The Arrecife City Council has awarded the Turismo 2025 prizes to Héctor Fernández, Ambros Martín, the Real Club Náutico, and Summer Challenge. The Arrecife Tourism Committee, composed of representatives from institutions, groups, businesses, and professionals related to tourism in both the capital and the island of Lanzarote, has approved the awarding of the Ciudad de Arrecife prize for professional business achievements to Héctor Fernández Machado, CEO of Turismo Lanzarote and former Marketing lecturer at the Lanzarote Tourism School, which is affiliated with the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. Additionally, the Turismo Arrecife 2025 award, decided by the Tourism Committee, has been granted to the Real Club Náutico de Arrecife, an entity connected to the nautical and social activities of Arrecife, currently presided over by Julio Romero Ortega.
Under the leadership of Héctor Fernández at the Lanzarote Promotion Society, of which the Arrecife City Council is a part, the island has gained national and international visibility, establishing itself as one of the premier international destinations for European travellers. Recently, efforts have been made, in collaboration with tour operators, to attract high-income tourists from America and Asia.
The sports achievement award has been awarded to Ambrosio Martín. Ambrosio José Martín Cedrés (born 30 April 1968 in Arrecife), better known as Ambos Martín, has served as the coach for Romania and Russia. He is currently the national coach for the women’s handball team. The ‘Guerreras’ (the Spanish women’s handball team) are guided by this son of Arrecife, who has been involved in handball since his early days in Titerroy. This talented coach, who began in women’s handball with little prior knowledge, has become the most successful Spanish coach, with four Champions League titles to his name. Now, his hometown recognises his sporting achievements.
During this institutional event, the Arrecife City Council will present an award for sporting events to the organisation of the Lanzarote Summer Challenge, the most significant international CrossFit tournament held in Spain and one of the most prestigious in Europe, with Arrecife at its core. This initiative is part of the municipal strategy to position Arrecife, as led by the Councillor for Tourism and Sports, Eli Merino, as the capital of events and sports. Each edition of the Summer Challenge transforms Arrecife into the largest outdoor gym in natural spaces, welcoming elite athletes.
Antonio Orosa (Toni Orosa), now retired, has been recognised by the Arrecife Tourism Committee with the 2025 artistic and cultural achievement award. Orosa has been deeply involved for decades in the celebrations of the San Ginés patron saint festivities, which have been declared of National Tourist Interest. As a worker at the Lanzarote Tourist Board, the predecessor of Turismo Lanzarote, he has helped organise national and international events. At international tourism fairs that Lanzarote participated in, Toni Orosa was always an ambassador for his home island.
Tourism Arrecife Award for RCN Arrecife
The Turismo Arrecife 2025 award, as decided by the Tourism Committee, has been granted to the Real Club Náutico de Arrecife, an entity linked to the nautical and social activities of Arrecife and currently presided over by Julio Romero Ortega.
The Real Club Náutico de Arrecife organises various sporting events, including international regattas such as the Arrecife – Agadir International Regatta and the San Ginés Regatta, as well as triathlons and swimming competitions like the Triathlon RCNA Ciudad de Arrecife and the San Ginés Swimming Crossing. It also has a calendar of events featuring other nautical competitions and sports-related activities. The club has produced a significant number of successful sailors who continue to achieve great victories for both Canary Islands and Spanish sailing.
Mayor Yonathan de León has congratulated the award winners, highlighting that both professionals and institutions have contributed to making Arrecife a noteworthy reference point in sports, culture, and tourism. This progress is a source of pride for the entire city and its citizens, much like the winners of previous editions.
Meanwhile, the Councillor for Tourism and Sports, Eli Merino, emphasised that these awards acknowledge and value the extraordinary contributions of the recognised individuals and entities, which strengthen Arrecife as an ideal destination for sports, tourism, commerce, leisure, and events, aided by its favourable climate, facilities, beaches, and marina.
These distinguished individuals will be present at the institutional award ceremony for the Turismo Ciudad de Arrecife prizes, which will take place on 23 September in the evening at the inner courtyard of La Recova, a location closely tied to the history of Arrecife.
The deliberation of the members of the Arrecife Tourism Committee occurred during a meeting held earlier this September at the Casa de la Cultura in Arrecife.
