Valencia Hosted The 35th World Tourism Film Awards, Which Featured A Star-studded Lineup

The event not only recognizes the best tourism films from around the world but also serves as a platform for industry professionals to come together and exchange ideas, fostering innovation and collaboration.

The exclusivity of the event was evident, as it was reserved for film makers and government officials. It was a private event, focused on fostering business-to-business connections. Only HRH Princess Keisha, from the fashion and royal backgrounds and her SAXSMAG team were invited to attend. Creating an atmosphere of sophistication and glamour.

Princess Keisha Omilana wearing a stunning attire of “Imaginative Fashion” by Olga IF was sitting next to Pepa Jorda Vazquez, the Valencia Film Commissioner. As a key figure in the film industry, Jorda Vazquez brought her expertise and insights to the table, making her presence highly valued.

Another prominent figure present at the event was Paula Llobet Vilarrasa, the councilor of tourism Innovation and investment. Vilarrasa’s dedication to promoting tourism and fostering innovation in the industry made her an important guest at the awards ceremony.

Among the international guests was Ramón Adillon Sastre, the President of SKAL International Globally. Adillon Sastre’s presence highlighted the global reach and significance of the World Tourism Film Awards.

Switzerland Tourism emerged as a standout, securing two World’s Best Tourism Film awards. Their captivating films not only showcased the beauty of the country but also highlighted the unique experiences it offers to travelers. The Türkiye Tourism Promotion and Development Agency also made a significant impression, with their films capturing the essence of the country’s diverse cities, regions, and attractions.

The 35th The Catalan Tourist Board, representing the vibrant region of Catalonia, garnered multiple awards, solidifying its position as a top tourism destination. Their films beautifully captured the rich culture, stunning landscapes, and gastronomic delights that Catalonia has to offer. Spanish organizations such as Visit Valencia, Madrid Destino, Mirador torre Glòries, and Turismo de Islas Canarias were also recognized for their exceptional tourism films, showcasing the diversity and allure of Spain.

Portugal emerged as a frontrunner in the awards, with creative agency Lobby Films & Advertising taking the top spot in the Tourism Services category. Their innovative approach to promoting tourism services impressed the judges. Portuguese organizations Visit Cascais, Monção Municipality, and Quinta da Pacheca were also recognized for their outstanding contributions to tourism promotion.

The World’s Best Tourism Film awards were not limited to European destinations. Bielsko-Biała City Hall from Poland, Wesgro from South Africa, Qatar Tourism from Qatar, the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy of Indonesia, the Uganda Tourism Board, Zagreb County Tourist Board from Croatia, Carlton Cannes from France, VisitSydsjælland-Møn from Denmark, the influencer Robert Dacešin from Bosnia & Herzegovina, and Zéké Film from France were all honored for their exceptional tourism films.

The Valencia, as the host city for the third consecutive year, showcased its commitment to innovative tourism promotion. The city’s constant dedication to digital, dynamic, and personalized promotion has solidified its position as a leading force in the industry. Paula Llobet, Valencia City Councillor for Tourism, expressed her gratitude for the trust placed in Valencia and Visit Valencia by the International Committee of Tourism Film Festivals (CIFFT).

Alexander V. Kammel, CIFFT Director, emphasized the importance of such recognition in driving the industry’s growth and inspiring professionals worldwide to push the boundaries of creativity and storytelling in tourism promotion. The World Tourism Film Awards in Valencia served as a testament to the incredible talent and creativity within the tourism industry, encouraging professionals to continue innovating and captivating audiences through their films.

The 2024 competition is already open for entries, providing an opportunity for aspiring filmmakers and tourism enthusiasts to showcase their creativity and storytelling skills. Aspiring participants can find the complete list of winners on the official CIFFT website at www.cifft.com/winners. This comprehensive list highlights the exceptional talent and innovation that emerged from this year’s competition.

The CIFFT Circuit is organized by the International Committee of Tourism Film Festivals (CIFFT), an esteemed affiliate member of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). Recognized globally, CIFFT is dedicated to promoting excellence in tourism-related audiovisual content. By celebrating the creativity and effectiveness of tourism campaigns, the CIFFT Circuit fosters collaboration and knowledge exchange within the industry.

Endorsed by esteemed organizations such as the European Travel Commission (ETC), Central America Tourism Agency (CATA), Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO), Skal International, and supported by the Tourism and Society Think Tank (TSTT), the CIFFT Circuit holds immense credibility and influence in the tourism industry.

One of the key players in the success of the CIFFT Circuit is Visit Valencia, a non-profit foundation that strategically manages and promotes the city of Valencia in the tourism field. With the participation of Valencia’s City Council, the Chamber of Commerce, Feria Valencia, and the Valencian Business Confederation, Visit Valencia brings together various stakeholders in the local tourism sector. Since its establishment in 1991, the foundation has played a pivotal role in the evolution of tourism in Valencia, contributing to employment opportunities, tourism development, and economic growth. The positive impact of Visit Valencia’s efforts can be seen in the increased well-being of Valencian society.

With the support of organizations like CIFFT and Visit Valencia, the future of tourism filmmaking looks promising, and the industry can continue to thrive and evolve.

Overall, the 35th World Tourism Film Awards in Valencia celebrated the power of visual storytelling in promoting tourism destinations, products, and services. The event showcased the best films from around the world, highlighting the diversity and allure of different destinations. It served as a platform for industry professionals to come together, exchange ideas, and inspire each other to push the boundaries of creativity in tourism promotion.

The success of the 35th World Tourism Film Awards in Valencia prompted the Valencian Tourism to extend an invitation to CIFFT (International

Committee of Tourism Film Festivals) to host the next year’s awards in 2024.

This gesture showcased the city’s commitment to promoting tourism through the power of film and recognized CIFFT’s expertise in organizing such prestigious events.