An electronic survey of 110 executives in the tourism sector in the south of Gran Canaria carried out by Maspalomas24H between December 1 and 5, 2024, has generated a ranking of the people who have the most power in the south of Gran Canaria and prefer not to be in the front line of fire. These are people who will hardly be seen at institutional events because, as Andrew Carnegie, industrial magnate and philanthropist, said, "wealth is acquired to be used wisely, and discretion is its greatest virtue." These are the 10 people who manage resources with prudence and modesty, remembering that true power is not in ostentation, but in the positive impact it can generate when used wisely and with discretion.
The 'blame' for creating this ranking lies with the person who leads it: Gabriela Martínez-Arroyo Sánchez, president of Sonneland Maspalomas. At the Maspalomas24H editorial office we were surprised by a recent ruling that was won in the Supreme Court against the criteria of the AEAT. We thought: "you have to have courage to keep up a fight like that." From then on, we began to draw up the list of the real power in the south of the island of Gran Canaria, the economic capital of the Canary Islands despite the attempts from Las Palmas to neutralize everything that sounds like Maspalomas and Mogán due to the usual envy.
- Gabriela Martinez-Arroyo Sanchez, President of Sonneland Maspalomas
- Oscar Ramos, Senior Director Asset Management at HIP in the Canary Islands
- Ángel Rivero, tourism sector advisor for companies such as Grupo Dunas
- Laura García Vera, territorial director of Bankinter in the Canary Islands (Atom)
- Maria Aranzazu Mañaricua Aristondo, director of the property that owns Gloria Hotels
- Cristina Galván, Communications Director at Maspalomas Tourism
- Paula Cantero, Corporate Director of Organization at Lopesan
- Juan Diego Vega Cabeza, president of the Maspalomas Taxi Drivers Cooperative
- Zoilo Alemán, director of MICE business at Lopesan
- Lars Wenaas, Managing Director of La Canaria Property and Wenaasgruppen
Here is a detailed and clear profile of the people mentioned, based on the areas in which they excel:
1. Gabriela Martinez-Arroyo Sanchez
President of Sonneland Maspalomas
We don't know why there is a hyphen in the surname Martínez Arroyo, but the president of Sonneland Maspalomas, SA, with the help of the Sánchez family, has under her control the future of a conglomerate of companies with real power with projects that seek to balance tourism growth with respect for the environment. There are 19 companies where the alma mater is María Cristina Sanchez Mayor, that is, a good part of the ownership of sites on the islands such as Costa Calma in Fuerteventura or everything that is Palm Oasis, so that it is understandable for people. In 2019 Sonnenland Maspalomas, founded by Óscar Sánchez Herrera, who died in 2023, announced a residential complex of 263 units for 60 million euros via Arguineguín Park, now managed by Servatur.
2. Oscar Ramos
Senior Director Asset Management at HIP (Hotel Investment Partners) Canary Islands
Oscar plays a key role in the management and supervision of the HIP Group's hotel assets in the Canary Islands. His focus is on maximising the value of hotel investments, combining innovation and operational efficiency. He is an expert in transforming tourist properties into world-class assets. He is the destination master for hotel beds in the south of Gran Canaria.
3. Angel Rivero
Advisor in the tourism sector at Grupo Dunas
Ángel Rivero is known for his experience in market strategies and tourism positioning. He has worked as an advisor in important companies, including Grupo Dunas, where he has helped to optimize investor operations. He is a reference in the planning of high-quality destinations in the Canary Islands.
4. Laura Garcia Vera
Territorial Director of Bankinter in the Canary Islands
As regional leader of Bankinter, Laura García Vera has been instrumental in developing financial strategies tailored to the needs of companies and individuals in the south of Gran Canaria. Her experience and vision have strengthened the bank's role in the region, especially in the tourism and business sectors. She knows how to find money for Atom Hoteles, the financial group's hotel REIT.
5. María Aránzazu Mañaricua Aristondo
Chief Executive Officer of Gloria Hotels
María Aránzazu Mañaricua is the top executive of the family that owns Gloria Hotels, a hotel chain renowned for its excellence in service and its focus on accessible luxury. She has promoted innovative projects and works closely to consolidate the brand as a benchmark in the Canary Islands hospitality industry.
6. Cristina Galvan
Director of Communications at Maspalomas Tourism
He is the planning and executing hand of the communication strategy of the CC leader in the south of Gran Canaria.
7. Paula Cantero
Corporate Director of Organization and Personnel at Lopesan.
She leads the organisational and human resources strategy at Lopesan. She is responsible for operational excellence and for ensuring that Lopesan does not have a perfectly oiled financial armour. Her discretion prevents her from knowing which order or parish of the group she belongs to: whether in the orbit of the CEO or the CFO.
8. Juan Diego Vega Cabeza
President of the Maspalomas Taxi Drivers' Cooperative, it is one of the most important services for tourists and residents in the south of Gran Canaria. His leadership has focused on improving the quality of service and adapting operations to the growing demand of tourism. Politicians tremble when he even thinks of using the telephone.
9. Zoilo German
Director of MICE Business at Lopesan
He heads the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) tourism division at Lopesan, attracting international events for the group's hotels. An expert in the Canary Islands REF, this ULPGC academic runs a medium-term tourism think tank that is crucial for diversifying tourism in the Canary Islands.
10. Lars Wenaas
Director at La Canaria Property and Wenaasgruppen
He is a prominent businessman linked to real estate and hotel development in Gran Canaria through Wenaasgruppen and La Canaria Property. His international vision has led to the modernization and expansion of luxury properties in Mogán.
