• The Vice Chairman and CEO of Meliá Hotels International emphasised the company's commitment both to globalisation and to its home base in Spain, the third most popular travel destination in the world
  • The Gran Meliá Palacio de Isora hotel has been voted "Best Resort in Spain"

The Vice Chairman and CEO of Meliá Hotels International, Gabriel Escarrer, yesterday received the "Business Leader of the Year" award by Condé Nast Traveler Spain, an important award for someone who, as he himself defined "enjoys a passion for the travel industry and feels privileged to be working in the hotel business."

During the gala event, in which Spanish celebrities mingled with the owners and senior executives of travel companies, awards were received in 20 categories decided by the votes of readers as well as for three special awards selected by the magazine itself. One of these was the award that closed the ceremony, the Business Leader of the Year for the travel industry, which this year was received by Gabriel Escarrer, the Chief Executive of the leading Spanish hotel chain Meliá Hotels International. The award was presented by Javier Pascual del Olmo, president of Condé Nast Spain and Latin America.

After almost 60 years old in the industry since it was founded by his father in 1956, the Company has managed to maintain its leadership in Spain while also growing internationally, and with a presence in 40 countries it is now one of the most global companies in the country. In particular, Escarrer confessed he was proud of not having "turned his back" on the Spanish market during these years of crisis, as Meliá has continued to open hotels while focusing on greater efficiency and market segments which would offset the weak domestic demand. He was particularly proud of the Calvià Beach project in Mallorca in which the company is a driving force behind the transformation of the mature destination of Magaluf.

The Vice Chairman of Meliá thanked Condé Nast Traveler, "an expert and global brand that provides the industry with visibility and reputation, and as a leading quality publication has always been an honest and generous ally of leading travel entrepreneurs".

In addition, one of the most relevant award, "Best Resort in Spain", went to the Gran Meliá Palacio de Isora hotel, which received it in 2012 too. Carlos Martins, General Manager of the resort, collected the award and thanked the support of the magazine's readers.

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