Salou commemorates World Tourism Day with a tribute to businesses and workers

Salou. Costa Dorada. 26 September 2026. On the occasion of World Tourism Day, the Salou City Council organized an institutional event to recognize and highlight the efforts of all individuals, establishments, businesses, and organizations that contribute to the municipality's tourism development.

During his speech, the Mayor of Salou and President of the Municipal Tourism Board, Pere Granados, emphasized that tourism is an integral part of the town's history, identity, and progress. Granados expressed special gratitude for the commitment of workers in the tourism industry, as well as business owners and sector stakeholders, remarking that "they are the ones who make Salou a hospitable and welcoming town." "Thanks to everyone," he said, "Salou is an internationally recognized tourist destination."

Granados also mentioned the Most Sustainable Destination award presented by Viajar magazine, explaining that for Salou, sustainability is cross-cutting, encompassing economic and social sustainability alongside environmental efforts. In this regard, he stressed the necessary balance between residents and visitors, stating that "a city that takes care of its residents enhances the tourist experience for visitors."

For this reason, the Mayor of Salou noted that work continues on desessionalization, as it is "a tool for progress that generates more opportunities."

Following the speeches, a commemorative monolith was unveiled, symbolizing the city's public gratitude toward all the entities and individuals who make Salou's tourism development possible.

Awarding of diplomas and industry representation

During the event, commemorative diplomas and institutional gifts were presented to various representatives from the tourism, social, and business sectors:

• Consell de Marca Salou: Representatives from local gastronomy (chef Pep Moreno), tourist accommodation (José Otero, Jahaciel Villaverde, and Àlex Savé), travel agencies (José Luis Túnez), leisure (Hugo Battini), sports tourism (Jaume Vicheto), local retail (Juli Vilaplana), and accommodation/leisure (Xavier Guardià).

• Businesses and associations: Edu Cuesta (Salou Hospitality Entrepreneurs Association), Oriol Calderón (Federation of Hospitality and Tourism Entrepreneurs of Tarragona - FEHT), Kika Luczak (PortAventura World), Lluïsa Jiménez (Shopping Salou), Albert Savé (Costa Daurada and Terres de l'Ebre Hotel Association), Enrique Lozano (Association of Receptive Travel Agencies), Olena Tokarenko (Tourist Apartments Association), Eduardo Abenójar (Catering and Nightlife Association), and Marta Nel·lo (Salou - Costa Daurada Tourism Innovation and Research Chair).

• Workers' representation: Esmeralda Valiente (General Secretary of the UGT Services, Mobility, and Consumer Federation) and Nieves Marcos (head of hospitality at the CCOO Tarragona Inter-union Services Union).

Commitment to decent work and peace

Speaking on behalf of the business sector, Oriol Calderón (FEHT representative) highlighted the dedication of the teams serving visitors daily and underscored the importance of continuing to invest in training and sustainability.

Representing tourism workers, Esmeralda Valiente (UGT representative) expressed thanks—also on behalf of CCOO—for the tribute paid to all workers connected to the tourism industry. She also noted that the best way to maintain this recognition is by continuing to guarantee quality employment with decent wages, job stability, occupational risk prevention, and work-life balance.

The event concluded with closing remarks from Mayor Pere Granados, who defended tourism as a vehicle for transmitting the cultural values of the municipality and the region, adding that it is also a symbol of peace.

Following the group photograph, the Colla Gegantera de Salou gave a short performance accompanied by the Salou Destroy Silence percussion group, and refreshments were served to all attendees.