The Arrecife Tourism Board, comprising representatives from various institutions, organisations, businesses, and professionals in the sector, has approved the City of Arrecife Awards for 2025. These awards recognise personal achievements and initiatives that have promoted both the capital and Lanzarote in the fields of tourism, sport, and culture.

Business and Professional Recognition

The award for business and professional achievement will be presented to Héctor Fernández Machado, CEO of Turismo Lanzarote and former Marketing lecturer at the Lanzarote School of Tourism, affiliated with the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. “Under his leadership at the Lanzarote Promotion Society, the island has established itself as one of Europe’s leading destinations, with recent strategies aimed at attracting visitors from America and Asia,” the institution stated.

Sporting Achievement

The award for sporting achievement will be given to Ambrosio José Martín Cedrés, popularly known as Ambros Martín. Born in Arrecife and raised in the Titerroy district, he is the current national women’s handball coach for Spain and one of the country’s most decorated trainers, boasting four Champions League titles and international coaching experience with Romania and Russia. His hometown acknowledges his significant contributions to sport.

Event of the Year

The award for the sporting event will recognise the Lanzarote Summer Challenge, Spain’s premier international CrossFit tournament and one of the foremost in Europe. Held in Arrecife, this event transforms the city into the largest outdoor gym in the Canary Islands each summer, attracting elite athletes in a unique natural setting.

Arts and Culture

The award for artistic and cultural contribution will be given to Antonio “Toni” Orosa, who recently retired after decades of involvement with the San Ginés patronal festivities—declared of National Tourist Interest—and promoting Lanzarote at international fairs and events. His work has established him as a true ambassador for the island.

Tourism Award

The Tourism Award Arrecife 2025 has been awarded to the Real Club Náutico de Arrecife (RCNA), presided over by Julio Romero Ortega. The club organises prestigious competitions such as the International Regatta Arrecife–Agadir, the San Ginés Regatta, the RCNA City of Arrecife Triathlon, and the San Ginés Swimming Crossing. Additionally, its team of sailors has achieved significant success in national and international sailing competitions.

Celebrating Talent

Arrecife’s mayor, Yonathan de León, congratulated the awardees, stating that they all reflect the talent and capability of the city to establish itself as a benchmark in tourism, culture, and sport. Similarly, the Councillor for Tourism and Sports, Eli Merino, emphasised that these awards recognise “the extraordinary contributions of the distinguished individuals and institutions in consolidating Arrecife as an ideal destination for sports, tourism, leisure, and major events.”

Ceremony Details

The awards ceremony for the City of Arrecife 2025 will take place on the evening of 23 September in the inner courtyard of La Recova, a space rich in history and significance for the capital.