Canary Islands’ Titans on the Forbes Rich List
For 2025, the owners of Lopesan Hoteles and Loro Parque once again stand as the only representatives from the Canary Islands on Forbes magazine’s list of the 100 richest people in Spain. Eustasio López, with an estimated fortune of €1.3 billion, and Wolfgang Kiessling, valued at €450 million, have built their wealth on the bedrock of the archipelago’s vital tourism industry.
Eustasio López: The Hotelier’s Ascent
Eustasio López has climbed three positions on the Forbes ranking, moving from 37th to 34th place. This rise is attributed to a €100 million increase in his wealth over the past year. The magazine details that this Canarian businessman owns the company Invertur Helsan SL, through which he holds a 51% stake in the Lopesan Group. This prominent hotel chain boasts properties not only across the Canary Islands but also in destinations like Punta Cana, Germany, and Austria. Beyond hospitality, López is also an active investor with stakes in companies such as the construction firm Sacyr and Luxembourg-based Delta Island SARL.
Wolfgang Kiessling: A Legacy of Leisure
While his fortune remains estimated at €450 million, Wolfgang Kiessling, the founder of Loro Parque, has seen his position on the rich list shift from 84th to 98th. Forbes highlights Kiessling as the founder and president of landmark attractions including Loro Parque, Siam Park, and Poema del Mar Aquarium, all of which are major tourism references in the Canaries. Since his arrival on the islands in the 1970s, this German-born entrepreneur has constructed a solid empire dedicated to leisure and nature, seamlessly combining zoos, water parks, and iconic hotels. His business model has successfully transformed his group into a globally recognized brand.
The National Context
The Forbes list continues to be led by Amancio Ortega, the founder of the Inditex fashion group (owner of Zara), to whom Forbes attributes a fortune of €109.9 billion—a decrease of €10.3 billion from 2024. He is followed in second place by his daughter, Sandra Ortega, though at a significant distance, with an estimated wealth of €10 billion, which is €400 million less than the previous year.
