Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is one step closer to being named the European Capital of Culture in 2031 after business network BNI Las Palmas formally backed the city’s bid.
At a signing event on Thursday, Josué Íñiguez, the City Council’s councillor for Culture, and Carolina Villén, the regional director of BNI Las Palmas & BNI Andalucía Occidental, marked their support for the initiative, which aims to position culture as a key driver of social cohesion and international visibility.
Íñiguez expressed gratitude for BNI’s support, highlighting that involving an organisation with hundreds of committed business owners demonstrates the city’s collective ambition for this cultural recognition. He noted that the title represents a chance to showcase Las Palmas’ talent and creativity through collaboration among institutions, cultural bodies, academia, the economy, and citizens.
Villén emphasised that the bid offers an opportunity to enhance the city’s international image and create new avenues for economic, social, and cultural growth, aligning with BNI’s values of collaboration and development.
This year marks the 10th anniversary of BNI’s presence in Gran Canaria, where it has established nine active groups and built a community of over 250 entrepreneurs. Over the past decade, BNI has facilitated more than 230,000 business referrals, contributing over €250 million to local economic activity.
The city continues to gather support for its candidacy after progressing through the initial selection phase, becoming one of four finalists for the title. Current endorsements also come from the Government of the Canary Islands, the Canary Islands Parliament, Gran Canaria Council, the University of Las Palmas, and local sports clubs.
