On November 12, the Príncipe Felipe Auditorium in Oviedo hosted the 18th edition of the National Hospitality Awards, a prestigious event held as part of Oviedo’s status as Spain’s Gastronomic Capital. Organized by Otea, the Association of Hospitality and Tourism of Asturias, the night was filled with emotion, solidarity, and well-deserved recognition for the industry.
Solidarity with Areas Affected by the DANA Storm
The evening was marked by support for communities affected by the devastating DANA storms, especially in Valencia. Over 400 guests contributed an initial donation of €10, provided by Hostelería de España, with additional donations from professionals and businesses. All funds will be donated to the Hospitality Federation of Valencia (FEHV) and the Provincial Association of Hospitality and Tourism Entrepreneurs of Albacete (APEHT).
At the beginning of the event, Otea presented a €16,000 check to FEHV President Manuel Espinar and APEHT Secretary General Begoña Garijo.
“Hospitality professionals across Asturias wanted to show their solidarity and take a step forward in representing the generosity of the national hospitality sector,” said José Luis Álvarez Almeida, President of Otea.
Pride and Recognition in a Special Year
Álvarez Almeida highlighted the significance of hosting these awards during Oviedo’s tenure as Spain’s Gastronomic Capital:
“All the awardees tonight serve as an inspiration for Spanish hospitality professionals.”
Similarly, Oviedo’s Mayor, Alfredo Canteli, emphasized the importance of the city’s recognition:
“This is not just about Oviedo, but all of Asturias. The world now knows that Asturias is home to exceptional cuisine, complementing our rich cultural heritage.”
Asturian Cider Culture Wins the Award for Promoting Spanish Gastronomy
The President of Asturias, Adrián Barbón, received the Award for the Promotion of Spanish Culture and Gastronomy, recognizing Asturian cider as a cultural treasure:
“Cider is the ultimate popular beverage, a symbol of our identity. Every step of its production, from harvesting apples to pouring and drinking, is deeply ingrained in Asturian life. It is finally receiving the recognition it deserves.”
Tribute to José Luis Yzuel and New Award Categories
A special tribute was paid to José Luis Yzuel, outgoing President of Hostelería de España, for his tireless dedication to the sector. Yzuel also introduced a new category, “Hospitality with Heart”, recognizing social responsibility in the industry.
“Once again, I am proud to represent a sector that is not only a pillar of our economy but also an essential part of our culture—strong, united, and deeply supportive.” — José Luis Yzuel
The Night’s Award Winners
The 18th edition featured 19 categories, recognizing outstanding establishments, businesses, institutions, and individuals in innovation, sustainability, cultural promotion, and social responsibility.
🏆 Main Award Winners:
- Best Hospitality Entrepreneur: Lorenzo Cañas (La Rioja) – A pioneer of Riojan and national gastronomy.
- Best Hospitality Business: Bodegas Castañeda (Granada) – A historical reference since 1927.
- Best Social Responsibility Initiative: Carifood (Madrid) – A Cáritas-linked company focused on employment for marginalized individuals.
- Best Business Supporting Disability Inclusion: UMÁNIKO (Ilunion) – An inclusive culinary space promoting accessibility.
- Best Innovation Award: La Boscana (Lleida) – For cutting-edge R&D and innovative fruit-based gastronomy.
- Best Promotion of Spanish Gastronomy: Asturian Cider Culture – Recognized for its cultural and heritage significance.
- Best Sustainability Initiative: Restaurante César Anca (Alicante) – For certified sustainable practices.
- Best Chef-Entrepreneur: Pablo González Conejero (Murcia) – A two-Michelin-starred chef promoting Murcian cuisine.
- Best Front-of-House Service: Sergio and Antonio Rodríguez Fontanet (Castellón) – Recognized for excellence in hospitality at Restaurante Mediterráneo.
- Best Internationalization Effort: Aratz, Casa Urola, and Zazpi STM (Gipuzkoa) – For bringing Basque cuisine to Japan.
- Award for Concord and Unity: Felipe González – Honored for promoting Spanish gastronomy and lifestyle.
- Lifetime Contribution to the Sector: Julia Pérez Lozano – A leading food journalist.
- Best Media Coverage of Gastronomy: “Aquí la Tierra” (RTVE) – For promoting Spanish hospitality.
- Best Institutional Support: Spanish Red Cross – For humanitarian work in hospitality.
- Best Hospitality Supplier: Calvo – A trusted brand providing high-quality products.
- Best Educational Contribution: Hospitality Association of Huesca – For its “Huesca, the Magic of Gastronomy” workshops.
- Best Advocacy for Hospitality Associations: Laura Mateo (Murcia) – For championing industry collaboration.
- Customer of the Year Award: Edu Galán and Jorge Martínez – Representing millions of loyal customers.
- Special Recognition (Posthumous): Fernando Martín (Asturias) – Honored for his culinary innovation and legacy.
Hostelería de España: A Pillar of the National Economy
Founded in 1977, Hostelería de España represents the country’s restaurants, bars, cafés, and pubs, covering:
- Over 300,000 businesses
- 1.76 million employees
- €122.86 billion in revenue (nearly 6% of Spain’s GDP)
Within this, restaurants, bars, and cafés alone generate:
- €90.7 billion in sales
- 1.4 million jobs
- 4.3% of Spain’s GDP
A Night of Celebration, Recognition, and Solidarity
The 18th edition of the National Hospitality Awards not only celebrated excellence in the sector but also highlighted the unity and generosity of Spanish hospitality professionals.
From honoring sustainability initiatives to supporting regions affected by natural disasters, the event was a powerful reminder that hospitality is more than an industry—it is a fundamental part of Spain’s culture, economy, and social fabric.
