URJC wins 3 medals at FITUR for its tourism expertise

Raul Garcia Hemonnet

Carmen de Pablos and María Dolores Sánchez, professors at URJC, along with expert Manuel de Pablos Quintanilla from INECO, have received a medal in recognition of their work on the role of trains in tourism in Spain and their future. This research has been published in the book 'Knowledge of Tourism', coordinated by Nexotur and presented on January 20th at the pre-opening of the Fitur 2026 tourism fair.

For teacher and researcher Carmen de Pablos, this recognition "is important because we have had degrees in Tourism for a long time, and we have the OPENINNOVA research group and the CIETUR center" where research is conducted on different lines related to this sector of activity.

This contribution highlights the threats and opportunities, including actions to improve railway infrastructure that should be assessed and implemented, and which are aimed at improving the safety and efficiency of this means of transport.

Specifically, explains Carmen de Pablos, professor and researcher at URJC, “we have carried out a diagnosis of the current situation of the railway in Spain in relation to tourism, analyzing weaknesses, threats, strengths and opportunities. And what the train contributes to tourism in Spain.”

As explained in the article, and following an analysis of data from various official and industry sources, 49 million passengers used trains in Spain in 2024. The price reduction has resulted in savings of €431,3 million for users. “The positive impact on society is more than €500 million (reduced pollution, accidents, and traffic congestion),” explains De Pablos.

The article places great emphasis on the need to modernize infrastructure and improve quality controls, as well as improve operational management and communication with the customer.

It is also recommended, among other aspects, to establish promotional rates for tourists and improve connectivity in less favored regions and prioritize investments in conventional routes connected with tourist attractions in rural Spain.

Other recommendations from the researchers include improving security in terms of baggage handling, fostering collaboration with operators from neighboring countries, and public-private partnerships to promote themed routes.

Likewise, Carmen de Pablos points out, we wanted to highlight “a relevant figure in the field of trains: Victor Bañares Yébenes, promoter and founder of Iryo España, who has promoted competition in the sector and accessibility to the High Speed ​​train for more users.”

In this edition of the book 'Knowledge of Tourism', 55 researchers from Spanish universities from all Autonomous Communities and more than fifty businessmen and managers from the tourism sector have participated.

The book, comprising 639 pages, focuses on the tourism sector in our country. Its 42 chapters cover all the subsectors and groups that make up the tourism industry, identifying their current situation and future prospects.

Among the sponsors are Ávoris, Air Europa, Andalucía Turismo Oficial and the National Mint and Stamp Factory, at whose headquarters the work was presented and the awards were given in an event immersed in official mourning for the victims of the recent railway accidents in Andalusia and Catalonia.

In addition, researcher María Sotelo from URJC has also received a medal of recognition for her contribution to chapter 18 on Water Management in Tourism.