Hoteles Escuela de Canarias (Hecansa) has, according to the Gobierno de Canarias as of 26 October 2026, spent 73.16 per cent of the Next Generation funds for the 2023–2026 period. This amounts to €10,992,590.87 out of a total of €14,928,929.29. The figures were presented at a board meeting and cover investment in training and infrastructure across all the islands.
Hecansa identified the modernisation of key training facilities, including kitchens and reception areas, and the expansion of its course offering as priorities. The Minister for Tourism and Employment, Jéssica de León stressed that EU funding would improve the quality of training and make the centres more attractive. The Managing Director, Paola Plasencia explained that the funds would enable practical improvements that would directly benefit the training of students.
The board also considered the 2025–2028 Plan Estratégico, which was approved in September 2025. A key element remains the Formación Profesional Dual Intensiva. This model combines training at Hecansa centres with a 50 per cent workplace component through contracts with companies in the hotel and tourism sectors. Partners include Barceló Hotel Group, Iberostar Hotels & Resorts and H10 . The work placements are intended to speed up entry into the labour market and tailor qualifications to the needs of the sector.
Hecansa is also expanding complementary, non-regulated training across all the island territories. This includes workshops on regional cuisine, circular approaches and responsible management; courses were held on every island, including La Graciosa. According to the company, the programme aims to strengthen local value chains and embed sustainability criteria in cooking, service and business management.
Current spending is in line with the projects approved by the European Union for the Canary Islands under Spain’s recovery plan. The full accounting of the planned projects through 2026 remains outstanding, with around €3.94 million still to be accounted for. Hecansa says the remaining measures mainly involve building modifications and expanding technical equipment. Specific completion dates for individual construction projects will be announced later, once tenders have concluded and implementation deadlines have been set.
By combining infrastructure investment with dual training, Hecansa continues to position itself as a leading provider of vocational training in the Canary Islands’ tourism sector. The focus is on measurable improvements to the learning environment and close cooperation with businesses, to train skilled workers in line with demand.
Editor: Mira Cadena (Article created with AI assistance).