The Yaiza Town Council honoured Viva Blue Diving at its annual tourism gala on Thursday, 8 October, recognising the company for its unwavering commitment to high-quality tourism, environmental care, and awareness. The diving centre, managed by Gemma Lago, Raúl Anaya, and Sebastián Ceriani, received the 2026 Yaiza Tourism Award from Mayor Óscar Noda and Tourism Councillor Daniel Medina at Playa Blanca. They praised the centre’s eleven years of service and its valuable role in environmental education, which is shared with clients and the local community. For the past eight years, they have organised beach and underwater clean-up events with the help of volunteers and municipal support.
Gemma Lago described the award as a tangible representation of the responsibility everyone has to care for Lanzarote’s natural environment. She remarked, “As divers and nature lovers, we understand that what appears infinite can actually be very fragile.”
Viva Blue Diving shared the honour with its dedicated staff and volunteers, calling their support vital for the ongoing clean-up initiatives. They expressed gratitude to the town council for being proactive in implementing their ideas and collaborations, rather than just offering verbal support.
Mayor Noda noted that the municipal recognition coincides with Viva Blue Diving’s rebranding and international identity launch, stating, “It is an honour to represent my municipality at this ceremony and to award the 2026 Yaiza Tourism Prize to a team committed to sustainable, quality tourism.”
Councillor Medina highlighted the strong partnership with Viva Blue Diving and their community-focused initiatives. He praised the centre for its high customer satisfaction and its effective teaching methods for all ages in marine exploration.
Lago concluded by emphasising the importance of environmental awareness campaigns for understanding our ocean and marine life’s role in the planet’s balance.
The gala featured a performance depicting the tourist evolution of Playa Blanca, accompanied by nostalgic images, and closed with a musical act by Gran Canarian singer-songwriter Aduén Amaya, who performed heartfelt lyrics and lively Latin rhythms with his talented band, rounding off the evening on a high note.
