The awards go to the Professional Association of Tourism Guides of Aragon (APGTA), Francisco Lacau Pascau, Begoña Espinosa Martínez, María Carmen Roig, José Antonio Pérez Asensi and Hotel Consolación, located in Monroyo (Teruel). The distinctions highlight their work in promoting heritage, training professionals, promoting destinations, business representation and developing accommodation linked to the territory.
THE SIX RECIPIENTS OF THE TOURISM MERIT PLAQUES
The Professional Association of Tourism Guides of Aragon brings together official guides authorized to work in the Autonomous Community and organizes activities to showcase its natural, cultural, historical and gastronomic heritage. The award recognizes its work representing these professionals, providing training and organizing guided tours.
Francisco Lacau Pascau, who died in February 2026, receives the plaque posthumously for his career in mountaineering and adventure tourism, particularly in the Sierra de Guara, Somontano de Barbastro and Alto Aragón. He promoted business initiatives related to canyoning, participated in the tourism promotion of these areas and maintained ties with Montañeros de Aragón de Barbastro.
Begoña Espinosa Martínez receives the award for her contribution to training tourism professionals and her experience in business. For decades, she was associated with the University School of Tourism of Zaragoza, an institution she eventually headed, and worked to bring academic education closer to the needs of the tourism sector.
The plaque awarded to María Carmen Roig recognizes her work as a municipal guide and tourism officer in La Iglesuela del Cid. Her work has focused on showcasing and interpreting the municipality’s historical, architectural and cultural heritage, including its archaeological and ethnographic resources.
José Antonio Pérez Asensi has been recognized for his career representing business owners and promoting tourism, particularly in Somontano de Barbastro. As president of the Somontano Barbastro Business Association, he has participated in business cooperation projects and initiatives related to the Marian Route and cultural and religious tourism.
Hotel Consolación, located in Monroyo (Teruel), completes the list of recipients for an accommodation model that combines contemporary architecture, landscape and tradition in the Matarraña region. The establishment has independent rooms integrated into the natural surroundings and offers a tourism experience connected to visitors and the territory.
ZARAGOZA’S HOSPITALITY SECTOR RECEIVES THE TOURISM MERIT MEDAL
The Governing Council also approved on October 21 the award of the 2026 Aragon Tourism Merit Medal to the Professional Association of Business Owners of Cafés, Bars and Similar Hospitality Activities of Zaragoza and Province.
Founded in November 1977, the organization represents hospitality establishments and provides legal, tax and employment advice, as well as training and professional support. Its activities include organizing the Zaragoza and Province Tapas Competition and publishing the quarterly Zaragoza Hostelera magazine.
The association also participates in social and training initiatives, such as the Club Inclucina project, linked to Atades. The Tourism Merit Medal recognizes its career representing the hospitality sector and its work related to hospitality and Zaragoza’s gastronomic offering and that of its province.
