The Spanish Tourist Office Celebrates Winners of the Spain Talks Media Awards 2026
The Spanish Tourist Office (UK) is delighted to announce the winners of the Spain Talks Media Awards 2026, revealed during the fourth edition of Spain Talks, held for the first time at the Spanish Embassy in London on Tuesday 21 April 2026.
The awards followed the Spain Talks Conference, themed ‘A Destination Blueprint for Improved Tourism Management’, which brought together senior figures and professionals from the Spanish and British travel industries to explore how destinations can manage growth sustainably while protecting local communities and enhancing visitor experiences.
The Spain Talks Media Awards recognise excellence and innovation among UK journalists, travel trade and content creators who champion Spain as a sustainable tourist destination. Entries were judged across social, cultural, environmental and economic sustainability criteria, with a strong emphasis on geographical and seasonal diversity and fresh perspectives on lesser-known regions of Spain.
Spain Talks Media Awards 2026: Winners and Highly Commended
The Ambassador Award for the Sustainable Feature of the Year (Content Creator)
WINNER: Amanda O’Brien – Social campaign ‘Spain is Much More’ (@theboutiqueadventurer)
HIGHLY COMMENDED: Vanessa Ball – How to Explore Sierra Norte de Sevilla: Life Beyond Andalucia’s Capital (She Wanders Miles)
The Business Award for the Sustainable Feature of the Year (Travel Trade)
WINNER: Emma Dooney – ‘Accessibility is seen as a hassle’ – now one country is on a mission to drive change (TTG Media)
HIGHLY COMMENDED: Simon Britchfield – The Secret Spanish Foodie Haven That Will Leave Clients Hungry for More (TTG Media)
The Experience Award for the Sustainable Feature of the Year (Consumer Print/Online – Specific Region, Island or City)
WINNER: Eddi Fiegel – Exploring Melilla, the Spanish exclave on the north-west coast of Africa (Wanderlust)
WINNER: Fiona Dunlop – Show us your mussels! A mouthwatering trip to Vigo, Spain’s seafood capital (The Guardian)
HIGHLY COMMENDED: Ross Clarke – Land of Lava (Postcards Magazine)
The Media Award for the Sustainable Feature of the Year (Consumer Print/Online – All)
WINNER: Teresa Machan – Conservation, food and local culture on Gran Canaria (Green Traveller Media)
HIGHLY COMMENDED: Norman Miller – What Santiago’s Many ‘Camino’ Pilgrims Often Miss (BBC Travel)
The awards were judged by Jessica Harvey Taylor, Head of Press at the Spanish Tourist Office (UK); Carol Rose, Head of Sustainability at ABTA; Thomas Power, CEO of Pura Aventura and Joanna Reeve, General Manager UK & Ireland at Intrepid Travel.
The event also marked Manuel Butler’s final edition of Spain Talks as Director of the Spanish Tourist Office (UK), with TTG CEO Daniel Pearce acknowledging his leadership in advancing industry dialogue around sustainability, accessibility and responsible tourism.
Manuel Butler, Director of the Spanish Tourist Office (UK), said:
“It was a pleasure to welcome such a strong gathering of travel trade and media professionals to our fourth edition of Spain Talks. Following insightful discussions across our three panels, Spain’s ambition to become a leading sustainable destination for both visitors and residents remains unwavering. Responsible travel continues to sit at the heart of the Spanish Tourist Office’s strategy. I extend my congratulations to all winners and shortlisted entries in this year’s Spain Talks Media Awards. It is a delight to see Spain’s diverse landscapes and cultural richness so well represented by journalists, bloggers and content creators. I would also like to congratulate Amancio López, President of Grupo Hotusa, for his ongoing commitment to advancing sustainable practices.”
Guests at the ceremony enjoyed a selection of Spanish canapés and drinks inspired by Andalusia and Gran Canaria, the destination sponsors of Spain Talks 2026.
Congratulations to all winners, highly commended and shortlisted entrants!
For all press enquiries contact Jessica Harvey Taylor on Jessica.harvey@tourspain.es or the Spanish Tourist Office’s PR agency LOTUS on spain@wearelotus.co.uk.