Which award did La Palma win?

The "Destino Turístico Sostenible" (Sustainable Destination) category at the Premios de Turismo Islas Canarias 2026.

Why was La Palma chosen?

For its model of territorial protection and balance between tourism and social wellbeing; more than 35% of the island is protected.

Were there other winners?

Yes, including Bodegas Conatvs, Landmar Hotels, Ecofinca Nogales, Carlos Cebriá and the Asociación Anchieta.

LA PALMA · TOURISM

La Palma named a Sustainable Destination of the Canaries

La Palma has been recognised as a Sustainable Tourism Destination ("Destino Turístico Sostenible") at the Premios de Turismo Islas Canarias 2026, the Canary Islands' official tourism awards.

10 August 2026 · By Martin Kosinski · 5 min · Editorial responsibility: Matthias Camenzind, Editor-in-Chief

Photo: H. Zell, CC BY-SA 3.0 (Symbolbild).

The prizes are awarded by the regional government's tourism department. According to the organisers, the gala will be held for the first time on Fuerteventura, on 24 September 2026 in Puerto del Rosario.

What the award is

The Premios de Turismo Islas Canarias are the archipelago's official tourism awards. This year a record 102 entries were submitted, the highest number in the competition's history, according to the Canary Islands government. La Palma took the prize in the "Destino Turístico Sostenible" (Sustainable Destination) category.

Who gives it

The awards are run by the Consejería de Turismo y Empleo, the tourism and employment department of the Government of the Canary Islands. The jury was chaired by the regional tourism minister, Jéssica de León, and, the organisers say, included representatives of hotel associations, trade unions, employers' bodies and universities. The ceremony takes place on 24 September 2026 at the Palacio de Formación y Congresos in Puerto del Rosario, the first time the gala is held on Fuerteventura.

Why La Palma won

The jury pointed to the island's model of territorial protection and the balance it strikes between tourism development and social wellbeing. More than 35% of La Palma's surface is protected across some 20 natural areas within the Canary network of protected spaces. That, the organisers said, makes it one of the most recognised examples of sustainable tourism in the Canaries and nationally.

Stars, biosphere and a volcano

The "Isla Bonita" brings strong green credentials. The entire island has been a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve since 2002, and in 2012 it was certified as a Starlight Reserve for its exceptionally dark, clear skies, according to local sources. Since the 2021 Tajogaite volcanic eruption, the island says it has approached its recovery through a deliberately gentle, sustainable tourism model.

What it means for the island

For La Palma the award is above all a reputational boost among the Canary Islands. According to Raquel Rebollo, the tourism councillor of the Cabildo de La Palma, the prize endorses a development model that puts protection of the territory at its centre. For visitors, it reinforces La Palma's identity around hiking, star-gazing and nature rather than mass tourism.

Tip for stargazers: La Palma is one of Europe's top astro-tourism destinations. Viewpoints such as the Roque de los Muchachos offer spectacular views of the Milky Way on clear nights.
Bring warm layers — it gets cold at 2,400 metres after dark.

Good to know: The winners have been decided, but the official ceremony only takes place on 24 September 2026 on Fuerteventura.
Plan any visit around the regular opening hours of the national parks and viewpoints, not around the gala date.

The award in numbers

Prize: Sustainable Destination, Premios de Turismo Islas Canarias 2026 (source: Government of the Canary Islands).
102 entries — a record, according to the organisers.
Over 35% of the island is protected (about 20 natural areas).
UNESCO Biosphere Reserve since 2002; Starlight certified since 2012 (per local sources).
Gala: 24 September 2026, Puerto del Rosario, Fuerteventura.

FAQ

Which award did La Palma win?: The "Destino Turístico Sostenible" (Sustainable Destination) category at the Premios de Turismo Islas Canarias 2026.
Who gives the award?: The Consejería de Turismo y Empleo of the Government of the Canary Islands; the jury was chaired by minister Jéssica de León.
Why was La Palma chosen?: For its model of territorial protection and balance between tourism and social wellbeing; more than 35% of the island is protected.
Were there other winners?: Yes, including Bodegas Conatvs, Landmar Hotels, Ecofinca Nogales, Carlos Cebriá and the Asociación Anchieta.
When is the ceremony?: On 24 September 2026 at the Palacio de Formación y Congresos in Puerto del Rosario, Fuerteventura.

Read on

CITA News on WhatsAppFollow the channel and keep up with the islands.Follow