The municipality of Yaiza celebrated its Tourism Gala this Tuesday in Playa Blanca, where it awarded the 2025 Tourism Award to Gustavo Medina. His photographic work has given us impressive images of the landscape of Yaiza and Lanzarote, while his time-lapse videos reveal phenomena imperceptible to the human eye.
The mayor of Yaiza, Óscar Noda, highlighted not only the aesthetic quality of Medina's work and his contribution as a platform for tourism promotion, but also his commitment to the conservation of the natural environment: «His work rediscovers the island landscape, it is a magnet for the senses and a voice of protest against insensitivity».
Excited, the honoree expressed his gratitude: «This recognition from my municipality, the land where I was born, encourages me to continue working with the same enthusiasm and perseverance as always». For him, photography «is a way of connecting with our identity and environment; the image allows me to express what I cannot say with words, it is the essence of time where the landscape is eternal». He also had special words for his family, for the support received throughout his career.
The Councilor for Tourism of Yaiza, Daniel Medina, highlighted the artist's sensitivity and the pedagogical value of his work: "Through his lens, he captures the delicacy of a wave, the force of a volcano or the calm of a sunset. His work is an exercise in sustainability, because whoever learns to look with respect also learns to care".
Sustainable tourism and vision for the future
During his speech, Mayor Óscar Noda took the opportunity to highlight the Canary Green program, an initiative of the Association of Tourist Municipalities (AMTC) financed by the European Union. This project is committed to sustainable and innovative tourism, through the efficient use of natural resources, the protection of the territory, energy saving with intelligent public lighting and support for local businesses.
According to Noda, these actions not only benefit the economy and the environment, but also transform the experiences of visitors: "They will arrive with a greater awareness of the care of the destination that welcomes them".
The mayor also reaffirmed Yaiza's commitment to the docking of small and medium-sized cruise ships in Playa Blanca: "We are interested in luxury ships, with between 200 and 400 visitors with high purchasing power, who enjoy experiences in the destination and, if possible, stay overnight. It is a tourism that leaves benefits in the local economy and generates less impact on natural resources".
Music and celebration
The Yaiza Tourism Gala was preceded by the Ritmos del Sur batucada, which filled Limones street with atmosphere. Already at the ceremony, the public enjoyed the performances of the timple player Alexis Lemes and the singer from Uga, Nayara Viñoly. The closing of the night was in charge of the rock band Bourbon.
