Lanzarote Celebrates Community And Connectivity With Ethical Tourism And Artistic Flair At Tourism Awards Gala

Published on October 1, 2025

Held in the vibrant town of Costa Teguise and streamed live to reach a wider audience, the 2025 Tourism Awards gala gathered the very heart of Lanzarote tourism community. This distinguished event united institutional representatives, sector professionals, and award winners in a shared celebration of decades of dedication to tourism. The ceremony also cast a hopeful glance toward a sustainable, innovative, and brilliant future for Lanzarote’s tourism industry.

The evening was marked by the presence of Oswaldo Betancort, President of the Cabildo, who led the presentation of awards. Complementing the honours was a unique work of art crafted by the renowned Lanzarote sculptor Cinthia Machín, specially created to commemorate the occasion and symbolize the island’s creative spirit.

Honouring Outstanding Contributions in 2025

The 2025 Lanzarote Tourism Awards honoured a diverse range of achievements that together capture the essence of the island’s vibrant and multifaceted tourism sector. The most prestigious accolade, the Lanzarote Island Award 2025, was awarded to Aer Lingus in recognition of its significant role in enhancing connectivity and positioning the island prominently within the Irish market. This award celebrated the airline’s continuous efforts in facilitating easy access for Irish visitors and supporting the sustained growth of tourism traffic to Lanzarote from this key source market. Aer Lingus has been pivotal in strengthening international ties that help broaden the island’s appeal and economic impact.

In the Tourism Company category, Ereza Hotels & Resorts was distinguished for its 25 years of unwavering excellence in hospitality. Celebrating a quarter-century of leadership, Ereza Hotels & Resorts has been instrumental in shaping high accommodation standards and delivering quality service, thus contributing to the overall enhancement of Lanzarote’s tourism experience. Their award acknowledges not only longevity but also their commitment to innovation and maintaining remarkable guest satisfaction levels.

The Cultural and Sporting Events category recognized the Vertical de Montaña Blanca, an event that skillfully combines athletic competition with community engagement. This event has gained recognition for blending the spirit of sportsmanship with local cultural elements, reinforcing the role of sporting activities in enriching visitor experiences while bringing together both residents and tourists. It stands as a testament to Lanzarote’s dedication to promoting active and culturally grounded tourism.

Highlighting personal contributions, the Personality award celebrated Naji Zegdaoui Bardoukh, the owner of the Mi Piace restaurant. Bardoukh’s journey is marked by relentless hard work and the celebration of cultural diversity, embodying the island’s inclusive and entrepreneurial spirit. His success story serves as an inspiration within Lanzarote’s tourism community, reflecting how individual passion and dedication contribute significantly to the island’s hospitality landscape.

Special mentions were given to two significant contributors: Las Salinas de Janubio and Pedro Orlando (Ico) Montelongo Pérez. Las Salinas de Janubio was recognized for its immense natural and heritage value, symbolizing Lanzarote’s rich ecological and cultural landscape preserved for future generations and visitors alike. Pedro Orlando (Ico) Montelongo Pérez was honoured for a long and impactful career dedicated to promoting tourism across Lanzarote, highlighting the importance of sustained professional commitment to the island’s tourism development.

Together, these awards and special mentions illustrate the broad spectrum of talent, dedication, and innovation that makes Lanzarote a thriving tourism destination, balancing connectivity, culture, community, and sustainability.

Visionary Leadership and the Path Forward

President Oswaldo Betancort addressed the attendees with a confident and passionate vision for Lanzarote’s tourism future. He described the island as a shining diamond of tourism resilient, brilliant, and with a light that extends far beyond the Atlantic Ocean.

His remarks further elaborated on the island’s strategy to build this potential through a blend of rich history, enhanced connectivity, genuine sustainability, and the strength of its people. This holistic approach aims to elevate Lanzarote’s global image while maintaining its unique character and ecological balance.

A significant highlight of Betancort’s address was the confirmation of Lanzarote’s pioneering ethical tourism campaign, which is already in progress. Key upcoming international events were announced, including the launch of the Sustainable Tourism Charter +30 set for November 28, to be hosted at the iconic Jameos del Agua, a site synonymous with Lanzarote’s natural beauty and cultural pride.

A Future Bright with Irish Connectivity

On behalf of Aer Lingus, Sean O’Mahony, European Operations Manager, accepted the Lanzarote Island Award with gratitude. He expressed optimism about the future of the airline’s partnership with Lanzarote, emphasizing the recognition of their joint journey as a foundation for continued growth in air connectivity and relations between Ireland and the island. This sentiment reflects the airline’s strategic commitment and highlights the positive implications for tourism flows from Ireland.

A Spectacular Closing Celebrating Island Spirit

The formal award ceremony concluded on a uniquely Lanzarote note. Attendees enjoyed live musical performances by Thania Gil and Manuel Estupiñán, whose artistry contributed an emotive soundtrack to the evening.

The grand finale was a breathtaking display called ‘Windsurfers by Night’, skilfully organised by Costa Teguise businessman Eric Yoldjoglou. In this mesmerizing spectacle, local windsurfing enthusiasts glided across the waters under dark skies, their sails illuminated with vibrant lights. This remarkable visual symphony beautifully captured the island’s spirit—dynamic, creative, and deeply connected to its environment.