San Bartolomé de Tirajana recognizes talent and innovation at the SBT Entrepreneurs Gala 2026

 

The San Bartolomé de Tirajana City Council held the SBT Entrepreneurs 2026 gala this Thursday, where 10 public recognition awards were given to entrepreneurs, professionals and entities that contribute from different areas to the economic, social and cultural development of this municipality.

The event was presided over by Mayor Marco Aurelio Pérez Sánchez and was held in an institutional capacity at the Tabaiba Princess Hotel. It was promoted and organized by the Local Development and Presidency departments, led by Deputy Mayor Elena Álamo Vega, to highlight and promote the fundamental role of entrepreneurial talent and innovative entrepreneurship as a driver of progress and social advancement.

The winners at this first SBT Entrepreneurs gala were Sandra Jaurrieta Flores (Emerging Talent), who acted as spokesperson for the rest of the award winners, Carlos V. Alonso Guerra (Sustainable Innovation), the Moneiba brothers and César García Perera (Vocation of Service), Ani Rivero Rodríguez (Commercial Trajectory), Fidel Rodríguez Rodríguez (Pride Spirit), Andrés Martínez Ayllón (Pioneer of Tourist Leisure), Personal Image Department of the IES Faro de Maspalomas (Young Talent and Innovation), Juan Moreno Artiles (Gastronomic Legacy), Carmen Rodríguez Quintana (Soul of Commerce) and Princess Hotels & Resorts (Tourism Excellence).

 

 

Mayor Marco Aurelio Pérez emphasized the importance of publicly recognizing and rewarding the spirit, efforts, personal and family sacrifices, creativity, innovation, risk-taking, and perseverance required to launch, maintain, and grow a business. He thanked and congratulated the award recipients for transforming their ideas into successful projects, generating employment, strengthening the business sector, and boosting the economy of San Bartolomé de Tirajana. “Supporting entrepreneurship is not just an option, but a responsibility. Societies progress because there are people like you who decide to develop a project to which they dedicate their lives,” he said. In his congratulations, he highlighted the award winners' exemplary social contribution. “You are a benchmark of what can be achieved with hard work, talent, and determination,” he stated.

“With the SBT Entrepreneurs Gala 2026, we want to reaffirm the City Council's commitment to promoting entrepreneurship, innovation, and business talent as fundamental pillars for the sustainable growth of the municipality. San Bartolomé de Tirajana moves forward thanks to those who create jobs, those who innovate, those who keep our traditions alive, those who care for our neighbors, and those who project themselves with excellence beyond our borders,” stated Marco Aurelio Pérez.

The event, attended by local authorities and numerous family members, friends and colleagues of the award winners, featured artistic performances by the renowned timple player Germán López and the singer Celia Jiménez.

 

Hours, risks, illusion

On behalf of the award winners, Sandra Jaurrieta Flores thanked the City Council and especially the Department of Local Development “for promoting these kinds of initiatives that recognize the effort, perseverance, and passion of those of us who believe in our projects and our municipality. Today, it's not just success that's being rewarded. Today, the journey is being recognized. The hours of work, the moments of uncertainty, the risks taken, and also the enthusiasm that drives us to keep going,” she said.

Jaurrieta Flores, who recognized the award recipients as “representatives of the best of our business and human fabric,” highlighted Carlos Vicoriano Alonso Guerra “for demonstrating that the future is also built with responsibility”; Moneiba García Perera and César García Perera “for always being there, close to the people”; Ani Rivero Rodríguez “for being a reflection of years of dedication and commitment”; Fidel Rodríguez Rodríguez “for representing diversity, courage, and the freedom to be”; Andrés Martínez Ayllón “for opening paths where many of us can advance today”; IES Faro de Maspalomas, and especially its personal image department, “for reminding us that the future is already here”; Juan Moreno Artiles “for keeping our roots alive through flavor”; Carmen Rodríguez Quintana “for being an example of approachability, effort, and daily dedication”; and the Princess Hotels & Resorts chain “for projecting our destination with quality and professionalism.” 

The spokesperson for the award winners also stated that “each of us represents a different story, but with something in common: a love for what we do and a commitment to this land,” she emphasized. “Being an entrepreneur isn't just about creating a business. It's about believing when no one else does. It's about getting up after every fall. It's about generating opportunities, jobs, and a future. San Bartolomé de Tirajana is full of talent, ideas, and courageous people,” she highlighted before closing her remarks with words of gratitude for the families and professional teams “because without them, none of this would be possible.” She concluded by stating that “we will continue working, growing, and contributing with the same enthusiasm that has brought us here. Because the future isn't something you wait for. The future is something you build,” she remarked.

In her speech, the Councillor for Local Development highlighted the launch of these awards "with the purpose of recognizing the talent that already exists in our municipality and giving visibility to those who, through their work, are building the present and the future. To the committed individuals whose values ​​inspire others to follow their path," she said.