Imserso travel competition for the 2023/2024 season moves forward with cabinet approval and bids from major Spanish tour groups
The recently approved Imserso travel competition for the upcoming 2023/2024 season has drawn significant interest from Spain’s leading tourism groups as they prepare their bids for the new contract. The process reflects a refreshed strategy to expand options for travelers and to boost the reach of Imserso programs across the country. According to the Ministry of Social Rights and the 2030 Agenda, the projected value for the next contract is around 300 million euros, marking a 14% increase from the previous period. The expansion would bring destinations to Spain’s 52 provinces, with total seats rising to about 900,000, an additional 70,000 compared with the prior season. These figures underscore the scale of the initiative and its importance for regional tourism as well as for older travelers who rely on Imserso programs for affordable and accessible travel opportunities.
The current targeted program, which had faced a third extension that was ultimately not approved, remains in the hands of Mundiplan, a joint venture between Iberia, IAG7, and Alsa, and Turismo Social, led by Ávoris. The two groups are set to resubmit their proposals under new specifications, as confirmed by Europa Press. Mundiplan’s managing director, Jacob Fernández, reiterated the company’s intent to submit a new program bid, aiming to cover the three main segments of the mainland coast, the islands, and inland tourism, while preserving the three-company structure of the joint venture. Ávoris Corporación Empresarial affirmed its participation, expressing confidence in the process and highlighting a long-standing track record of more than 25 years in delivering the program.
Viajes El Corte Inglés keeps options open for the new Imserso season
Viajes El Corte Inglés Group informed Europa Press that participating in the new Imserso program for the upcoming season remains a possibility and not a closed matter. The company reaffirmed its commitment to serving travelers aged 60 and above, promising a service tailored to their needs and delivering strong value for money. In addition to Imserso offerings, the group presents complementary programs through the Vacation Club, including premium national and international excursions, exclusive experiences, curated restaurants, and intimate group sizes to destinations like Turkey. A wine route through Norway, Poland, and Ribera del Duero exemplifies the premium experiences featured. The group also participates annually in the Cultural Routes program of the Community of Madrid. Source: Europa Press.
W2M and SOLTOUR join the competitive bid
World2Meet, known as W2M, announced it will bid for the new Imserso program, while the Iberostar Group travel division had not previously attempted to access Imserso trips. In recent developments, W2M signed an agreement to acquire Viajes Eroski, a subsidiary of Grupo Eroski, and introduced Kannak, a new circuit operator offering a flexible, customer-centered approach designed to reshape the circuit travel market. Tomeu Bennasar, CEO of Soltour Travel Partners, stated at a press conference announcing its alliance with TUI Iberia that the operator plans to join the Imserso program. He asserted that Imserso remains a crucial opportunity, though he noted the program is highly demanding in terms of volume and competitiveness. Bennasar emphasized that Soltour possesses the necessary assets to compete and sees the initiative as a meaningful possibility for growth. Source: Europa Press.
New developments and innovations in the Imserso framework
Among notable innovations are the refreshed Imserso portal pages and an expanded offer that includes ten new cultural circuits and nineteen new nature routes across provinces such as Albacete, Almería, Ávila, Cáceres, Castellón, Girona, Lleida, Tenerife, and Toledo. The routes showcase highlights like the Sierra Nevada, Las Médulas natural park, Las Tablas de Daimiel, Ribeira Sacra, and Leitzarán Valley. The plan reserves more than 1,000 places for itineraries with cultural themes in areas of special interest across Spain, including literary, musical, theatrical, and gastronomic experiences. In addition to the expanded content, proposals aim to improve accessibility by increasing accommodations for single travelers and accelerating trip processing through electronic registration that allows travelers to verify themselves at accommodations. Inter-regional balance will be maintained to ensure origin-agnostic access to travel, lodging, and medical coverage, reinforcing the commitment to active aging and addressing loneliness among seniors in the coming season. Source: Europa Press.