The event highlighted the importance of moving beyond tourism evaluations based solely on economic metrics towards new tools that capture social impact. Ana Ramón, director of the Pedro Zaragoza Orts Chair of Tourism Studies at the University of Alicante, underscored the university's role in research and transferring findings to the sector.
Toni Pérez, mayor of Benidorm and president of the Provincial Council of Alicante, defended Benidorm's pioneering role as a destination and stressed the importance of creating suitable frameworks for business development. "We will only be the best tourist destination if we are the best city to live in," he stated.
Juan Llopis, director of Institutional Relations and Projects at the University of Alicante, emphasized the significance of research and the sector's adaptability to new challenges, noting the university's crucial role in generating knowledge and providing tools.
The forum addressed topics such as the responsible traveler profile, social sustainability, citizen perception of tourism, and inclusive business best practices. The event brought together institutional representatives, international specialists, researchers, and industry professionals to analyze how to advance towards a tourism model that considers its impact on the quality of life for residents and tourism workers, in addition to its economic dimension.
