Antonio Catalán, president of AC Hotels, received the Estrella del Camino Award at the II Edition of the Pilgrim Awards, held at the iconic Palacio de Gaviria in Madrid on March 12, 2024
Pilgrim, the renowned company responsible for managing and personalizing the services and experiences of pilgrims on their journey to the Camino de Santiago, held the II Edition of the Pilgrim Awards on March 12, 2024.
This recognition is an important tribute to the work of entrepreneurs, firms, and establishments that, through their efforts, improve the quality of the pilgrimage and reinforce their commitment to the historical and spiritual value of the routes leading to the tomb of Saint James the Greater in the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. Being one of the closest to Jesus Christ, this apostle was the first to die a martyr. His tomb was found around the year 820 among the remains of a Roman settlement, and over it, the temple was built, which, after centuries of expansion, became the current Cathedral of Santiago.
Ten routes and more than 1,500 kilometers shape the Camino, which, in addition to being a physical challenge, is an excuse for the reunion among pilgrims and a journey of personal growth, adding stories at different stages. Moreover, this quest for the Christian temple of the apostle James represents a significant boost to the economy. In Galicia alone, according to the study <<“Socioeconomic Impact of the Camino de Santiago”>> conducted by the University of Santiago de Compostela in collaboration with Turismo de Galicia, each pilgrim who reaches the Plaza del Obradoiro has the same effect on the local economy as 2.3 conventional tourists. Each euro spent generates an 18% increase in employment. Spending on food and drink accounts for 61% of their travel expenses.
The event organized by Pilgrim took place in the newly renovated Palacio de Gaviria, a historic building dating back to the 19th century located on Arenal Street, considered one of the most luxurious in Madrid of its time. This palatial building was commissioned by the banker Manuel Gaviria y Douze, Marqués de Gaviria and Conde de Buena Esperanza, to the architect Aníbal Álvarez Bouquel, who was inspired by the style of Italian palaces for its design. It houses thirteen rooms, with frescoes on the ceilings of the salons, especially those by the painter Joaquín Espalter y Rull, in the main ballroom.
Carolina Rubirosa enlivened the gala by performing the new hymn of the English Camino de Santiago, composed by Julia Baird, sister of the late John Lennon, who, in addition to showcasing her talent as a composer, received the International Award of this second edition.
Among the awardees who gathered at the Palacio de Gaviria, it is worth highlighting the presence of Antonio Catalán, president of AC Hotels by Marriott, who received the Estrella del Camino Award for his great work in generating visibility, value, and international recognition for the cultural and historical heritage of the Camino de Santiago.
Special mention should be made of other awarded personalities such as Reyes Martel, Judge and magistrate, who received the Social Action Award; Alberto Durán López, Vice President of Institutional Coordination, Solidarity, and External Relations of Fundación ONCE, who received the Inclusion Award; or Danae Blanco, European Marketing Senior Manager of Coca-Cola, who received the Best Workgroup Award.
The Pilgrim Awards, with this second edition, reinforce their commitment to the Camino de Santiago, creating better alternatives for travelers.
Watch the summary video of the gala (0:48)
