Por Redaccion 
Yesterday afternoon, the mayor of Vélez-Málaga, Jesús Lupiáñez, received this prestigious award at an event held in Málaga. This award, which attracts destinations and companies from all over Spain, highlights the important work carried out by the local government in the recovery and revitalization of our urban environment. The goal is to design a comfortable, safe, and functional space for the citizens and create a strong tourist attraction towards our city.
The responsible urban development undertaken by the Vélez-Málaga City Council throughout the municipality has been recognized by the national publication La Razón. They awarded the prize for the best urban recovery action, acknowledging the work implemented by the local government to revitalize our urban environment. This recognition was received by Mayor Jesús Lupiáñez during the XIV Tourism Awards ceremony hosted by the newspaper’s website, @larazon.es. This recognition sheds light on the work and projection carried out by the Vélez-Málaga City Council to boost urban development in the Axarquía capital. The symbolic award was presented to the local mayor by the director of La Razón, Francisco Marhuenda García, accompanied by the Tourism and External Affairs Councillor of the Junta, Arturo Bernal, in a formal meeting attended by various authorities, where the work of other destinations, companies, and public and private entities was also recognized.
Mayor Lupiáñez expressed his satisfaction and gratitude for receiving an award that highlights the remarkable work done by all professionals at the Vélez-Málaga City Council. He emphasized the collective effort of all departments and councils, which are highly involved in implementing initiatives to enhance our urban model and address various municipal issues. This award recognizes the joint and coordinated effort of different municipal areas towards achieving the highest quality standards for the development of community life and creating an attractive city model for visitors from all corners of Spain and the world.
The technical criteria for awarding this recognition to the Vélez-Málaga City Council were based on a set of variables that support a significant distinction at the national level. These variables recognize the good work and continuous effort of the municipal team. They include aspects such as streamlining licenses in the Historic Center, investing in infrastructure and public spaces, and attracting private funding for the rehabilitation of abandoned landmark buildings. Notable projects like the expansion of the Lope de Vega Theater, restoration projects of the convent of Las Claras, Casa Bascán, and the central street Las Tiendas were highlighted.
Additionally, La Razón and its online platform acknowledged the enhancement of our beloved neighborhood, La Villa, as a tourist attraction hub, and the significant security measures implemented, such as creating district police brigades and installing security cameras at strategic points in the city. Other recognized efforts include service improvements, establishment of specific brigades for operational services and cleaning, and the setup of the Technical Office of the Historic Center and a committee of representative neighbors in collaboration with the CIEDES foundation.
Therefore, this prestigious national award will be a crucial turning point for the tourism promotion of Vélez-Málaga. The publication, with nationwide circulation, reaffirms the current government team’s strong commitment to urban revitalization and the promotion of new infrastructure and facilities projects, as well as the support of ideas and activities that positively impact our community on a daily basis.
Spain, an undeniable tourist hub
The tourism awards ceremony prompted a reflection on Spain’s status as a global reference in the tourism industry. Statistics show a promising annual growth, positioning our country as the second international destination in terms of visitors. In 2024, 93 million people visited various tourist sites and attractions in Spain, with only France ahead. An impressive statistic reveals that the total spending by international travelers in the past year exceeded €126 billion, a 16% increase from 2023. Forecasts suggest a further increase in visitor numbers by the end of the current year, potentially reaching record figures.