Celebrating Excellence: The 2026 Canarias Tourism Awards
The Tourism Awards of the Canary Islands, a prestigious event that recognizes outstanding initiatives and individuals in the tourism sector, has recently unveiled its 2026 winners. Under the auspices of Jéssica de León, the Minister of Tourism and Employment for the Government of the Canary Islands, this year’s awards saw a record-breaking participation with 102 nominations. This remarkable turnout illustrates the dedication and enthusiasm within the tourism industry, emphasizing the sector’s commitment to enhancing the quality of the Canary Islands as a destination through environmental, economic, and social sustainability.
Honor to Bodegas Conatvs
In an exciting highlight, the coveted Premio de Turismo Islas Canarias a la Excelencia Turística honored Bodegas Conatvs, nestled in Lajares, Fuerteventura. The jury was particularly impressed with Conatvs’s dedication to raising the quality standards in tourism on the island. Their comprehensive approach fuses winemaking, sustainability, and enriching tourist experiences designed to improve the overall excellence of the Canary Islands as a destination.
Bodegas Conatvs is a trailblazer, being the first winery in Fuerteventura to receive the Protected Designation of Origin status from the Canary Islands. Its inception marked a significant milestone in developing the primary sector with a tourism focus, particularly in a region that has historically been arid with no established enotourism structure.
Innovating Wine Tourism
Since its establishment, Conatvs has carved out a unique value proposition, producing high-quality wines tailored to the volcanic soil and extreme climatic conditions of the island. This winery integrates its production into a holistic tourism experience that emphasizes cultural heritage, sustainability, and education. It has pioneered cultivation in jable and volcanic ash soils, an area previously devoid of a developed winemaking culture. Through guided tours, educational tastings, and activities focusing on local production and winemaking processes, Conatvs has created an experiential gastronomy tourism model.
Recognizing Carlos Cebriá
Another significant recognition was awarded to Carlos Cebriá Cebriá, honored with the Premio de Turismo Islas Canarias a la Trayectoria Turística for his unwavering commitment to high-quality luxury tourism in Fuerteventura. Over five decades of living in Fuerteventura, Cebriá was instrumental in launching the Hotel Atlantis Bahía Real in 2003, marking the island’s first five-star luxury hotel. This establishment has welcomed renowned figures, including Nobel Laureates, heads of state, and international dignitaries, amplifying the prestige of the Canary Islands as a premier tourist destination.
Prioritizing Sustainable Employment
In the category of Sustainable Employment, the jury recognized Landmar Hotels for its exemplary employee management model focused on well-being, professional development, and social cohesion. The company excels in responsible employment practices through training programs, emotional support initiatives, and a modernized management approach. This commitment has established Landmar as a benchmark organization, notable for its positive work environment, talent retention, and significant contributions to the broader economic and social landscape of the Canary Islands.
Eco-Friendly Innovations
The Premio de Innovación was awarded to Ecofinca Nogales in La Palma, which stands out as a leader in sustainable agriculture and eco-tourism. Employing advanced permaculture and agroecology techniques, the farm optimizes natural resources while promoting biodiversity. Visitors can engage in immersive educational activities, fostering environmental consciousness and showcasing a model of tourism that honors and conserves the natural surroundings. This commitment to sustainability and innovation reinforces La Palma as a destination championing responsible and ecological practices.
Commitment to Accessibility and Inclusivity
The Premio de Turismo Islas Canarias a la Accesibilidad y la Inclusividad went to the Asociación de Reinserción Social de Menores Anchieta, recognized for its longstanding commitment to the local community since 1973. Initially focused on vulnerable children in Tenerife, the organization has evolved into a comprehensive reintegration platform, linking social realities with strategic sectors across the archipelago. Anchieta’s efforts emphasize that a sustainable tourism destination hinges not only on natural resources but also on the well-being and cohesion of its local population.
La Palma: A Model for Sustainable Tourism
Finally, the Premio Turismo Islas Canarias al Destino Turístico Sostenible recognized La Palma for exemplifying sustainable tourism in the Canary Islands and throughout Spain. The jury praised La Palma for establishing a tourism model that prioritizes territorial protection, environmental conservation, and a harmonious balance between tourist development and social well-being. The island boasts over 35% of its area designated as protected under various categories of the Canarian Network of Protected Natural Spaces. This extensive system of protection is organized into a network of 20 safeguarded areas, demonstrating a strong commitment to preserving the natural beauty of the region.
The Jury Behind the Awards
The awards’ jury, chaired by Minister Jéssica de León, included esteemed members from various sectors, such as María Victoria López, president of Ashotel; Susana Pérez, president of Asolan; Carlos Castillo from CCOO Canarias; Tomás Barreto of Fedepalma; Ciona Ramírez from ASEGO; Inmaculada González, director of the Interuniversity Chair of “Sustainability and Data Intelligence in Canarian Tourism”; and Javier Buch, a hotel consulting expert.
A Special Venue and Date
For the first time, the awards ceremony will be hosted in Fuerteventura, slated to take place on September 24, 2026, at the Palace of Training and Congresses in Puerto del Rosario. This event promises to celebrate and spotlight the remarkable achievements in the tourism sector within the Canary Islands, fostering a sense of community and shared commitment to excellence in tourism.
