The tourism sector of Aragon sawtoday one of its most important days of the year with the presentation of the Medals and Plaques for Tourism Merit 2024, at a gala held in Zaragoza and chaired by the Minister of Environment and Tourism, Manuel Blasco, and the general director of Tourism and Hospitality, Jorge Moncada. The ceremony recognized figures and institutions that have left an indelible mark on Aragonese tourism.
Among the recipients of the Medal of Merit for Tourism were the hotelier José Luis Yzuel, the Special Mountain Intervention Rescue Groups (GREIM) of the Civil Guard, the Bodas de Isabel Foundation, and, posthumously, the businessman and lawyer César Alierta.
Acknowledgments that celebrate the commitment to Aragon
During his speech, Minister Blasco highlighted the importance of the tourism sector as one of the pillars of Aragon’s economy, especially in rural areas. “This sector, which goes hand in hand with the agri-food sector, is spread throughout the territory. What would Aragon be without the region’s hotel and catering industry,” he said.
- José Luis Yzuel, recognized for his defense of associationism in the sector and for being a firm promoter of the hotel and catering industry as an economic engine.
- The GREIM, honored for their dedication and professionalism in ensuring the safety of tourists in high mountain areas, a symbol of their commitment to the common good.
- The Bodas de Isabel Foundation, which has managed to turn the story of the Lovers of Teruel into an internationally renowned tourism product.
- César Alierta, recognized posthumously for his tireless work to promote Aragon globally and his business and personal legacy.
Tourism Merit Plaques: local protagonists and outstanding projects
In addition to the medals, the Tourist Merit Plaques were also awarded to initiatives and people who have contributed to enhancing the image of Aragon as a quality tourist destination.
In this edition, the winners were:
- Camping Ordesa, for its sustainable management and its role as a benchmark in nature tourism.
- Consuelo Arcas, owner of Hotel Lleida de Graus, for her commitment to hospitality in the Aragonese Pyrenees.
- Jorge Mayoral, posthumously, for his work in the cultural promotion of Aragon.
- Raúl Igual Ibáñez, for his outstanding career as an academic, restaurateur and director of the Teruel School of Hospitality.
- Vicentina Calvo, owner of the Hotel Guadalope in Alcañiz, for her dedication to tourism in Lower Aragon.
- GUIAN Catering, for its innovation in the gastronomic sector.
- Real Club de Golf La Peñaza, for its role in attracting sports tourism to the region.
- Gaby Coarasa, of the Casa Blasquico restaurant in Hecho, posthumously, for his excellence in local gastronomy.
- The Montal restaurant in Zaragoza, for being an icon of the Zaragoza hotel and catering industry.
A sector that looks to the future
The gala not only celebrated the benchmarks of the present, but also underscored the path towards sustainable and diversified tourism, capable of responding to the demands of an increasingly demanding public. The awards reflect Aragon’s commitment to quality tourism that values its natural, cultural and gastronomic wealth.
The awarding of the Medals and Plaques for Tourism Merit 2024 is, without a doubt, a recognition of those who work tirelessly to make Aragon an unforgettable destination.
