The Cabildo of Lanzarote presented the results of the “Lanzarote 360º-Texas 2025” institutional and business mission, which took place from 3rd to 5th September in San Antonio. This was shared during a joint appearance by the President of the Cabildo, Oswaldo Betancort, the President of the Chamber of Commerce of Lanzarote and La Graciosa, José Valle, and the CEO of SPEL-Turismo Lanzarote, Héctor Fernández.
President Oswaldo Betancort highlighted that this mission “has demonstrated that Lanzarote can play in the big league, presenting itself in the heart of Texas’ history as an island of opportunities with much to offer the world.” He asserted, “This was not a leisure trip; it was a working mission with tangible results. The difference is clear: we travelled to Texas to open markets, attract investment, and create opportunities for Lanzarote. Evidence of this is reflected in projected economic outcomes that are highly favourable.”
José Valle, the Chamber President, emphasised “the importance of local businesses having the opportunity to position themselves in a market of millions of consumers, with spending levels significantly higher than the European average, which highlights the efforts of our business fabric.”
Héctor Fernández, CEO of SPEL–Turismo Lanzarote, stressed that “there is little sense in questioning investments in new markets when no one questions established markets like the English or German ones. The North American market aligns perfectly with our quality destination model, which is based on visitors who appreciate our heritage, consume local products, and yield greater economic returns for the island.”
The press conference concluded with express gratitude directed towards the Centres of Art, Culture and Tourism (CACTs), the teams from SPEL–Turismo Lanzarote and Economic Promotion, Proexca, presided over by Alfonso Cabello (Government of the Canary Islands), as well as the Chamber of Commerce of Lanzarote and La Graciosa, and all Texan institutional partners and the private sector on the island, “whose talent and excellence were the best representation of Lanzarote in Texas.”
The Alamo showcased Lanzarote’s entry into the North American market
It is noteworthy that the closing of the institutional and business mission of Lanzarote in San Antonio took place at The Alamo, a UNESCO World Heritage site and foundational symbol of Texas. This served as the showcase for the island’s brand in the North American market.
There, local producers presented wines, cheeses, salt, and aloe vera, while the CACTs displayed the cultural and tourism identity of the island as a destination of sustainability and excellence.
The day was also marked by institutional meetings with Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones and Bexar County Judge Peter Sakai, paving the way for joint projects leading up to 2030, marking the 300th anniversary of San Antonio’s founding by Canarians.
President Oswaldo Betancort underscored that “Lanzarote presents itself in the heart of Texas’ history as an island of opportunities.”
For Chamber of Commerce President José Valle, the trip “opened markets for our producers and established solid relationships with Texan entrepreneurs and investors.”
Angel Vázquez, the CACTs Councillor, described the event at The Alamo as “a milestone in the international projection of Lanzarote,” while Héctor Fernández, CEO of Turismo Lanzarote, indicated that “this marks the beginning of a lasting relationship with the American market.”
