The Vice President of the Canary Islands Government, Manuel Domínguez, and the Minister of Tourism and Employment, Jéssica de León, presided over the 2026 Canary Islands Tourism Awards ceremony in Puerto del Rosario. During his speech, Domínguez highlighted that tourism signifies «employment, opportunities, innovation, sustainability, our products, our landscapes, and our identity», focusing on people and ensuring the sector's success benefits island residents.
Domínguez emphasized that people are behind every tourism project and recognized the six awardees as representatives of different approaches to improving the sector. He advocated for a tourism model that generates wealth and jobs while also «valuing our territory and providing more opportunities for our people», advancing in quality, innovation, and sustainability, with people at its core.
Minister Jéssica de León echoed the vision of tourism «from people, for people», underscoring the effort and dedication of industry professionals. She noted that the 2026 edition, with 102 candidacies, reflects the «enormous business and social involvement» in the islands. She called for tourism regulation, setting limits and carrying capacities, and planning for future generations.
De León championed tourism compatible with the islands' identity and residents' quality of life, stating, «our tourist destination is, first and foremost, the place where we live». She highlighted the awardees' commitment to «caring for people, our economy, our workers, our identity, our land».
The next edition of the Canary Islands Tourism Awards will be held in El Hierro in 2027, continuing the initiative to rotate the awards across the archipelago. The awards, updated in 2024 to address challenges like sustainability and innovation, have seen a significant increase in participation, reaching 102 candidacies this year.
The six awardees for the 2026 edition were: Bodegas Conatvs (Tourism Excellence) for enhancing Fuerteventura's landscape and local products; Carlos Cebriá (Tourism Trajectory) for his contribution to Fuerteventura's development as a quality destination; Landmar Hotels (Sustainable Employment) for their work in employment and well-being; Ecofinca Nogales from La Palma (Innovation) for its focus on sustainable agriculture and tourism; the Anchieta Association (Accessibility and Inclusivity) for its social commitment; and La Palma (Sustainable Tourist Destination) for centering its development model on the territory and its natural values.
The gala in Fuerteventura featured a stage design inspired by the island's identity under the concept ‘Island Skin’, with performances by local artist Gara Alemán and timple player Domingo Rodríguez ‘El Colorao’.
