Alejandro Marichal: “Today we recognize those who aren't always on the front page, but are always on the front lines: caring, serving, solving problems, and welcoming. This gala is in honor of all of you.”
Yilenia Vega expressed her gratitude for "the pinpoint accuracy with which they prepare and serve the dishes and drinks, as well as the big smiles with which they serve guests even on unfavorable days. Thank you for welcoming and serving our guests with such care and affection."
The Department of Tourism of the San Bartolomé de Tirajana City Council held the second edition of the Santa Marta 2025 Hospitality Awards tonight, in a gala filled with emotion, gratitude, and recognition for those who, day after day, make the hospitality industry a profession of dedication, vocation, and excellence.
The event took place at the San Fernando Cultural Center and brought together authorities, such as the Director General of Infrastructure, Sustainability, and Tourism Quality, Héctor Mateo Castañeyra, as well as business leaders, industry associations, and dozens of professionals from hotels, bars, and restaurants in the municipality. This year's event was especially dedicated to bar and dining room staff, following the first edition in 2024, which focused on recognizing waitresses and housekeepers.
A gala with soul: organizing to enhance
The gala was organized by the Department of Tourism and Festivities, directed by Yilenia Vega, in close collaboration with ASEGO Canarias, represented by Ciona Ramírez, and Nutrihotel, a hospitality and nutrition organization, with its managing director Antonio Garzón. Both acted not only as co-organizers of the event but also as presenters and masters of ceremonies, bringing warmth, rhythm, and content to an evening during which they spoke to explain the deeper meaning of these awards.
“We recognize those who sustain the prestige of our destination with their work, not from their offices, but from the dining room, the bar, their smiles, and their daily service,” explained Ciona Ramírez, founder of the initiative. Antonio Garzón emphasized that “the heart of the hospitality industry beats with every waitress, every waiter, every head waiter who gives their all without seeking the spotlight, yet deserving every bit of applause.”
The gala also featured journalist Ana Navarro, and institutional addresses from Mayor Marco Aurelio Pérez and First Deputy Mayor and Councilor for Tourism Alejandro Marichal, who reaffirmed their support for this initiative as part of the municipality's commitment to the sector.
Mayor Marco Aurelio Pérez emphasized that "these awards reflect the commitment of the San Bartolomé de Tirajana City Council's Department of Tourism to an essential sector for our municipality and to those who represent it every day with professionalism and responsibility."
For his part, the First Deputy Mayor, Alejandro Marichal, explained that the objective of the Santa Marta Awards is to highlight those who sustain the service, “their smiles and excellence,” ensuring that Maspalomas Costa Canaria remains a leading destination. “Today we recognize those who aren't always on the front page, but are certainly on the front lines: serving, assisting, solving problems, welcoming. This gala is in honor of all of you,” concluded Marichal. The Councilor for Tourism, Yilenia Vega, expressed similar sentiments, thanking “the meticulous precision with which you prepare and serve the dishes and drinks, as well as the big smiles with which you serve, even on unfavorable days. Thank you for welcoming and serving our visitors with such care and affection.”
The event began with a posthumous tribute to Mr. Alberto Pernalete, a leading figure in the industry for his professionalism, warmth, and dedication. A moving video was shown reviewing the career of the Venezuelan professional, who dedicated his life to tourism and left a profound mark on the Canary Islands hospitality industry. From bartender in Miami to general director of operations at Cordial Hotels & Resorts, his journey was an example of hard work, excellence, and human leadership. Under his leadership, the Hotel Cordial Mogán Playa and the Los Guayres restaurant received numerous international recognitions. But beyond the awards, it was his warmth, his team spirit, and his commitment to the happiness of guests and employees that left a lasting impression on those who knew him.
The award was collected by his widow and son, Carina Pernalete-Fett, and Leandro Noel Pernalete, who emotionally remarked, "The news of this award was received as something very special for him because it came from his own colleagues. It's very moving to see how they remember him; we couldn't imagine how much he was loved, and it's very moving to see how they describe him. Thank you for welcoming him with affection, thank you to his colleagues for so much love and respect. On his behalf, thank you from the bottom of my heart," concluded Leandro Pernalete to a heartfelt ovation.
During the gala, 13 institutional awards were presented to companies in the sector that have excelled in areas such as innovation, inclusion, renewal, and culinary excellence. The recognized entities were:
• Cordial Hotels & Resorts
• Gloria Palace Thalasso & Hotels
• Meeting Point Hotels (BEX Design Plus)
• Sholeo Lodges – Canarian Hospitality
• Servatur Hotels & Resorts
• Paradisus by Meliá
• Aeroclub Grill Restaurant
• La Palmera Sur Restaurant – Támbara Group
• Scala Gran Canaria Hall
• Dihova – Hotel Distributions Valid
• Fuensanta Barrera Sicilia – Hospitality trainer
As in every edition, the Santa Marta Awards also recognized hospitality workers who stand out for their professional careers or for the appreciation they receive from their customers and colleagues.
“Longest Service in the Company” Award:
• Margarita Díaz Hernández – Gloria Palace
• José Antonio Rodríguez Rodríguez – Labranda Marieta
• Barbara Gonzalez Perez – Sholeo Lodges Los Gigantes
• Miguel Hernández – Servatur Monte Feliz
• María Pino Betancor Vega – Paradisus by Meliá
• Francisco Javier Sánchez López – Aeroclub Restaurant
• Valeria Mancuso – La Palmera Sur
• Idaira Rouco – Sala Scala
“Best Rated by Clients and Colleagues” Award:
• Albert Preciado de Alarcón – Gloria Palace
• Natalia Padrón Cruybeck – Labranda Marieta
• Michelle Stephania Manzano Romero – Sholeo Lodges Las Palmas Flats
• Víctor Alemán – Servatur Monte Feliz
• Maivelys Agüero Concepción – Paradisus by Meliá
• Guacimara Sánchez Carreño – Aeroclub Restaurant
Liliana Díez Benítez – Támbara Group
• Haridian Rodríguez – Sala Scala
Sector collaboration: partnerships that add up and give meaning
In addition to public institutions, this gala was made possible thanks to the active involvement of industry associations, which were also recognized for their work:
• Jilorio Association of Chefs, Pastry Chefs and Bakers – Represented by Yvonne Hernández
• Canary Islands Regional Bartenders Association – Represented by Antonio García
• Emicela – Represented by Inés Arencibia
These organizations not only collaborated in the organization and promotion of the event, but were also recognized for their commitment to training, innovation, and the defense of the sector's values.
A night of pride and community
The gala concluded with a collective toast and a photo session with the award winners. It was, in short, a night to express gratitude, highlight, and celebrate the daily efforts of those who make San Bartolomé de Tirajana one of the warmest tourist destinations, not only for its climate but also for its people.
