Celebrating Excellence: The 2026 Canary Islands Tourism Awards
The 2026 Canary Islands Tourism Awards are set to highlight the best in the tourism sector. This year, under the leadership of Jéssica de León, the Minister of Tourism and Employment for the Canary Islands, a diverse group of industry leaders came together to honor ten outstanding initiatives and individuals. Remarkably, this year saw a record participation with 102 applications, showcasing the industry’s commitment to enhancing the quality of the destination.
De León emphasized the importance of this high participation rate, stating that it reflects the wider efforts towards achieving sustainability across environmental, economic, and social dimensions in the tourism sector. This commitment is crucial as it translates to improved quality of life for both residents and visitors alike.
Among the key winners, Bodegas Conatvs, situated in the picturesque village of Lajares, La Oliva, emerged as a highlight, receiving the award for Excellence in Tourism. The jury praised its ambitious approach to elevate the tourism standards in Fuerteventura, weaving together viticulture, sustainability, and cultural richness into a distinctive tourist experience.
As the first winery in Fuerteventura to obtain designation under the Protected Designation of Origin of the Canary Islands, Bodegas Conatvs has become a trailblazer in the region’s nascent wine tourism sector. Its establishment represents a significant milestone in the development of agricultural tourism on an island renowned for its stark, arid landscape. Conatvs has fostered a unique value proposition, crafting high-quality wines suited to volcanic soils and extreme climatic conditions. Beyond mere production, it integrates educational experiences that promote sustainability and cultural ties to the region.
The Tourism Career Award was awarded to Carlos Cebriá, a prominent entrepreneur recognized for his dedication to high-quality tourism in Fuerteventura. Cebriá’s contributions have significantly positioned the island as a luxury destination, with an emphasis on quality and governance in tourism. It’s notable that he played a pivotal role in the 2003 launch of the Hotel Atlantis Bahía Real, the first five-star luxury hotel on the island, welcoming numerous Nobel laureates, heads of state, and influential global personalities, thereby enhancing the prestige of the Canary Islands as a tourist locale.
A focus on sustainability was further emphasized in the award for Sustainable Employment, which went to Landmar Hotels for its innovative management approach that prioritizes employee welfare and professional development. Their model not only enhances workplace morale but also contributes to the economic and social fabric of the Canary Islands through responsible employment practices.
In terms of innovation, Ecofinca Nogales from La Palma received accolades for its exemplary commitment to sustainable agriculture and eco-tourism. Utilizing advanced permaculture and agroecology techniques, the farm not only optimizes natural resources but also promotes biodiversity. Educational activities and immersive experiences offered to visitors highlight the importance of environmental consciousness within the tourism framework.
The award for Accessibility and Inclusivity highlighted the efforts of the Anchieta Social Reinsertion Association, which has been vital in improving the lives of vulnerable populations in Tenerife since 1973. Their work has transformed into an integral platform for community reintegration, demonstrating that tourism sustainability is intertwined with the social well-being of local populations.
Finally, the award for Sustainable Tourism Destination went to La Palma, recognized as one of the most exemplary cases of sustainable tourism not only in the Canary Islands but throughout Spain. The jury commended La Palma’s comprehensive approach to territory protection, environmental conservation, and maintaining a balance between tourism development and social well-being, amplified by its commitment to safeguard over 35% of its land area under various protection categories.
The jury for the 2026 Canary Islands Tourism Awards, presided over by Jéssica de León, included notable figures from various tourism organizations and institutions, such as María Victoria López from Ashotel and Susana Pérez from Asolan. Their collaborative efforts attest to the emphasis on the collective vision of sustainability and excellence within the tourism sector.
Set to be held in Fuerteventura for the first time, the awards ceremony will take place on September 24, 2026, at the Palacio de Formación y Congresos in Puerto del Rosario, marking a significant moment for the island’s tourism industry as it celebrates its achievements and looks forward to future advancements.
