The 2021 Tourism Excellence Award, in its XVII edition, was given to Lic. José Rodríguez Barreras, director of the Historian’s Office of Camagüey city, within the framework of the 2022 Madrid International Tourism Fair (Fitur, by its acronym in Spanish).

A jury made up of 9 personalities from different countries in the world of Tourism, Art and Gastronomy issued their selection of the winners through a secret and unappealable vote, chosen from a wide list of candidates worldwide.

On this occasion, Rodríguez Barreras was the only Cuban who held such an award in recognition of his career of more than 20 years influencing the cultural, economic and social life of Camagüey.

The Excellence Awards were created 17 years ago by the Excelencias Group, with the aim of promoting perfection in different areas related to tourism, gastronomy and culture in Ibero-America.

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the creation of the Excelencias Group, which is why it is a special year, a year in which the results of work that were created in 2021 for tourism, gastronomy and social inclusion in the economy sector of different Ibero-American countries. It is also a special year for Camagüey and its heritage for being part on the list of winners.

About the award-winner

José Rodríguez is president of the Provincial Commission of Monuments and Member of the National Commission, he holds the Distinction for National Culture and the Mirror of Patience; maximum award of the Provincial Sector of Culture in the Province of Camagüey. He is an illustrious son of the city and a Member of Icomos Internacional; UNEAC and UNHIC.

In the field of tourism, its management has also had a significant impact, with the intention of transforming the city into a destination linked to cultural and city tourism. The physical transformations of which he has been a leader, as well as his contributions to the management, administration and development plan of the Historic Center of the city attest to the foregoing.

Close to 25 years after its creation, the Office of the Historian receives a gift

Excellence marks the life of those who stay awake for a social project, for the conservation, for the memory and tradition of a city; this is the case of José Rodríguez Barreras, a man who breathes for heritage.

Just days before the Historian’s Office celebrates its half-quarter of a century, the award given to its director is added as one more reason for joy and satisfaction for which to celebrate and continue working.

Translated by: Aileen Álvarez García