What will be discussed in Maspalomas?
The forum's full name is XIII Foro Internacional de Turismo Maspalomas Costa Canaria and it focuses on the future of the destination as well as specialist tourism questions. According to the council's announcement, the 13th edition carries the "Science & Cooking World Congress" label.
The focus is on the connection between tourism, gastronomy, science and innovation. According to the Ayuntamiento de San Bartolomé de Tirajana, topics announced include sustainable gastronomy, computer-assisted cooking and artificial intelligence.
According to the official release, the programme combines round tables, conferences and practical workshops. It is aimed at professionals and people interested in the development of food and tourism.
Who is speaking at the forum?
Pere Castells, president of the Fundación SCWC and author of "La cocina del futuro", will give a talk on the cuisine of the coming years, according to the council. He leads the programme design under the "Science & Cooking World Congress" label.
Sergio Moreno of the Cátedra UNESCO de Planificación Turística y Desarrollo Sostenible at the ULPGC shares the programme with chefs Germán Ortega and Manolo Vilariño, as well as Ignacio Bernaldo de Quirós, Director Corporativo de F&B of the Lopesan Group.
Other announced participants include Heinz Wuth, Salvador Brugués, Karen Rützou, Fermina Pérez, Davide Cassi, Ricardo Haroun, Juan Martín Bermúdez, Daniel Li and Florence Egal. Chef Najat Kaanache from Fez closes the programme.
What does this mean for holidaymakers and residents?
For residents, foreigners living in Spain and holidaymakers, the announcement does not foresee any new levy, price change, access restriction or closure. There are no changes to residency rights, registration requirements, traffic, beaches, hotels or tourist services.
The forum is, however, an indication of where the offer in the south of Gran Canaria could be heading. First deputy mayor Alejandro Marichal said, according to the council: "Un destino turístico de calidad tiene que mejorar todos los días."
Marichal stressed that behind every tourist experience there are people. The sector's workers made Maspalomas Costa Canaria the destination it is, he said in the official release.
How can you take part?
The council website offers online registration for the forum. According to the official announcement, registration is possible via the website maspalomasforoturismo.com.
The available information does not state a participation fee or a registration deadline. Eligibility, capacity limits and specific registration periods also remain open.
ExpoMeloneras lists the telephone number +34 928 128 000 and the email address [email protected] for general contacts. These contact details come from the venue, not from the forum announcement.
What role does Meloneras play in tourism?
Meloneras belongs to the main tourist area in the south of Gran Canaria.
What is still open?
The announcement links a programme PDF (XIII FITMCC_PROGRAMA2026.pdf). It names the speakers, and the programme and registration forms are already available on maspalomasforoturismo.com. The article also contradicts itself, because it lists speakers elsewhere.
The next concrete date is 25 November 2026, the first day of the event. The second day is 26 November 2026.