Arnaldo Gancedo, Dunas Map "Man of the Month" for June 2026

He was the owner of the first LGBT bookstore in Spain as well as a famous gay guesthouse in Madrid before moving to Gran Canaria in 2010 to open the gay resort Tropical La Zona with his husband. Enterprising, often a pioneer, and deeply driven, Arnaldo Gancedo is our Dunas Map 'Man of the Month' for June 2026.

· Hello Arnaldo, could you introduce yourself as fully as possible ? What was your background in your country before moving to the island ?

- Hello, my name is Arnaldo Gancedo Senra; I'm 62 years old, and I was born in Rio de Janeiro with Spanish nacionality. I studied as a technician in tourism companies, and I have been ex-president of Cogam (principal LGBT asociation of Spain) and ex organizing secretary of FELGTB (State LGBT federation of España). Before Gran Canaria, I was living in Madrid. I was the owner of the first LGBT bookstore in Spain (Berkana) and publishing house (Egales), and when I left, I decided to also open something for the LGBT sector. At that time there was only one LGBT hostel in Madrid, and my husband and I opened the second one.

· For how long have you been living in Gran Canaria, and what were your plans arriving here? - I have lived in Playa del Inglés since 2010. I chose Gran Canaria for the high quality of life; I'm glad I made that decision. My experience as the owner of a gay guesthouse gave me the resources for the next step, which was to open a resort for gay men, and shortly after coming to live in Playa del Inglés, we transferred it to an employee. Finding the right resort wasn't easy, as we needed it to have a specific set of features. We finally found one called Kaori, but it wasn't geared towards our needs at that time. We also liked the location, though, because it's very close to the Yumbo Centre and within walking distance, which was essential for us.

· Tell us more about your resort, Tropical La Zona. How is it different from the others, what are its specificities ? 

- From the very beginning, we were very clear about what we wanted to offer: an exclusive, comfortable, and well-maintained (but not luxurious) gay resort with gay staff, so that our clients would always feel at home. 

Gay staff was a condition we wanted from the beginning because we had also had it at the Madrid hostel (Hostal La Zona), and it's not easy because it's much easier to find non-gay staff to work at the resort, and it's also cheaper. But our staff, in addition to their regular duties at the resort, can also inform our guests about the gay scene on the island, and they all speak Spanish and English, and some even other languages ​​like French, Italian, or German.

Our clients value how we manage Tropical La Zona. Our future plans are to provide increasingly better quality service to our customers and to continue counting on their support. I manage the resort with my husband, but each of us takes care of certain management issues, and we don't usually work the same days, because working with your husband eight hours a day every day of the week could probably be complicated.

· A few years ago, you founded the VEN Gran Canaria association to encourage gay travelers to vacation here and to support gay tourism. What did you take away from that experience?

- The project was born with the best of intentions, to request greater involvement from public institutions in promoting the destination as it deserves, but unfortunately most of the resorts didn't support it and in the end we had to abandon it. It's a shame because we're seeing how other destinations in Spain (with a much poorer offering) have institutional promotion that Playa del Inglés lacks, and this will eventually become apparent...

However, today, we still do collaborate with smaller events during some weeks, like Bear Carnival or Fetish Pride, to help boost gay tourism. But we organize very few pool parties because we believe that's not our business model; that's the kind of entertainment that should be offered by bars and nightclubs.

· Do you find that Maspalomas has changed a lot over the last few years? What are the most significant changes you have noticed, and what do you think of them? 

- Yes, the area has improved considerably. It used to be very difficult to find a good restaurant, and now we have places like Restaurante Lola or the Mexican restaurant El Chacho, but that's not the only quality option. The bars have also improved their quality and decor. However, we must lament the closure of Sauna Heroes and the disappearance of the La Bulle terrace.

I'm concerned about the opening of venues in the Yumbo Centre that aren't aimed at the LGBT community (and in fact, don't collaborate at all with any parties) because I'm not sure if their ultimate intention is to eliminate the LGBT community from the Yumbo Centre...

· What do you think could be improved for the gay scene in Maspalomas? Are you feeling optimistic for gay tourism in Gran Canaria?  - For me, it would be very important for the Yumbo Shopping Centre to renew its aesthetics. The bars and restaurants have done so, but the corridors, the paint, and the lack of thought in the business signs give the Yumbo a somewhat shabby appearance.

However, yes, of course, I feel optimistic; we have the best climate in the world. And our range of accommodation and hospitality is unique. What's needed is for the authorities to recognize this potential and commit to its preservation and promotion.

· Do you have any hobbies or activities outside of your work in Maspalomas? What are your favorite places or events to go out to have fun, unwind, or grab a bite to eat?

- I am a person who likes to take care of myself, and I go to the gym, walk with my husband along Playa del Inglés and go on excursions. I also really enjoy traveling to other parts of Spain and the world.

My main dates are Fetish Week, Bear Carnival, and Winter Pride. I like going to lots of different places, but I'd recommend the Parrots terrace (the best Aperol Spritzes at the Yumbo Centre) and the bars Noxon, Factory, and Reds. I also recommend watching the sunsets from the dune viewpoint at the end of Tirajana Avenue. And now, some personal favorites...

· What is the most beautiful trip you've ever been on?

> Anyone who surprises me

· What is the type of music you like to listen to?

> Pop music

· The kind of movies you like?

> Star Wars

· Which are the artists you follow ?

> Right now none

· Some personalities who inspire you?

> Pedro Zerolo

· Some books to recommend if you like to read.

> Historical novels.

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