The L'Alfàs del Pi City Council celebrated today the first L’Alfàs 2026 Tourism Excellence Award, recognizing the dedication of two key professionals for local tourism. The event, held at the Espai Cultural Escoles Velles, highlighted the human and professional quality that contributes to consolidating the municipality as a tourist destination.
Alan Bernabeu Dalli was honored for his nearly two decades of work leading the lifeguarding and surveillance service at Racó de l'Albir beach. His commitment and professionalism have been fundamental in ensuring the safety of residents and visitors. Meanwhile, Richard Barreno received recognition for over 15 years coordinating kayak routes in the Serra Gelada Natural Park and for his outreach work in promoting the municipality's natural, historical, and cultural heritage through guided tours.
Mayor Vicente Arques emphasized during the event the importance of collaboration between the public and private sectors to consolidate the municipality's tourism model, which has received eight awards and the highest Sendero Azul (Blue Trail) score in Spain. Arques highlighted that tourism integrates culture, heritage, sports, environment, and gastronomy, and that society as a whole plays an active role as receivers and as tourists.
The Councilor for Tourism, Luis Miguel Morant, stressed that, beyond technology, it is people who make a tourist destination grow. He identified Alan and Richard as benchmarks who add value to the tourism ecosystem of L'Alfàs del Pi.
“"Not only my fantastic lifeguard team, but also cleaning services, technical services, Police, the sunbed and nautical accessories concessionaire… Together, in coordination with the council that listens to us and recognizes us, we can do our job. I am just one piece of this chain, which is all of us."
Alan Bernabeu thanked the award, sharing it with all the groups working on Racó de l'Albir beach. He highlighted the evolution of the lifeguard's role, now focused on prevention and coordination, beyond intervention.
“"We have many things to share with people. A lot of history, culture, environment… I find it very gratifying to meet people on the street who tell me they did the route with me 2, 3, or 4 years ago and say they loved it, that they want to return. Because it's not a unique experience. People return because they discover more each time."
For his part, Richard Barreno expressed his gratitude, emphasizing the value of the municipality's natural environment and the satisfaction of seeing people return to discover more. He confessed to feeling emotional about the recognition of work done with passion that adds value to the town.
With the establishment of this new award, the L'Alfàs del Pi City Council reaffirms its commitment to local talent and careers that enhance the municipality's image as a top-tier tourist destination.
