The Maspalomas Lighthouse hosts the presentation of a digital tool to bring the island's artisan workshops closer to visitors
Gran Canaria is making progress in promoting its rich artisan tradition with the implementation of a QR code installed in emblematic buildings such as the Maspalomas Lighthouse, in various Tourist Information offices on the island -thanks to the collaboration of the Tourist Board, which has received 20 supports- and in companies associated with Gran Canaria Redonda, the entity that represents the Product Associations Gran Canaria Natural & Activo, Gran Canaria Spa, Wellness & Salud, Gran Canaria Tri Bike & Run and Gran Canaria Azul, Official Tourism brands of Gran Canaria for each of these segments- to which another ten supports have been delivered.
The tool, presented by the Minister of Economic Development, Minerva Alonso, together with the Minister of Tourism, Carlos Álamo, and the manager of Fedac, Carmelo Ramírez, offers tourists direct access to information on more than 20 artisan workshops with Fedac cards distributed across eight municipalities in Gran Canaria.
The initiative aims to improve the tourist experience, facilitating knowledge and access to local artisan workshops. “It is extremely enriching and attractive, and provides added value to the purchase of an artisan product, knowing the place of production, the different phases of the work, how the raw material is transformed, what tools they work with, all these details are interesting for people outside the trade” explained the councilor.
“This project offers an experience in the form of a visit. It is linked to that respectful tourism and discovery of the local that we all seek, a tourist who is interested in our culture, our tradition and our society as much as he is in our beaches,” said the Minister of Tourism, who added that, “above all, when he has this knowledge and knows the work that is done in the workshops, he is armed with arguments to spend on Gran Canaria artisan products, which are of great quality. The commitment to a quality product, such as that of Gran Canaria artisans, is key to the sustainable development strategy that we have been proposing in the Cabildo for five years, based on turnover and on the priority that tourist spending reaches the citizen in a more direct way,” argued Álamo.
Each of the spaces included in the network has a digital information sheet detailing the name of the artisan, the trade, the products produced, visiting hours, and the geographic coordinates to facilitate location via Google Maps. Also the telephone number and email address, since, as the manager of Fedac insisted, it is important that visits are arranged in advance to guarantee personalized attention.
Another advantage highlighted by the manager is the fact that it provides access to a website “that will be constantly updated, whether a piece of information about a craftsman changes or if they want to continue adding others, it is a living document.”
For tourists, therefore, this tool represents a unique opportunity to delve into the creative process of local crafts, with the possibility of learning in detail how traditional island products are made, but it also has benefits for artisans: greater visibility and new sales opportunities, while the municipalities see an economic boost and a reinforcement of their cultural heritage, since the workshop becomes another point of interest in that historic center.
Among the workshops included in this network are Vera Soddu, specialising in artisanal candle making, Tuula Giraldo Álava, dedicated to glass making, and the Centro Locero La Atalaya, which keeps the pottery tradition alive. Also part of the network are creators such as Rocío Torres Álvarez and Gustavo, in ceramics, and Paco Garzón, who fuses leatherwork with leather jewellery design, and up to 20 artisans from eight municipalities on the Island.
Alonso also highlighted during the presentation that “this initiative represents an important step in the digitalisation and promotion of the artisan sector in Gran Canaria” and added that “with this QR code, we facilitate access to information and promote more sustainable and enriching tourism. Craftsmanship is a fundamental part of our cultural and economic identity, and we want to continue promoting its value and connection with those who visit us,” he concluded.
The new tool not only strengthens the link between tourists and artisans, but also contributes to strengthening the local economy and preserving the island's valuable artisan legacy, consolidating Gran Canaria as a culturally sustainable tourist destination.
