The first Lanzarote Gastroeconomic Forum in Madrid was presented this Thursday, May 8, as an economic declaration of intent. Lanzarote wants to show itself as what it is: a territory with identity, institutional stability, exclusive tax advantages and an ecosystem conducive to the development of key sectors such as the green economy, technological innovation, high-level yachting and, of course, local gastronomy.
The event kicked off at the Hotel Santo Mauro, an emblematic enclave in the capital, synonymous with exclusivity and global connection. After the screening of the promotional video of Lanzarote as an investment destination, the economist José Carlos Díez shared insights on the new routes of capital. Next, the round table —with the participation of the president of the Cabildo de Lanzarote, Oswaldo Betancort, and the president of the Chamber of Commerce, José Valle— addressed the strengths and challenges of the island's economic fabric.
“We are the island that grows the least in the number of tourists, however, we lead the daily spending of the tourist who visits us. That means that Lanzarote is doing things right: we are committed to value, not volume. For excellence, not massification. The example of Santo Mauro, with few rooms and high loyalty, is the model we aspire to replicate on our island,” said Oswaldo Betancort.
“The responsibility of public officials today is not only to manage the macroeconomy, but to ensure that its benefits reach the micro: the family of Lanzarote. And if there is a sector that fulfills that function in an exemplary way, it is gastronomy, which is produced, consumed and reinvested at home. It is a real engine of economic transformation,” he continued.
José Valle, president of the Chamber of Commerce of Lanzarote and La Graciosa, highlighted institutional unity as a tool to define shared and effective strategies. “The collaboration between administrations, the business community and civil society is marking a new path: we are laying the foundations for a more solid and diversified economic model
for the future of the island,” he said.
José Carlos Díez closed the institutional block, who highlighted the tax advantages of the archipelago as a lever to attract smart capital. “Lanzarote is not a tax hell. On the contrary: it is a blessing. There is no better instrument in Europe than the Canary Islands Economic and Fiscal Regime. The ZEC and the RIC are unique tools to channel investment. For Madrid investors, it is a real opportunity: to come for a few days, enjoy the island, get to know its strategic sectors... and with a good tax advisor, discover all its business potential. The key now is to diversify and reduce risks, and Lanzarote offers that possibility with territory, vision and clear advantages."
The event culminated with La Cocina del Ingenio, a tasting cocktail that synthesizes the philosophy of the event: excellence from scarcity. A sensory journey through the flavors and landscapes of the island, with the participation of leading chefs and the presentation of the Lanzarote vineyards by José Peñín, honorary president of the Peñín Guide.
Organized by the Cabildo de Lanzarote and Saborea Lanzarote, with the collaboration of SPEL–Turismo Lanzarote and the Art, Culture and Tourism Centers, this forum leaves a clear conclusion: Lanzarote is prepared to attract quality investment, diversify its economy and lead a new development model with its own identity.
