From our friends from the Excelencias Group Madrid.
The winners of the 2016 Excelencias Awards in Madrid’s FITUR The 2016 edition of the Excelencias Awards were presented on January 18 at the International Tourism Fair (FITUR 2017) in Madrid, España. The EXCELENCIAS AWARDS were founded 12 years ago by the Excelencias Group in a bid to foster excellence in different fields, all of them related to the travel industry, gastronomy and culture. Over the past years, besides the EXCELENCIAS TURISTICAS AWARDS, the list includes the EXCELENCIAS GOURMET AWARDS and Silvia Zorzanello in memoriam Award, as a tribute to the work of a lifetime carried out by Silvia Zorzanello in Brazil, “Ramon Alvarez in memoriam Award”, for his achievements and contributions to the travel industry, so this award is handed over to an institution or personage committed to the MICE segments; and Nicolas Muela in memoriam Award, given to projects focused on the research and promotion of gastronomic culture in Ibero-America.
The prizewinners have been chosen by a jury made up of 7 boldface names from different countries, related to the realms of Tourism, Art and Gastronomy, headed by the CEO of the Excelencias Group. In the 12th edition, the winners have been handpicked out of a well-assorted list of candidates from around the world. The vote was secret and unappealable. This was the first time ever that the public had the opportunity to vote for the final candidates, by means of our website. This is a special edition, since the Group commemorates its 20th Anniversary and the 10th of the creation of Excelencias Gourmet. That’s the reason why two special awards have been given to two important figures (D. Padre Angel and Mr. Carlos Vogeler) for their work of excellence. Prizewinners from 14 countries – Argentina, Canada, Colombia, Cuba, El Salvador, Spain, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic) picked up their awards during the first day of Madrid’s International Travel Fair, (FITUR).
The list of attendees was also made up of 7 Tourism Ministers, Presidents of important corporations, Governors and Tourism Secretaries, Chefs, Sommeliers, important figures of international culture, tourism and gastronomy, among others.

The Prizewinners in the 12th edition of the Excelencias Awards are
EXCELENCIAS TURISTICAS AWARDS 2016: ARGENTINEAN GAY LESBIAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE (CCGLAR) AND ARGENTINA’S MINISTRY OF TOURISM FOR GNETWORK360 – INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON MARKETING AND LGBT TOURISM The most important event of its kind in Spanish America, a pioneer and unique space where LGBT tourism segment plays the leading role.

CANADA
PRESSREADER FOR PRESSREADER DIGITAL PLATFORM A digital platform that provides unlimited access to over 6,000 newspapers and magazines, from more than 100 countries, in 60 languages, with contents available for any mobile device. The platform also offers translation into 17 languages and aloud content reading.

CUBA
COMERCIALIZADORA DE SERVICIOS MEDICOS CUBANOS, S. A. FOR ITS EXPERIENCE AND CONSTANT DEVELOPMENT IN TERMS OF MEDICINE AND MEDICAL SERVICES The Comercializadora de Servicios Medicos Cubanos, S. A. company is characterized by its comprehensive scientific, technical and professional experience in the field of healthcare. It has stood out for the design and management of a wide range of medical service programs, both in terms of curative medicine and quality of life, targeting the international market, so Cuba has become a benchmark destination in the Americas.

EL SALVADOR
EL SALVADOR’S TOURISM MINISTRY (CORSATUR) FOR “LA MONTAÑONA” CIRCUIT The project is based on a forest area, shared by seven municipalities, which was damaged during the armed conflict back in the 1980s and the travel industry is now opening new opportunities for local families –most of which are veterans-, since they make a living out of agriculture and cattle raising. The project has empowered the local population to manage the improvement of offers related to tourism services and products.

SPAIN
ILUNION HOTELS FOR CREATING A DIFFERENT STRATEGY IN THE TRAVEL INDUSTRY The hotel chain offers a top-of-the-line and high-quality product, complemented by values based on equality, solidarity, integration and kindness, focused on the customer’s satisfaction. This 100 percent accessible hotel chain is the first and only one to have the world accessibility certificate and the Premium-category BEQUAL certificate. It is fully committed to sustainability, environmental respect and the interest of collaborators, employees and the society.

FERNANDO VALMASEDA AND CAPITAL RADIO FOR MIRADAS VIAJERAS RADIO SHOW Miradas Viajeras is an author radio show broadcasted at national level, directed and presented by Fernando Valmaseda, in which listeners play the leading role and tell stories, talk about destinations and follow tips given by tourism experts, who feel passion for the radio and devotion for journalism.

NEXO GROUP: MR. EUGENIO DE QUESADA AND MR. CARLOS ORTIZ RODRIGO FOR THE CREATION OF THE IBERIAN AMERICAN SUMMIT OF TOURISM MINISTERS AND ENTREPRENEURS (CIMET) The created the Iberian American Summit back in 1997, organized by the NEXO Group in collaboration with the Tourism Board of CEOE and the International Travel Fair, FITUR. This initiative came out of the Civil Society at the service of the Travel Industry. It has been described as an “efficient instrument to internationalize the Spanish travel industry in Ibero-America”.

Mexico
EXICO AEROMEXICO FOR ITS QUETZALCOATL AIRPLANE, MEXICO’S AMBASSADOR IN THE WORLD The combination of the Mexican culture’s pre-Hispanic roots and a state-of-the-art airplane, Boeing 787-9. This plane has been operating the Madrid – Mexico route since December 2016.

JALISCO’S ASSOCIATION OF ESTATES AND MANSIONS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE HACIENDAS Y CASONAS DE JALISCO PROJECT Old estates and mansions that have been restored and they presently provide accommodation services. Their service standards and architectural and gastronomic characteristics reflect the richness of the Mexican culture, especially Jalisco’s.15 destinations in Jalisco state, with highly-valued culture and tradition, give visitors the opportunity to live the culture and history while enjoying today’s conveniences, so they are great representatives of rural tourism per excellence.

TURIBUS/TURITOUR /TURISK /TURIGO) FOR ITS CONTRIBUTION TO THE CREATION OF NEW TOURISM CIRCUITS The ADO Group, with presence in Mexico, Guatemala and Spain, and devoted to the transportation, is a fully tourism-related brand that provides a wide range of products for all customers, such as Turibus/ Turitour/ Turisky /Turigo. This the creation of Turibus, back in 2000, the group has kept on creating new routes and circuits, thus taking tourists to such amazing destinations as Teotihuacan.

CORDOBA MUNICIPALITY FOR SIERRA DEL CAFE PROJECT Cordoba municipality developed the “Sierra del Cafè” tourism product to foster the influx of tourists, develop the region as a tourism destination and turn coffee into a true experience. This is an inclusive work, on collaboration with the community and local business activities.

GUANAJUATO’S TOURISM SECRETARIAT FOR “CORAZON DE GUANAJUATO” AS A MODEL OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT This project aims at having different contributions and joining the efforts of national authorities and international trends to promote tourism accessibility for everybody, support public policies and internal growth tools, by putting the travel industry at the service of territories that work to achieve sustainability. As a unique concept at national level, in favor of local producers and artisans, the brand is a benchmark in terms of the preservation of culture and traditions as it supports the promotion, spreading and marketing of products that represent Guanajuato.

MORELOS STATE’S TOURISM SECRETARIAT FOR TEPOZTLAN, A MAGICAL TOWN, HOLISTIC AND SPIRITUAL DESTINATION This magical town preserves a strong taste of tradition and ancient customs. Tepoztlan is also a holistic and spiritual destination. Dalai Lama described it as a “Place of Peace”. Nowadays, its tourism offers are backed up by attractive activities and high-level infrastructure. It has been declared World Heritage.

PUEBLA STATE’S TOURISM SECRETARIAT FOR THE INTERNATIONAL BAROQUE MUSEUM: CULTURAL INNOVATION Japanese architect ToyoIto has designed a building dedicated to baroque art in Puebla City. The museum is nestled in an area that has been declared national heritage by UNESCO, in a bid to preserve the cultural heritage and foster the preservation, research and spreading of different baroque expressions.

PARAGUAY
PARAGUAY’S NATIONAL TOURISM SECRETARIAT FOR PRESERVING PARAGUAY’S CUSTOMS AND TRADITIONS BY MEANS OF TOURIMS INNS The Tourism Inns are typical family houses fit out accommodate tourists. The natural, cultural, gastronomic and human richness are present in these Inns, where guests are given the opportunity to learn about Paraguay’s customs and traditions. The tourism inns offer visitors: accommodation, quality services in cozy houses, while showing respect for local cultural heritage.

PUERTO RICO
PUERTO RICO’S TOURISM COMPANY AND B THE TRAVEL BRAND FOR THE CAMPAIGN DEVELOPED BY PUERTO RICO IN MALLORCA WITH B THE TRAVEL BRAND XPERIENCE The joint actions were carried out in Palma de Mallorca, in 2016, thus showing Puerto Rico’s culture –a country with deeply-rooted cultural traditions. Both islands have several elements in common, since in the early 20th century the Caribbean island was a shelter for many Majorcans that migrated in an effort to improve their life and business. So Puerto Rico is far more than just a destination, it is shared history.

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
FRANCK ELIAS RAINIERI FOR HIS PRICELESS CONTRIBUTION TO THE TRAVEL INDUSTRY IN THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

ARGENTINA
TOURISM MINISTRY OF ARGENTINA FOR COCINAR STRATEGIC PLAN A strategic plan developed to show the world the Argentinean cuisine’s wonders and products, with special emphasis on the ingredients and cooking methods that have passed from generation to generation.

COLOMBIA
PROCOLOMBIA FOR THE “COLOMBIA SABE A CAFÉ” INTERNATIONAL CAMPAIGN Supracafe and ProColombia invited the people of Madrid to participate in “Colombia sabe a cafe” campaign, in 10 premises of the city that serve the Arabic variety, grown in Colombia. Moreover, such tour operators as Viajes Dos, CATAI and Vive Colombia, offered discounts to travel to the “Coffee-growing Cultural Landscape”, in Colombia, declared World Heritage. The “Colombia Es Realismo Magico y Marca Pais” tourism campaign brought about a 26 percent increase in the sales of tourism packages to Colombia.

SPAIN
SPANISH ENOTOURISM ASSOCIATION FOR THE PRESENT AND FUTURE OF ENOTOURISM Tourism in wine-growing regions as a sustainable tourism offer, a cultural, eno-gastronomic, leisure and nature-related proposal. It is presently going through an emerging stage, with great potential of economic growth in the near future, so it has become a standard-bearer of internal tourism and a key complement to the future of the Spanish wine-producing sector.

GALICIA’S TOURISM AGENCY (XUNTA DE GALICIA) FOR LA LAMPREA ROUTE Gastronomic route based on the thousand-year-old fish tradition in Galicia. The product includes general information on this delicacy, as well as fishing methods, restaurants where it is dished out, and the cultural heritage value of the municipalities near the rivers where it lives. Signs and information panels are presently being placed in different areas of interest.

DEACORDE PRODUCCIONES SL FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF CHEFS(IN) A brand that stands for Baleares’ haute cuisine, by means of its chefs, to promote the gastronomy of the islands at local, national and international levels, in collaboration with the public administration, companies and producers. Chefs(in) is currently the most prestigious gastronomic quality hallmark of Baleares. Since the creation of the brand, Baleares has doubled both its Michelin stars (5-10) and Repsol suns (19-36). Palmer,

Director of Chefs (in) ELAIA ZAIT FOR CREATING A NEW TASTING SESSION OF EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL Elaia Zait, along with the University of Jaen, has developed and marketed a new line of tasting utensils in order to change the way people taste and enjoy extra virgin olive oil, and foster a revolution in the oil-tourism.

ENRIC RIBERA FOR 40 YEARS OF LOVE AND PASSION FOR GASTRONOMY AND TOURISM A journalist that has worked on TV, the press, radio and Internet, with a professional career in Canal Viajar Satelite Digital TV, El Galeon show; Spain’s Radio Nacional; La Cocina de Cataluña magazine; and newspapers Bondia, Diario de Lleida and La Mañana. He has authored 46 books on travel literature, culinary arts, wines and hotels. He has won 12 international awards –such as the Gourmand World Cookbook Awards- for his book entitled “Joyas de Paris, 14 recreaciones gastronomicas y ludicas”.

HUMIDIFGROUP IN COLLABORATION WITH MR. YAMIR PELEGRINO FOR THE CREATION OF SPIRIT, AN AROMA TASTER Spirit is an aroma taster that has been specially designed to taste the aromatic essences of cigars, wines, liquors and pairings. The grooves in the base of SPIRIT, as vortex generators, increase the heat transference of the mass, thus enhancing the voracity of the inner gas when going in, out or being shaken. It is also a perfect instrument to perceive the aroma created by pairing two components, such as a spirit and the smoke of a cigar, so they can coexist and express their aromatic notes.

TWO MANY CHEFS AND DROIDE COMUNIDAD FOR THE CREATION OF SMART TRAY FOR KIDS This is an interactive tray, developed by professionals from the realms of gastronomy, technology and the toy industry, which stimulates and facilitates the feeding process for children of ages ranging between 6 months and 3 years. It is all about positive stimulation supported by visual, tactile and hearing elements. It includes an APP for adults to control the tray by using a smartphone or tablet.

MEXICO
CHEF MAURICIO ALVAREZ MALDONADO FOR “THE HONEST PROJECT” A platform to establish a connection with the audiences, with the goal of creating a certification of “socially- committed-to-health establishment”, so awareness can be raised within the restaurant sector and the people with special diets can be helped by offering alternatives.

Maldonado, General Manager and Co-owner of The Honest Project CHEF JORGE EDUARDO OROZCO FOR THE WORK TO SPREAD PRE-HISPANIC GASTRONOMY AROUND THE WORLD For the international boost given to Mexico’s Pre-Hispanic Gastronomic Culture in different international forums, thus highlighting the origins of the present Mexican cuisine and the gastronomic values of Mayans and Aztecs.

PANAMA
CHEF CHARLES COLLINS FOR “T’ACH COCINA AUTOCTONA PANAMEÑA” COOKBOOK AND HIS WORK AS AN ANTHROPOLOGIST OF PANAMANIAN GASTRONOMY. T’ACH, in the native Wounaan language means banana and the same term was used for food. Cocina Autoctona Panameña is a project supported by Panama’s Tourism Authority. Charles Collins was recognized as the anthropologist of Panamanian gastronomy since he believed that food can represent a chapter in the history of a country, so he conducted a research throughout Panama in a bid to recover not only history, but also anecdotes, culinary traditions, recipes and ingredients that had almost fallen into oblivion.

PERSONAGES OF EXCELLENCE AWARDS 2016
CONFECTIONER OF EXCELLENCE ALBERT ADRIÀ troarte SOMMELIER OF EXCELLENCE JUAN RUIZ HENESTROSA
HEAD WAITER OF EXCELLENCE ABEL VALVERDE
GOURMET PERSONAGE AWARD D.RAFAEL ANSON
EXCELENCIAS AWARDS IN MEMORIAM RAMON ALVAREZ in memoriam Award Lic. Simon Suarez Garcia
EXCELENCIAS AWARD 2016 SILVIA ZORZANELLO in memoriam Award BAHIA PROVINCE (Brazil)
Mr. Henry Chmelnitsky, President of the Accommodations and Food Union of Puerto Alegre
NICOLAS MUELA in memoriam Award Mr. BERNARDO ROCA REY

SPIRIT OF EXCELLENCE AWARDS SPIRIT OF TOURISM EXCELLENCE AWARD:
WORLD WILDLIFE FUND (WWF) / GUATEMALAN TOURISM INSTITUTE (INGUAT) /HONDURAN TOURISM INSTITUTE (IHT) / GUATEMALA’S CHAMBER OF TOURISM (CAMTUR) FOR “CARIBE MAYA” MULTI-DESTINATION PRODUCT OF SUSTAINABLE TOURISM Caribe Maya is a sustainable tourism initiative in the region of the Middle American Reef System, which tries to show that a sustainable development model can be implemented in protected areas, in harmony with the communities as direct beneficiaries of the tourism activity, thus contributing to the improvement of their quality of life and sustainable management of local natural and cultural heritage.

SPIRIT OF GOURMET EXCELLENCE AWARD SANDOVAL FAMILY FOR ITS RESPECT TO THE FAMILY TRADITION IN GASTRONOMY, BY PASSING VALUES FROM GENERATION TO GENERATION

CND AWARD Mr. JUAN JOSE HIDALGO FOR A LIFETIME DEVOTED TO THE TRAVEL INDUSTRY

EXCELENCIAS’ ANNIVERSARY AWARDS EXCELENCIAS’ 20TH ANNIVERSARY AWARD: D. CARLOS VOGELER EXCELENCIAS GOURMET 10TH ANNIVERSARY AWARD: D.PADRE ANGEL GARCIA FOR “ROBIN HOOD” PROJECT AND A LIFETIME DEVOTED TO OTHER PEOPLE DELIVERED BY EL AWARD: Mr. Jose Carlos de Santiago. CEO of the Excelencias Group PICKED UP BY: D. Padre Angel Garcia. President of Mensajeros de la Paz