The Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Services of Álava has celebrated the 45th edition of the Visual Sariak Awards, aimed at recognising the efforts of businesses in the commerce, tourism, hospitality, and services sectors of Álava regarding commercial image. The event took place in Vitoria-Gasteiz, attracting around 200 attendees, including representatives from various sectors, institutional officials, and sponsoring entities such as the Basque Government, the Provincial Council of Álava, and the City Council of Vitoria-Gasteiz.
Among the notable attendees were Maider Etxebarria, the Mayor of Vitoria-Gasteiz, and Cristina González, the First Deputy of the General Deputy and Provincial Councillor for Employment Promotion, Commerce, and Tourism. The awards recognised 87 establishments, with 66 from Vitoria-Gasteiz, 8 from Laudio-Llodio, and others from surrounding areas.
The ceremony commenced shortly after 20:30, with Gregorio Rojo, President of the Chamber of Commerce, delivering a speech that highlighted the creativity and innovation of the participating establishments. He underscored the vital role of commerce and services in the economic and social life of Álava, contributing to the vibrancy of local streets and the identity of neighbourhoods.
Rojo also acknowledged the collaboration with various institutions and entities that made the awards possible, including the I.D Arte School of Art and Design, the newspaper El Correo, and On4u.
Awards and recognitions
Kela Interiorismo received the award for best use of digital tools, valued at €1,000, presented by Cristina González. Victofer won the award for best website, also valued at €1,000, presented by Javier Hurtado, the Basque Government's Councillor for Tourism, Commerce, and Consumption. Cerrajería Canuto was awarded for best space (including best window display and point of sale), with the award presented by Mayor Etxebarria.
Additional awards included:
- Best establishment in a rural area: Restaurante La Encina, Artziniega (€500)
- Vitoria Wine Award: Métayer Studio by Miren Elorrieta, Vitoria-Gasteiz (€500)
- Kutxabank Award for most complete entrepreneurial establishment: Seta Espazioa, Vitoria-Gasteiz (€500)
- Iberdrola Award for best establishment promoting efficiency and/or electric mobility: Reutilizagune, Vitoria-Gasteiz (€500)
- El Corte Inglés Award for most creative establishment in the Promises of Design category: Astrolibros, Vitoria-Gasteiz (€500)
Special mentions were awarded to Aldama Arraindegia and Perfumería Irusta, both from Laudio-Llodio, for their exceptional proposals in the best space category.
The Visual Sariak Awards aim to boost the commercial, hospitality, and service sectors in Álava, serving as a promotional resource for small establishments amid challenging circumstances. The Chamber of Commerce continues to support improvements in the presentation of participating businesses, which enhances the overall image of the sector and contributes to the vibrancy of Álava's towns and cities.
