ILUNION Hotels, recognized by Forbes and Kyndryl for its culture of innovation with purpose
The hotel company receives recognition in the Talent and Innovative Culture category
May 14, 2026
ILUNION Hotels has been recognized in the IV edition of the Forbes Innovation Awards by Kyndryl with the award in the Talent and Innovative Culture category. This recognition highlights its “#InnovACCIÓN with Purpose” model, a strategy that has turned innovation into one of the company’s primary drivers of transformation.
Recognition for innovation with purpose
The IV edition of the event brought together some of the most prominent initiatives in the Spanish business ecosystem and received more than 230 applications across its various categories. During the meeting, Cristiano Badoch highlighted the evolution of organizations that are “more diverse, more collaborative, and better prepared to transform the future,” while David Soto emphasized innovation as a driver of change and business progress.
Among the recognized organizations, ILUNION Hotels earned the distinction thanks to an innovative culture that is open, participatory, and aligned with the company’s social purpose.
A transversal innovative culture
Through initiatives such as “I’m Curious” and “Be Curious”, ILUNION Hotels has promoted a network of ambassadors and “innoleaders” capable of channeling talent, fostering creativity, and accelerating transformation across different levels of the organization.
This innovative ecosystem is complemented by projects such as “I’m Your Host”, centered on customer culture; “Be the Change”, focused on climate action; or “Mi-IA”, an awareness program about artificial intelligence.
Furthermore, the company has consolidated a pioneering model within the tourism and hotel sector. Currently, it is the first company in the tourism and hotel sector and the second in the world to be certified with ISO 56001 for innovation management, in addition to holding certifications such as EFQM 700, B Corp, BREEAM, or QSostenible.
During 2024, ILUNION Hotels managed 490 transformative ideas and kept 21 innovation projects active. More than 300 employees participated in innovative initiatives promoted by the company.
Innovation, business, and social impact
The innovative culture of ILUNION Hotels is part of the shared purpose of Grupo Social ONCE and ILUNION to build a better world with everyone included.
Currently, the company has nearly 2,000 professionals, of whom 65% are people with disabilities or in vulnerable situations.
“This recognition validates our commitment to an innovation that not only transforms the business, but also generates a positive impact on people and society,” states José Ángel Preciados.
With this recognition, ILUNION Hotels reinforces its positioning as a benchmark in innovation with purpose within the hotel sector, demonstrating that competitiveness, sustainability, and social impact can advance together.
last news