Medal and Plaque of Tourist Merit

The Medal and Plaque for Tourist Merit (Medalla y Placa al Mérito Turístico) together constitute Spain’s highest civil decoration in the field of tourism. The medal is intended to reward people, whether Spanish or foreign nationals, for having rendered outstanding services to Spanish tourism in any of the fields or categories into which it is divided. The Plaque for Tourist Merit is awarded to institutions, companies, or tourist destinations that stand out in the areas specified under its fields or categories. The Medal and Plaque for Tourist Merit were reformed under a measure approved on 31 August 2012, and are now governed by Royal Decree 1269/2012 of 31 August, establishing the Medal and Plaque for Tourist Merit (Official State Gazette of 1 September 2012). The Royal Decree is implemented by Order IET 2149/2012 of 4 October, approving the regulations for awarding the Medal and Plaque for Tourist Merit.

Previously, they were governed by the Order of the Ministry of Information and Tourism of 21 January 1963, which was repealed by Royal Decree 720/2005 of 20 June.