The Recent Meeting of the Canarian Tourism Council in Fuerteventura
In a landmark event for the tourism sector of the Canary Islands, the Canarian Tourism Council convened in Fuerteventura under the leadership of Jéssica de León, the Minister of Tourism and Employment for the Government of the Canary Islands. This meeting, held at the Technological Park of Puerto del Rosario, is significant not just for the discussions that unfolded but also for its implications for the tourism landscape of Fuerteventura and beyond.
Addressing International Challenges
One of the focal points of the meeting was the evolving situation regarding the conflict in Ormuz and the impact of a vessel affected by hantavirus that is set to dock in Tenerife. Minister De León emphasized the necessity of proactively assessing potential repercussions on tourism stemming from these scenarios. “It is crucial to understand how global events can affect our local tourism activity,” she stated, underscoring the interconnected nature of global issues and local economies.
Celebrating Tourism Excellence
A highlight of the session was the announcement that the prestigious Islas Canarias Tourism Awards 2026 will be held for the first time in Fuerteventura. Scheduled for September 24 at the Palacio de Formación y Congresos in Puerto del Rosario, these awards aim to recognize excellence in various sectors of the tourism industry within the Canary Islands.
“This is the first time these awards have come to Fuerteventura, and it marks a significant step in our effort to promote our islands beyond just Gran Canaria and Tenerife,” De León remarked. The awards will not only spotlight local achievements but will also involve a juried selection process for recognizing outstanding initiatives in tourism.
Forming the Jury for the Awards
During the meeting, four jurors were appointed for the Islas Canarias Tourism Awards 2026, laying the groundwork for the complete jury. The appointed members bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table. This includes Susana Pérez, President of Asolan; Victoria López, a counselor from the Santa Cruz de Tenerife Chamber of Commerce; Carlos Castillo, Secretary of Sustainability and Occupational Health for the CCOO Canarias Federation; and Inmaculada González, Director of the Island of Canary Islands’ Chair in Sustainability and Data Intelligence. Their diverse backgrounds will ensure that various perspectives are considered when evaluating nominations.
Legislative Developments in Tourism
The agenda also included a review of regulatory advancements driven by the Department over the past three years. These legislative efforts are aimed at modernizing and adapting the legal framework governing tourism in the Canary Islands to align with contemporary realities. Among the notable achievements are the regulation of active tourism, the Sustainable Order of Use for Tourist Housing Law, and the upcoming Tourism Law for the Canary Islands. These initiatives signify a commitment to sustainability, accessibility, and the overall quality of the tourism experience across the archipelago.
Local and National Impact
Marlene Figueroa, the Minister of Tourism for the Fuerteventura Cabildo, highlighted the importance of holding this council meeting on the island. She pointed out the urgent need to evaluate the impact of international uncertainties on the tourism sector and employment, both of which are vital to the local population’s livelihood.
The representative from Asofuer, Antonio Vicente Hormiga, echoed these sentiments, expressing approval for the council’s presence in Fuerteventura and the opportunity to directly confront the sector’s primary challenges.
Submission of Nominations
The window for submitting nominations for the Islas Canarias Tourism Awards 2026 is currently open, allowing for the recognition of initiatives and professional trajectories that contribute to enhancing employment, fostering innovation, promoting sustainability, ensuring accessibility, and providing high-quality tourist services. Individuals and companies have until May 30 to submit their entries through the Government of the Canary Islands’ electronic headquarters, where detailed information on the application process is also available.
Through such meetings and initiatives, the Canarian government underscores its dedication to shaping a vibrant and resilient tourism sector that not only captivates visitors but also stands resilient against global challenges.
