While southern Gran Canaria desperately seeks to diversify its offerings, the Akeah Broncemar hotel is using art as a strategic tool. The opening of 'Presence', a group exhibition featuring local and international talent, underscores the sector's shift towards cultural experiences that bolster the destination brand beyond sun and sand.
The tourism sector in southern Gran Canaria, pressured by European sustainability guidelines and the need to increase its per capita profitability, is finding a strategic escape route in culture. The opening last weekend of the 'Presence' exhibition at the Akeah Broncemar Hotel in Playa del Inglés is not just a social event; it is a symptom of how private operators are investing in soft capital (art and lifestyle) to distance themselves from the purely transactional model.
The event, which marks the third exhibition at the property and the second in collaboration with artist Yoandy Suárez Suárez, reinforces the hotel group's commitment to establishing its spaces as vibrant and connected to the island's cultural pulse. The group exhibition 'Presence' brings together seven artists—Yoandy Suárez Suárez, Sandra Hohner, Nevil Hechavarría, Ricarda Jendreczek, Aurelia Alcántara, Tina Alcántara, and Randy Duque—a mix that underscores the intention to create a dialogue between local sensibilities and international influences. For a destination as exposed to the European market as Maspalomas, offering this cultural richness is vital.
The success of the event, highlighted by the impeccable work of the entire Akeah Broncemar team—from the setup technicians to pre-production and the Food & Beverage team—demonstrates that the quality of the experience is intrinsically linked to the excellence of its people. Southern Gran Canaria uses these events to send a clear message to its European visitors: the island's offerings extend beyond the climate to include quality service, art, and a vibrant social scene. This shift towards a cultural lifestyle is a crucial step in ensuring the long-term viability of the destination in the demanding European Union tourism market.
