporting us on this journey.
To Lloret Turisme, with a special mention for Elizabeth Keegan, also recognised among this edition’s 25 innovators, and Cris, Vivi, Montse, Sandra and the whole team. Thank you for your trust and for working with us to bring AI into destination management.
To Turismo de Gran Canaria, especially Elena Miranda and her team, and to Turismo de Islas Canarias. Thank you for creating opportunities to learn, share and develop projects with real impact.
To Turespaña and SEGITTUR, with a special mention for Isabel Martín and Karen from the Oslo office, for their collaboration and trust.
To the Instituto Tecnológico Hotelero
Thank you to the Instituto Tecnológico Hotelero (ITH), which has encouraged us, helped us and continues to support us. To Álvaro, Pedro, Paula, Laura, Luis and the whole team: thank you for contributing and bringing innovation closer to tourism professionals.
To those who champion and recognise tourism innovation
Thank you to ILUNION Hotels, TecnoHotel and the jury for this recognition. And to María Velasco, who presented Rafael with the award, for being part of such a special moment.
Congratulations to everyone recognised in this edition. Sharing this space with professionals who are transforming tourism is also an opportunity to keep learning.
The recognition in the press
Several publications have reported Rafael’s distinction and the reasons highlighted by the jury. The following reports are in Spanish:
- TecnoHotel: The 25 Most Innovative Tourism Professionals of 2026. Information about the initiative, the professionals recognised and the reasons for the special distinctions.
- Extradigital: ILUNION Hotels presents the 25 most innovative tourism professionals in Seville. Covers Rafael’s special recognition and the projects cited.
- Vinetur: ILUNION Hotels recognises the 25 most innovative tourism professionals. Explains the AI implementation methodology recognised by the jury.
Moving forward through experience, trust and collaboration
This recognition encourages us to keep working towards what we believe in: artificial intelligence that meets tourism’s real needs and develops alongside the people who understand the sector.
Technology matters. But trust, collaboration and the determination to move forward together are what make things happen.
To everyone who made this possible: thank you. This recognition belongs to you too.
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