The four-day summit combines scheduled business meetings with social events. It gives hospitality professionals opportunities to exchange knowledge, share insights and develop industry connections.
DUCO Travel Summit focuses on individual destinations, connecting leading hospitality providers with an international network of travel advisors. The invitation-only event brings together Spanish and Portuguese hoteliers, destination management companies (DMCs) and experience creators with buyers from English-speaking markets.
The organisers expect 225 high-end hospitality professionals and experience providers, alongside 160 travel advisors. Participants include leading sellers and destination specialists from English-speaking markets. The programme features twenty-minute, one-to-one daytime appointments and hosted destination experiences.
The summit receives sponsorship from the Andalucía Tourist Board, Luxury Travel by Costa del Sol Tourist Board and Marbella Tourism.
Business meetings and destination experiences
The programme begins with a pre-opening afternoon press programme hosted by Finca Cortesin Hotel. Organisers have reserved this programme exclusively for exhibitors with confirmed participation.
The opening continues with Esencia Andaluza: Registration & Gastronomic Evening at Hotel Finca Cortesin. The outdoor event by the sea presents a gastronomic celebration reflecting Marbella’s setting. Anantara Villa Padierna Palace will host the scheduled appointments throughout the summit. The tableside format facilitates face-to-face meetings between hospitality providers and travel advisors.
In partnership with The Leading Hotels of the World, a dedicated area will host exhibiting affiliates. The space will provide a setting for meetings and professional networking. Portuguese textile brand Lameirinho will present a mock-up of a high-end hotel suite at the venue. The installation will showcase the company’s premium linens and home textiles.
Marbella Club Hotel will host the opening party. Villa La Serrana by Puente Romano Marbella will host the closing party on the final evening.
International press programme runs from October 18–20
DUCO will also organise a three-day press programme for 15 international, Spanish and Portuguese media representatives. The programme will take place in Marbella from October 18 to 20, 2026.
On Sunday, October 18, journalists joined a guided visit and welcome press dinner at Gran Marbella Resort & Beach Club. Sponsor representatives will welcome journalists from leading media outlets.
Today Monday, October 19, Hotel Finca Cortesin will host a guided visit and press lunch. The programme will continue with one-to-one meetings between exhibitors and media representatives, followed by the gastronomic evening at the hotel.
The final press day, October 20, will include a dedicated activity at METT Marbella. Journalists will also visit Anantara Villa Padierna Palace, the venue for the summit’s scheduled appointments. Lanserhof Marbella will host the farewell press lunch.
Hospitality exhibitors and regional awards
DUCO Spain & Portugal features a selected group of exhibitors, including members of The Leading Hotels of the World, Relais & Châteaux, Preferred Hotels & Resorts, and Small Luxury Hotels of the World.
The 2026 DUCO Spain & Portugal Awards will recognise achievements across the region’s hospitality and travel sector. Attendees will select winners in five categories.
The categories are Best Spanish Hotelier, Best Portuguese Hotelier and Unique Experience Provider. The programme also includes Estrella de España for Best Spanish Hotel and Joia de Portugal for Best Portuguese Hotel.
The organisers will announce the winners on October 21 at the Anantara Villa Padierna Palace Amphitheatre, following the scheduled appointments.
