The Santa Marta Awards 2026, organized by the San Bartolomé de Tirajana City Council, will this year honor innovation, gastronomic quality, sustainability, training, and tourism modernization. The gala, scheduled for 8:00 PM at the Maspalomas Cultural Center, coincides with the feast day of Santa Marta, the patron saint of hospitality.
This year's edition dedicates its tribute to the culinary field, recognizing the work of chefs, head cooks, and assistants, following previous awards for room attendants in 2024 and front-of-house staff in 2025. The aim is to enhance the culinary offerings of Maspalomas Costa Canaria.
As a novelty, an award selected by popular vote has been incorporated. Hospitality professionals have shared their answers to the question "What do you like most about working in hospitality?", and citizens will be able to vote for the ten finalist phrases on the official awards website. The winner will be announced during the ceremony.
Tourism, Festivals, and Events Councilor, Yilenia Vega, emphasized that the awards aim to instill pride in workers, recognizing their role in the destination's success. First Deputy Mayor, Alejandro Marichal, highlighted that the awards focus on the visitor experience, stressing the importance of hospitality.
Ciona Ramírez, representative of ASEGO Canarias, noted that the new category seeks to incorporate the vision of the professionals themselves. The event will bring together institutional representatives, companies, and citizens to celebrate the Canary Islands' tourism sector.
