The Cabildo recognised leading figures, businesses and organisations from the island’s tourism sector during the 2026 Tourism Awards held in Puerto del Carmen.
The awards ceremony took place on Monday in the Plaza de Las Naciones and celebrated individuals and initiatives that have contributed to the development and promotion of Lanzarote as a tourist destination.
This year’s event also marked the 60th anniversary of Puerto del Carmen, the island’s main tourist resort.
During the ceremony, Cabildo President Oswaldo Betancort said: “A destination is not built solely through promotional campaigns, but over decades, person by person, company by company, and generation after generation.”
He added: “The future of tourism in Lanzarote must continue to move toward a model of greater quality, sustainability, and harmony, but without ever losing what has made us unique: our land, our identity, and our people.”
Héctor Fernández, CEO of SPEL-Turismo Lanzarote, paid tribute to Antonio “Toni” Orosa Cabrera, who received the Personality Award posthumously.
“Toni is part of the memory and history of tourism promotion in Lanzarote. He was deeply loved by those of us who had the opportunity to work alongside him and share our journey with him, and his commitment to this island, especially through his presence at FITUR for so many years, left a mark that remains with us,” he said.
The award was accepted by Orosa’s sister, Teresa, in one of the most emotional moments of the evening.
Island of Lanzarote Award
The event’s highest honour, the Island of Lanzarote Award, was presented to Bienvenido Saavedra Ramón, a veteran figure in Puerto del Carmen’s tourism industry and former CEO of the Fariones Group.
The jury recognised his career of more than five decades in Lanzarote’s hotel sector and his contribution to the island’s development as a leading tourist destination. Saavedra thanked organisers after receiving the award before the ceremony concluded with remarks from the Cabildo president.
2026 Distinguished Tourism Awards
In the Tourism Business category, the Girasol and Enriqueta guesthouses in La Graciosa were recognised for their pioneering role in the development of accommodation in Caleta de Sebo.
The award for Events, Cultural and/or Sporting Events of Tourist Interest was presented to Zonzamas Handball Club for helping raise Lanzarote’s international profile through women’s sport.
Special mentions
Three special mentions were also presented during the ceremony.
The Haría Artesanal collective was recognised for its work preserving and promoting traditional crafts and local products. Solveig Olsen received a special mention for her contribution to developing Lanzarote as an international sports tourism destination, while the Lanzarote International Cup was recognised for organising an international youth football tournament involving teams from the island’s seven municipalities.
The trophies presented to the award winners were created by Lanzarote artist Noelia Jiménez.
The gala also included audiovisual tributes to the recipients, sign language interpretation and a live stream.
The evening concluded with musical performances by singer Iballa González, accompanied by Raúl Maro and Marta Apine on saxophone.
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