The professionals who make Maspalomas unforgettable, protagonists of the III Santa Marta Canary Islands Hospitality Awards

 

The Department of Tourism, Festivals, and Events of the San Bartolomé de Tirajana City Council celebrated the third edition of the Santa Marta Canary Islands Hospitality Awards this Wednesday, a gala filled with emotion, gratitude, and recognition for those who, through their daily work, contribute to consolidating the tourism excellence of Maspalomas Costa Canaria. Coinciding with the feast day of Santa Marta, patron saint of the hospitality industry, this year's edition was dedicated to culinary professionals, recognizing the work of head chefs, line cooks, cooks, and assistants who, from the kitchen, make gastronomy one of the destination's defining characteristics.

 

The event, held at the Maspalomas Cultural Center, brought together institutional representatives, business owners, professional associations and workers from the tourism sector, consolidating these awards as one of the main recognitions for the hospitality industry in the Canary Islands.

 

The gala was attended by the mayor of San Bartolomé de Tirajana, Marco Aurelio Pérez; the first deputy mayor, Alejandro Marichal; the councilor for Tourism, Festivities and Events, Yilenia Vega; and the deputy minister of Tourism of the Government of the Canary Islands, José Manuel Sanabria Díaz, as well as numerous representatives of the business and tourism sector of the municipality.

 

During his speech, First Deputy Mayor Alejandro Marichal emphasized that these awards were created to recognize those who ensure every visitor leaves with the best memories of Maspalomas. "The best tourism promotion for our destination isn't found in brochures, but rather in the people who welcome, cook for, serve, and care for our visitors every day. They are the true ambassadors of Maspalomas Costa Canaria."

 

For her part, the Councillor for Tourism, Yilenia Vega, pointed out that behind every unforgettable experience "there are professionals who work with passion, dedication, and an enormous commitment to service." " We have put a face to the talent, effort, and dedication of those who make Maspalomas Costa Canaria not just a corner of the world, but a destination that captivates."

 

The ceremony was hosted by broadcaster Ana María Navarro, who was joined on stage by Ciona Ramírez and Antonio Garzón, organizers of the Santa Marta Canary Islands Hospitality Awards. They were responsible for guiding a gala designed to recognize the effort, professionalism, and dedication of those who, from different sectors, contribute to the excellence of San Bartolomé de Tirajana's main economic engine.

 

One of the most emotional moments of the night came with the performance of singer Virginia Trigo, a native of San Bartolomé de Tirajana with a long and distinguished artistic career, who performed two of her own compositions, bringing an intimate and personal touch to a gala marked by the recognition of the talent and dedication of professionals in the sector.

 

The Santa Marta Canary Islands Hospitality Awards 2026 recognized:

 

During the ceremony, institutional awards were presented to companies, entities and professionals who stand out for their contribution to quality, innovation and development in the tourism sector.

 

Casus Capital received the award for Modernization of non-hotel complexes in a mature area of ​​southern Gran Canaria , an award that was accepted by Pablo Alonso-Patallo de la Torre , CEO of Casus Capital, and Santiago Santana Reina , executive director of Salt Apartments.

 

Lopesan Hotel Group was recognized for its commitment to themed architecture and design . The award was accepted by Enrique Montes Medina , director of the Lopesan Costa Meloneras Resort & Spa. The company also recognized Juan Acosta Navarro , head chef at the Corallium Dunamar by Lopesan Hotels, for his longest tenure with the company; and Senaida Almeida Melián , head chef at the Faro Lopesan Collection Hotel, as the professional most highly rated by her colleagues and guests.

 

HD Hotels – Hotel Parque Cristóbal received the award for Gastronomic Quality in the family category , accepted by its director, Ángel Valbuena . In addition, José Antonio Valido Vega , second head chef, was recognized for his longest tenure with the company , and Esteban Valentín Rodríguez Rodríguez , kitchen assistant, was recognized as the professional most highly rated by his colleagues and customers.

 

Princess Hotels & Resorts was recognized for its commitment to diversity and inclusion in its human resources policy . The award was accepted by Daniel Salat Puignero , General Manager of Princess Hotels Canarias, along with Hind Oumghar El Marrouni , Director of Human Resources and Corporate Management. The company also recognized Fernando Pulido Toribio , Head Chef, for his longest tenure with the company , and Pino Carmen León Báez , Kitchen Assistant, as the professional most highly valued by her colleagues and customers.

 

Grupo Satocan received the award for Best Practices in the Selection and Development of Professional Talent , accepted by Mariluz Fraile , Director of Satocan Tourism, and Renaud Grégoire , Director of the Hotel Gold. Jonathan Rafael Santana Peña , Second Chef of the Salobre Hotel Resort & Serenity, was also recognized for his longest tenure with the company , and Awa Ndiaye , Kitchen Assistant at the Hotel Gold, was recognized as the professional most highly valued by her colleagues and clients.

 

Amadores View was awarded for its renovation and significant conceptual transformation . The award was accepted by Rubén Sarmiento Aguiar , manager of Hotelera Playa de Amadores. The company also recognized Francisco Martín León Ramírez , head chef, for his longest tenure with the company , and Yudith Aicarth Pérez , cook, as the most highly rated professional by her colleagues and customers.

 

Bohemia Suites & Spa received the award for Creativity and Innovation in Premium Gastronomy , accepted by María Rodríguez González , Operations Director. The establishment also recognized Cristo Suárez Ortega , Head Chef, for his longest tenure with the company , and Adriana Ibagón Peña , Chef, as the professional most highly rated by her colleagues and customers.

 

 

Bar Restaurante Playa El Boya was recognized for its contribution to culinary tradition . The award was accepted by its owner, Juan Moreno Artiles . In addition, the establishment recognized Francisco Abrante Trujillo for his longest tenure with the company and Rafael Abrante Trujillo as the employee most highly valued by his colleagues and customers.

 

 

Francisco José Romero Sánchez received the award for Teaching, knowledge and dedication in the training of hospitality professionals , in recognition of his career and commitment to the training of new generations of professionals in the sector.

 

The San Agustín Taxi Drivers' Cooperative was recognized for its contribution to mobility and tourism-related services . The award was accepted by its president, Juan Diego Vega Cabeza.

 

Finally, Lavandería El Cardón received the award for Innovation, Sustainability and Reference as a Hospitality Supplier , which was accepted by Haridian Medina Torres , manager of the El Cardón Group.

 

 

The citizens also had a voice.

 

The main novelty of this third edition was the addition of an award chosen by popular vote, reinforcing citizen participation in awards that continue to grow and consolidate. Under the question, "What do you like most about working in the hospitality industry?" , professionals in the sector shared their reflections on a profession marked by a vocation for service and a commitment to people. The award went to María Jesús Afonso Santana , whose message moved the audience by reflecting the essence of hospitality and the human value of those who work every day to make visitors feel at home. The chosen phrase was: "What I like most is transforming a room into a home, even if only for a few days. Knowing that my work helps someone rest, smile, and feel better than at home is my greatest reward." The winner was

 

A night to give thanks to those who make the destination great

 

The gala concluded with the traditional group photograph of all the award winners and a collective recognition of the thousands of professionals who, from hotels, restaurants, cafes, supplier companies and tourism-related services, contribute every day to making Maspalomas Costa Canaria one of the most prestigious destinations in Europe.

 

The Tourism Department of the San Bartolomé de Tirajana City Council also expressed its gratitude for the involvement of the collaborating entities that made this third edition possible: the Autonomous Association of Bartenders of the Canary Islands, the Jilorio Association of Chefs, Pastry Chefs and Bakers, Emicela, Floristería Nature World, ASEGO Canarias and Nutrihotel, whose participation once again demonstrated the joint commitment of the public and private sector to the tourist excellence of the destination.

 

It was, in short, a night to express gratitude for the commitment, professionalism, and dedication of those who make hospitality a way of life and continue to make Maspalomas Costa Canaria a destination recognized not only for its climate and landscapes, but above all for the human quality of those who welcome millions of visitors each year.