Award

The Excelencias Group Presents the 2022 Excelencias Awards at FITUR

Arte por Excel… 19-01-2023

Eighteen years ago, the Excelencias Group created the Excelencias Awards with the goal of fostering excellence in different fields related to tourism, gastronomy and culture in Ibero-America. The 2022 edition was held today, January 18, 2022 at IFEMA's South Auditorium during the FITUR trade show.

A total of 39 projects from 18 countries were awarded. On this occasion, the applicants submitted their nominations by means of a web form, which, as every year, were reviewed and analyzed by an international jury made up of leading members of the world of culture, gastronomy and international tourism.

We would like to thank, once again, the thousands of proposals received, the tireless effort and work carried out by the candidates to develop and execute projects of excellence.

The Excelencias Awards were presented by José Carlos de Santiago, President of the Excelencias Group, who thanked the attendees for their presence and highlighted:

"We had the immense honor of having all the award winners represented, for the first time in the last two years, and we were also accompanied by national and international authorities, thus showing our unconditional support to the award winners and to the Excelencias Group".

"Twenty-five years ago, we were born as a tourism media and the first fair we attended was FITUR. We are proud to be part of Ibero-America's communication and to work for the promotion of excellence in the region".

Mr. Luis Planas, Spain's Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, closed the Excelencias Awards gala by stressing in his speech "what an honor it is for me to receive this Nicolás Muela In Memoriam Award, a great food lover from Seville who reflects many of the values that the campaign being honored today represents.

The food of Spain, our food and beverages are great ambassadors of our country. In fact, the ambassadors are the women and men who produce them, who transform them, who prepare them so that those who visit us can undoubtedly consume them. And therefore, within the framework of FItur 2023, the fact that this recognition has been received for the Food from Spain campaign fills me with pride.

In this context, I would also like to emphasize the role of the entire Spanish gastronomic sector and Spanish gastronomy, its recipes, its professionals and culture, of the back and forth that it produces in our sister countries, in Latin America, a tremendously important function that promotes a food and cultural exchange".

Authorities in attendance: Governor of Puerto Rico, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food of Spain, Ministers of Tourism of Argentina, Ecuador, Belize, Honduras, Mexico, Paraguay, Ambassadors of Argentina, Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico, Indonesia and Paraguay, 10 Secretaries of Tourism of Mexico, Secretary of Tourism of Rio de Janeiro, Deputy Minister of Tourism of the Community of Madrid, Madrid City Council Authority, Xunta Galicia Authority (Tourism Galicia), Mayor of Seville, CEO/Presidents/Directors. General Directors of International Corporations, International tourism personalities, Gastronomic personalities: Royal Academy of Gastronomy of Spain, President Ibero-American Academy of Gastronomy, President Dominican Academy of Gastronomy, President Colombian Academy of Gastronomy, President Argentine Academy of Gastronomy, President Paraguayan Academy of Gastronomy, Vice-President Ecuadorian Academy of Gastronomy, Vice-President Ecuadorian Academy of Gastronomy.

The winners of the 18th edition of the Excelencias Awards were:

SPIRIT OF EXCELLENCE AWARD 2022

Ministry of Tourism of the Dominican Republic

"TURISMO EN CADA RINCÓN" (TOURISM IN EVERY CORNER): Campaign to encourage the arrival of tourists to all the country's localities and redistribute its benefits throughout the country.

PICKED UP: Mr. David Collado. Minister of Tourism of the Dominican Republic

CARIBBEAN NEWS DIGITAL AWARD (CND)

ARCHIPELAGO INTERNATIONAL

"ASTON HOTELS" For the investment and expansion of the hotel chain in the Caribbean region.

PICKED UP:

Mr. Gerard Byrne, Managing Director

Mr. José Luis Leonardo, Vice President The Americas Archipelago International

EXCELENCIAS TURÍSTICAS 2022 AWARDS:

SPAIN

IFEMA, COMMUNITY OF MADRID AND MADRID CITY COUNCIL

"MADRID TURISMO BY IFEMA": for being a unique platform aimed at promoting the tourism sector of the capital and the region of Madrid abroad.

PICKED UP:

Mr. Juan Arrizabalaga, IFEMA General Manager

Ms. Yolanda Perdomo, Director of Madrid tourism

Mr. Daniel Martínez Rodriguez, Vice-Minister of Culture and Tourism of the Community of Madrid

Sr. Hector Coronel, Chief of Tourism with the Madrid City Hall

AXENCIA TURISMO DE GALICIA

"CONCERTOS DO XACOBEO": an event of universal transcendence, committed to quality, diversification and deseasonalization in the promotion of Galicia.

WELCOME: Mrs. Nava Castro Domínguez, General Director Axencia Turismo Galicia

PUY DU FOU

For being a revolution in the artistic and historical concept in a theme park.

PICKED UP: Mr. José Ramón Molinero, Deputy General Manager of Spain

MALINCHE THE MUSICAL

Nacho Cano's musical project that rescues history and shows the importance of miscegenation and linguistic diversity.

PICKED UP:

Mr. David Hatchwell, Executive Producer of Malinche the Musical

ARGENTINA

MINISTRY OF TOURISM AND SPORTS

"50 DESTINATIONS CAMPAIGN: Promoting emerging and alternative destinations, strengthening the tourism offer in each province of the country.

PICKED UP:

Mr. Matías Lammens, Minister of Tourism of Argentina

Ms. Yanina Martinez, Secretary of Tourism Promotion of the Nation

BRAZIL

A ROTA DA FÉ

"A ROTA DA FÉ (CAMINHO VERDADE-VIDA)": for the incorporation of the initiatory path to the Way of St. James.

PICKED UP: Mr. Ruben Orlando Moyano, pastoral coordinator of tourism for the diocese of Campo Mourão - Paraná.

CENTRAL AMERICA

Tourism Promotion Agency of Central America and the Dominican Republic

for innovation in digital campaigns for the promotion and reactivation of tourism in Central America and the Dominican Republic during 2022

PICKED UP: Ms. Carolina Briones- General Secretary of CATA

ENBHIGA INTERNATIONAL

for the bioceanic hispanic-latin gastronomy and tourism encounter

PICKED UP:

Ms. Karol Alfaro Ceciliano, director and founder

Mr. Carlos Snaimon, director and founder

CUBA

HAVANA CLUB

Category: GREEN

"ACTIONS TO REDUCE YOUR CARBON FOOTPRINT" with very clear objectives and commitments in each area to operate with the highest ethical standards.

DELIVERED: Mr. José Carlos de Santiago. President of the Excelencias Group

PICKED UP: Ms. Laura de Ortuzar Méndez, Communication and CSR manager, Pernod Ricard

ECUADOR

"CUENCA DESTINO PATRIMONIAL" for the preservation of the historic center, maintaining the gastronomic traditions.

PICKED UP: Mr. Nielsen Olsen, Tourism Minister of Ecuador

Category: BLUE

"CITIZEN MARITIME COUNCIL" for the union of governmental and private sector institutions, in favor of several causes for the "conservation of the marine environment", relevant to the community and the country.

ACCOMPANIED BY: Mr. Nielsen Olsen, Minister of Tourism, Ecuador

PICKED UP: Mr. Borys Mejia Aguirre. teacher and trade commissioner at Proecuador Spain on behalf of Dr. Sonia Roca, Chancellor of the Universidad del Pacífico

MEXICO

SECRETARIAT OF TOURISM OF THE GOVERNMENT OF MEXICO

To the digital geo-intelligence center of the Green Angels, guardians of road tourism in Mexico.

PICKED UP: Miguel Torruco, Minister of Tourism of Mexico together with the Undersecretary of Tourism of Mexico, Mr. Humberto Hernandez.

Mr. Miguel Torruco, Minister of Tourism of Mexico together with the Undersecretary of Tourism of Mexico Mr. Humberto Hernandez and his wife stayed on stage accompanying Mr. Jose Carlos de Santiago in the delivery of the rest of the awards given to Mexico.

CLUB SKÅL INTERNATIONAL MEXICO

"MI EXPRESIÓN AL MUNDO, VIBRACIONES DE MÉXICO" multidisciplinary event to support the rehabilitation of children in Quintana Roo

PICKED UP:

Dr. Jane Alexandra Garcia, National President Skål International Mexico

Mr. Juan Francisco Rivero Dominguez, President of Skål Spain

STATE OF NAYARIT

"INTERCONNECTING SMART CITIES" for being the first and only state in Mexico to host the forum with a focus on the new urban agenda and territorial development.

PICKED UP:

Mr. Juan Enrique Suárez del Real Tostado, Secretary of Tourism of Nayarit

Mr. Hugo ciudades

ECOTOURISM PARK EL JORULLO CANOPY RIVER

for working for the community through sustainable projects that provide opportunities for future generations.

PICKED UP:

Luis Villaseñor Nolasco, General Director of the Trust for Tourism Promotion and Advertising

of Puerto Vallarta

Claudia Vanessa Pérez Lamas, Jalisco Secretary of Tourism

STATE OF GUERRERO

for the diversity of tourist attractions in the same state: Ixtapa Zihuatanejo and Taxco de Alarcón: sea, culture and faith.

PICKED UP:

Lic. Santos Ramirez Cuevas, Secretary of Tourism of the State of Guerrero

Lic. Mario Figueroa Mundo, Mayor of Taxco de Alarcón

Lic. Jorge Sánchez Allec - Mayor of Ixtapa Zihuatanejo

UNIVERSIDAD AUTÓNOMA DE NUEVO LEÓN (UANL) AND THE SECRETARIAT OF TOURISM OF NUEVO LEÓN (SECRETARÍA DE TURISMO DE NUEVO LEÓN)

"SCIENTIFIC TOURISM PROGRAM" innovative product with the first Mexican tetra telescope, generating jobs in rural areas.

PICKED UP:

Mtra. Mari Carmen Martinez Villareal, Secretary of Tourism of Nuevo León

Dr. Atilano Martinez Huertas, Director of the Faculty of Sciences, in the presence of Dr. Santos Guzmán López, Rector of UANL.

Fabián Garza Massa, President of the TTOO Association of Nuevo León.

Dr. Eduardo Pérez Tijerina, Observatory Coordinator

STATE OF QUERETARO

The "CAMINO SAN JUNÍPERO SERRA" is a new religious tourism experience that integrates natural beauty, commercial, labor and social interaction with the local populations.

PICKED UP:

Mr. Mauricio Kuri, Governor of the State of Querétaro

Lic. Adriana Vázquez Mellado, Secretary of Tourism of Querétaro

TEQUISQUIAPAN

Category: WELLNESS

The paradise of wellness tourism with more than 25 temazcals.

ACCOMPANIED THE DELIVERY:

Lic. Adriana Vázquez Mellado, Secretary of Tourism of Querétaro

PICKED UP :

José Antonio Mejía Lira, President of the Municipality of Tequisquiapan.

PARAGUAY

NATIONAL SECRETARIAT OF TOURISM

"MISSIONARY TOURISM": for making small producers visible, integrating them to the tourist activity, preserving the local culture and customs.

RECOGNIZED: Mrs. Sofía Montiel de Afara, Minister of Tourism of Paraguay

Accompanied by: Mr. Ricardo Escovon, Ambassador of Paraguay to Spain.

PUERTO RICO

DISCOVER PUERTO RICO

"VIVE BORICUA": for being a cultural and identity movement led by local voices.

PICKED UP:

Mr. Pedro Pierluisi, Governor of Puerto Rico

Mr. Edwars Zayas, chief strategy officer Discover Puerto Rico

EXCELENCIAS GOURMET 2022 AWARDS:

SPAIN

Spanish Confederation of Hotel and Catering Industry of Spain and Secretary General of the Confederation of Hotels and Tourist Accommodations.

"HOSPITALITY CAMPUS" Training program in collaboration with CEHE and CEHAT.

PICKED UP:

Mr. José Luis Yzuel Sanz, President of the Confederación Española de Hostelería de España (Spanish Confederation of the Hotel Industry of Spain)

Mr. Jorge Marichal, President of Confederación de Hoteles y Alojamientos Turísticos

HI CLUB

a hospitality community that connects companies, professionals and talents, promoting training and professional projection

PICKED UP: Ms. Marvis Lodewijks, CEO HI CLUB

COLOMBIA

CHEF LUIS ERNESTO MARTÍNEZ

for his research work and as a reference gastronomic writer in Colombia.

PICKED UP: Mrs. Natalia Vila Carvajal President of the Colombian Academy of Gastronomy on behalf of Mr. Luis Ernesto Martínez.

CUBA

CUBAN RUM MASTERS

for upholding the history and tradition of light rum

PICKED UP:

Mr. Cesar Augusto Martí Marcelo, first Cuban rum master of Corporación Cuba Ron S.A.

MEXICO

STATE OF GUANAJUATO

"FOODATHON" initiative that enhances the gastronomy of Guanajuato through a challenge of innovation while preserving the identity of the people.

Juan José Álvarez Brunel, Secretary of Tourism, SECTUR Guanajuato.

STATE OF YUCATAN

"Gastronomy, an iconic pillar of Yucatan's tourism strategy".

Michelle Fridman Hirsch, Secretary of Tourism Development SECTUR Yucatán

NEBULA PROJECT

Innovative gastronomic experience based on two inseparable components,

science and ancestral knowledge with deep respect for the environment and the community.

ACCOMPANIED THE DELIVERY:

Claudia Vanessa Perez Lamas, Secretary of Tourism of Jalisco

PICKED UP:

Ing. José Salvador Galindo González, Founder and Chief Executive Officer

Biologist Mónica Rivas, Operational Director

Mr. Nicolás Cano, Executive Chef

GOURMET EXCELLENCE CHARACTER AWARDS

GASTRONOMIC JOURNALIST AWARD

HIRKA ROCA REY DIETSCHI

for her professional career and as a promoter in the world of Peruvian gastronomic journalism and publication.

PICKED UP: Ms. Hirka Roca Rey Dietschi director, publisher and owner of Hirka Content

GOURMET EXCELLENCE COOK AWARD

PEPA MUÑOZ

PICKED UP: Mrs. Pepa Muñoz. Pepa's Qüenco and FACYRE's President.

EXCELENCIAS GOURMET CONFECTIONER'S AWARD

PAULA BABIANO

PICKED UP: Mrs. Paula Babiano, Balbisiana

EXCELENCIAS GOURMET HEAD WAITER AWARD

LUIS MIGUEL POLO AND ROBERTO JIMENEZ

PICKED UP:

Mr. Luis Miguel Polo González, Co-director of the dining room of Zalacaín Restaurant

Mr. Roberto Jiménez Romera, Co-director of the dining room of Restaurant Zalacaín

SOMMELIER EXCELENCIAS GOURMET AWARD

SILVIA GARCIA

PICKED UP: Ms. Silvia García, Head Sommelier Mandarin Oriental Ritz Madrid

BARTENDER/COCTELERO EXCELENCIAS GOURMET AWARD

DIEGO CABRERA

PICKED UP: Mr. Diego Cabrera

EXCELENCIAS IN MEMORIAM AWARDS

RAMÓN ÁLVAREZ EXCELLENCE AWARD

SEVILLE CITY COUNCIL

For its commitment and strategy in MICE tourism

DELIVERED:

Mr. José Carlos de Santiago. President of the Excelencias Group

Mrs. Charo Trabado -CEO of GSAR Marketing / MITM Events

WELCOMED: Mr. Antonio Muñoz Martínez, Mayor of Seville

NICOLÁS MUELA EXCELLENCE AWARD

FOOD FROM SPAIN

"FOOD FROM SPAIN CAMPAIGN".

DELIVERED:

Mr. José Carlos de Santiago. President of the Excelencias Group together with the members of the Ibero-American Academy: Mr. Rafael Ansón, President; Alfonso Marín Caffarena, Secretary General.

PICKED UP:

Mr. Luis Planas Puchades, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food of Spain

Mr. José Miguel Herrero, General Director of the Food Industry, Ministry of Agriculture of Spain