Latest news with #MeliáHotels
Hospitality Net
2 days ago
- Business
- Hospitality Net
Meliá Hotels & Resorts to Remove over 20 Tons of Plastic from the Mediterranean in 2025
As part of the Travel for Good program, through which Meliá Hotels International defines its responsible business strategy, the Meliá Hotels & Resorts brand reinforces its environmental commitment. Meliá Hotels & Resorts and Gravity Wave strengthen their 'MELIÁ FOR THE OCEANS' alliance, aiming to clean up the Mediterranean and help restore its iconic blue The collaboration, which began last year with the opening of Meliá Ibiza, led to the collection of over 3,000 kg of waste from the sea and ports, repurposing it into new materials This initiative is part of Meliá Hotels & Resorts' holistic approach— as a brand of the hotel group recognized as the most sustainable in Europe — to well-being, where sustainability and environmental awareness are essential pillars of its experiential offering. In celebration of World Oceans Day, Meliá Hotels & Resorts—the signature brand of Meliá Hotels International, renowned for its holistic wellbeing philosophy and unmistakable Spanish flair—reaffirms its environmental commitment with a new edition of the 'MELIÁ FOR THE OCEANS" program. In partnership with Gravity Wave, a social enterprise dedicated to cleaning and regenerating the seas, the initiative aims to remove more than 20,000 kg of plastic waste from the Mediterranean's waters and ports throughout 2025. The project is a key part of the brand's sustainability strategy, grounded in circular economy principles, responsible design, and environmental awareness. The partnership began in 2024 on the coast of Ibiza with the launch of the new Meliá Ibiza. In its first season, Meliá Hotels & Resorts and Gravity Wave removed over 3,000 kg of plastic from the Mediterranean. The recovered waste was transformed into functional and sustainable items for the hotel, such as furniture, signage, and giveaways for guests. This initiative marked not only a strong environmental commitment but also the beginning of a long-term collaboration focused on circularity and marine conservation. Inspired by the success of the initial project, the initiative will expand this year to include over 20 hotels across key locations in Spain and Europe, such as Mallorca, Sitges, Cádiz, Tenerife, Albania, Madrid, and Barcelona. This year, the target is even more ambitious, with the goal of collecting up to 20 tons of plastic and waste. These materials will be given a second life, turned into meaningful items for the hotels—such as furniture, eco-friendly signage, 3D logos, sustainable gifts, and artwork. Not only will the recovered plastics be kept out of marine ecosystems, but they will also become part of the guest experience, reinforcing the brand's sustainability message to both guests and team members. Purpose-driven Wellbeing 'MELIÁ FOR THE OCEANS" is a concrete expression of the Meliá Hotels & Resorts philosophy, where sustainability is not an isolated initiative but one of the main pillars of its wellbeing offering. For the brand, wellbeing is a holistic concept that encompasses conscious nutrition, mindfulness, experiential sustainability, and a healthy lifestyle. This vision responds to the growing demand from travelers seeking transformative and responsible experiences, and it is fully aligned with Meliá Hotels International's strong commitment to responsible tourism. As María Romero, Marketing Director of Premium Brands at Meliá, highlights: For Meliá Hotels & Resorts, sustainability is not a trend but a genuine commitment to the present and future of our destinations. Guided by the Travel for Good program, which defines Meliá Hotels International's responsible business strategy, the brand and its hotels actively seek to generate a positive impact. Through initiatives like MELIÁ FOR THE OCEANS, we take care of every part of the environment and turn waste into transformative experiences, aligned with a new way of traveling: more conscious, more human, and more connected to the wellbeing of the planet. Gravity Wave is a social impact company founded in 2020 by siblings Amaia and Julen Rodríguez, with the mission to free the oceans from plastic and transform marine waste into valuable resources. Following a circular economy model, this Spanish organization collaborates with fishermen, ports, and businesses to remove plastic waste from the Mediterranean and repurpose it into sustainable products. Together with Meliá Hotels & Resorts, these materials are turned into functional pieces integrated into hotel operations—making the brand's sustainability commitment tangible and consistent with its wellbeing philosophy. We're truly grateful to have a partner like Meliá Hotels & Resorts, whose vision and environmental responsibility allow us to keep moving forward toward a cleaner, healthier Mediterranean. This project is far more than a one-off sustainability action; it's a clear, long-term example of circular economy in action. We're confident it will inspire not only the tourism industry but many other sectors as well. Partnering with one of Spain's most recognized brands gives us hope and proves that protecting our oceans is increasingly possible when we join forces. Álvaro García Artiñano, Head of Partnerships at Gravity Wave Art as a Vehicle for Awareness A major new element of the project this year is the collaboration with visual artist @chafer.j, who will transform some of the recovered marine waste into artworks. These pieces will be showcased in hotel common areas and incorporated into the properties' design. To help amplify the project's reach and impact, Meliá is also partnering with ocean and environmental influencers such as @gadormunta and @mads_ocean, who will help raise awareness and connect with eco-conscious audiences. Through this initiative, Meliá Hotels & Resorts continues to lead the way in responsible tourism—protecting the Mediterranean while offering meaningful, sustainable guest experiences. The partnership with Gravity Wave promotes a circular economy model that turns marine waste into valuable elements, engaging guests and employees alike in the importance of caring for our natural world. About Melia Hotels International Founded in 1956 in Palma de Mallorca (Spain), Meliá Hotels International has more than 400 hotels open or in the process of opening, in more than 40 countries, and a portfolio of ten brands: Gran Meliá Hotels & Resorts, ME by Meliá, The Meliá Collection, Paradisus by Meliá, Meliá Hotels & Resorts, ZEL, INNSiDE by Meliá, Falcon's Resorts by Meliá, Sol by Meliá, and Affiliated by Meliá. The Company is one of the world's leading hotel chains in the leisure segment and its experience in this area has allowed it to consolidate itself in the growing market of urban hotels inspired by leisure. Its commitment to responsible tourism has led it to be recognised as the world's most sustainable hotel in 2022 according to S&P Global's Corporate Sustainability Assessment, as well as being a "Top Employer 2023" brand in Spain, the Dominican Republic, Mexico, Italy and Germany. Meliá Hotels International is also part of the IBEX 35. For more information, please visit
Skift
2 days ago
- Business
- Skift
Meliá Hotels CEO Eyes Growth in Emerging Destinations as U.S. Travelers Boost European Resorts
Meliá's ability to stay profitable while expanding is notable. CEO Gabriel Escarrer tells Skift he's turning the group into a global resort operator, not just a Mediterranean one. Leaders of Travel: Skift C-Suite Series What are the top trends impacting hotels, airlines, and online bookings? We speak to the executives shaping the future of travel. What are the top trends impacting hotels, airlines, and online bookings? We speak to the executives shaping the future of travel. Learn More Meliá Hotels is seeing continued strength in travel demand across its portfolio, led by solid leisure and urban bookings in Spain and Latin America, even as economic uncertainty lingers. CEO Gabriel Escarrer told Skift the company is experiencing what he calls a 'healthy normalization' of rates and occupancy. 'We haven't seen any slowdown in demand so far,' Escarrer said. Escarrer highlighted Madrid as one of the company's strongest markets, with the Spanish capital not only recovering but surpassing pre-pandemic visitor numbers. Meliá operates two dozen properties in Madrid. Meliá's Spanish resort properties, particularly in the Canary Islands and Mediterranean coast, continue to see strong occupancy rates driven by international visitors from the U.S., Britain, and France. "The number of U.S. customers going to our resorts in the Mediterranean, to Spain, to Italy, to Greece, to Portugal, is even
Forbes
13-05-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Meliá Grows Luxury Portfolio With Historic Hotels And Rafa Nadal Lifestyle Brand
The restaurant at Casa de las Artes, Meliá Collection, in Madrid Meliá Hotels International has long been known for its portfolio of hotels across both business and leisure sectors. In recent years, however, it has been dipping its toes into more premium brands that help it compete with larger hospitality names. The Mallorca-based company is no newbie. It dates back to 1956 when it opened the Altair Hotel on the Spanish island's largest city, Palma. Today, its reach covers North and South America as well as properties across Europe, Asia and Africa. Over the past few years, the company has been adding more high-end properties with strong local heritage and existing reputations to its luxury and lifestyle collections. By bringing them into the Meliá family, this sort of soft brand collection helps to round out its existing network of hotels. Villa Agrippina Gran Meliá in Rome 'Soft hotel brands leverage storytelling to create unique and memorable guest experiences,' says Daniel Lesser, co-founder, president and CEO of LW Hospitality Advisors. 'This approach allows for differentiation from traditional hotel chains and fosters a stronger connection with guests, ultimately driving loyalty and brand recognition.' A guest room at Palacio de los Duques, a Gran Meliá Hotel, and member of The Leading Hotels of the World Among its most premium hotels are Gran Meliá properties, often situated in historically significant or locally important buildings. These luxury hotels tell a story, something that Gabriel Escarrer, chairman and CEO of Meliá Hotels International believes is an ongoing trend with travelers looking for authenticity and deep local connections when they travel. The hotel list includes Palazzo Cordusio Gran Meliá in Milan, Villa Agrippina Gran Meliá in Rome and Palacio de los Duques in Madrid. Some of these hotels also belong to The Leading Hotels of the World group, yet another indication of their high standards. The gardens in Madrid's Palacio de los Duques Palacio de los Duques was once the regal residence of the Duke of Granada and also served as the Convent of Santo Domingo. Today, the palace is a virtual museum of artifacts, some on loan from neighboring museums, and reproductions of Diego Velázquez's art. Its gourmet Jardin de los Duques restaurant, specializing in typical cuisine from the capital, is located in the former stables. The hotel's design is testament to the history of the building and the city, and that's exactly what the brand wants. There are no skyscraper or airport-centric properties in Meliá's luxury brands. Gran Meliá hotels embrace neighborhood storytelling into their design. Its latest brand continues that theme, but one where the hotel name does not directly include the Meliá name. The Meliá Collection is a soft brand, much like The Luxury Collection with Marriott or Curio Collection with Hilton. These properties have their own identity although remain connected to the larger Meliá landscape through their reservation systems, loyalty programs and brand standards. For example, Casa de las Artes in Madrid belongs to The Meliá Collection, but is known simply as Casa de las Artes. One of the original buildings that now belongs to Casa de las Artes in Madrid Escarrer says distinctiveness and independent character are key to deciding which hotels fit well into the collection. The company started the brand during the tail end of the pandemic in 2022 when travel was at an all-time high and authenticity and splurging on cultural experiences was top of mind. It represents independent, boutique properties that benefit from Meliá's reach, but have their own story to tell like Casa de las Artes in Madrid. This hotel specializes in combining several art forms (fashion, music, cinema, art and literature among others) throughout its design and via numerous events open to the public. Its rooms blend contemporary style with the historic nature of the interconnected buildings (the indoor swimming pool is a standout feature in such a historic building). The surprisingly modern indoor pool at the historic Casa de las Artes in Madrid A calendar of weekly events invites the community in for poetry readings, fashion shows, musical performances and film screenings (the hotel has its own cinema). Dalí lithographs are on display, and each room showcases Gustave Doré's drawings from a historic copy of Don Quixote. Escarrer points out this is a next-level type of neighborhood immersion, where the hotel is symbolic to the area, but also invites locals to participate in it. Another property, Maison Colbert in Paris, is the closest five-star hotel to Notre Dame and makes up the former residence of Simone de Beauvoir. It takes its design inspiration from the works of Spanish painter Joaquín Sorolla, who had a strong connection to Paris. The outdoor terrace at Ngorongoro Lodge overlooking the crater Safari-bound travelers will discover Meliá Collection properties in Tanzania with the Serengeti Lodge and Ngorongoro Lodge, both near the Ngorongoro Crater. Both properties are geared around connecting guests with the sounds of nature and viewing the park's wildlife. There are currently more than 10 projects underway to expand the brand in destinations like Albania, Malta and China. On its home turf of Spain, where name recognition is already high, the brand has plans to grow in Mallorca and Andalusia. A new resort in the Maldives is coming soon to The Meliá Collection, too. INNSiDE Elounda on the Greek island of Crete Beyond the luxury-focused soft brand, the larger pipeline consists of 69 projects across all its brands. This year, ME Málaga, ME Lisbon and INNSiDE Elounda in Greece will open. These are just a handful of the more than 20 properties it plans to open in 2025. The U.S., however, remains fertile ground for growth. There are two properties open now: Meliá Orlando and INNSiDE New York Nomad. Escarrer says that the U.S. is a significant outbound market for its brand, but as part of the expansion strategy, he is keen to grow in the domestic market. 'We are actively seeking opportunities to expand in the key 'gateway cities' of the U.S., such as Miami and New York, as well as in destinations with a strong 'bleisure' component, an area where we particularly excel,' adds Escarrer, referring to the trend of travelers mixing business and leisure during the same trip. Zel Mallorca is part of the brand's partnership with Rafa Nadal A partnership with Spanish super-athlete Rafael Nadal and Meliá has led to ZEL, a hospitality concept that 'mixes Mediterranean values and lifestyle,' says Escarrer. This brand mixes relaxation, sports and fitness into one resort while focusing on enhancing 'social connection,' too. Inspired by Mediterranean homes, ZEL hotels target the laid-back yet active lifestyle. Its first hotel opened in Mallorca in 2023 with a second in Costa Brava, Spain the following year. Late last year, ZEL Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic opened with more planned for Sayulita in Mexico and Vlora, Albania, marking its expansion into non-Spanish-speaking territory. The rooftop terrace at Madrid's Palacio de los Duques overlooks the Royal Palace and Almudena Cathedral. Recent McKinsey research points to the fact that some segments of the luxury travel market are growing quickly to meet demand. This is, in part, due to an 'expanding base of aspiring luxury travelers with net worths between $100,000 and $1 million, many of whom are younger and increasingly willing to spend larger shares of their wealth on upscale travel options.' According to Lesser, however, hotel brands should focus on differentiation, not just addition. He argues that the entire lodging industry, including the luxury segment, is 'way overcrowded' with brands, which could lead to some confusion among travelers and dilute brand identity. He believes a wise strategy should be to enhance existing brands to meet specific customer needs rather than create new ones. This approach not only provides clarity to consumers but also strengthens brand resilience in a competitive market, he adds. The lobby lounge at Hotel Fénix Gran Meliá, which also belongs to The Leading Hotels of the World Still, operating multiple and diverse brands allows hotel groups to appeal to a wider range of travelers and capture a broader spectrum of the market, from budget-conscious to luxury travelers, says Lesser. Meliá's approach follows right in line with these recommendations. It was missing a larger piece of the higher-end luxury segment, which it is now growing. It also is providing differentiation by adding recognized, historic properties to its collections rather than launch new brands where it had to start from scratch. Each Meliá Collection property is unique McKinsey's study points out that not all luxury travelers are wealthy. A growing number of brands may seem dizzying, but Lesser says it gives a wider range of options for different travel styles and budgets. People are looking for more than just a place to stay, but also a brand they can identify with, which is why differentiated products can make sense, adds Lesser. Whether that is staying somewhere affiliated with a famous athlete or in a historic palace, the consumer ends up with more choice. Escarrer believes there is plenty of space for expansion, and instead sees the biggest challenge for hospitality to be sustainability. He says the main responsibility should be generating a positive impact on destinations, which the brand is doing with its Menorca property. Villa Le Blanc Gran Meliá is the flagship for the brand's sustainability efforts. Villa Le Blanc Gran Meliá in Menorca became the brand's prototype in 2022 for maximizing efficiency and environmental responsibility. It was also the island's first grand luxe hotel, and late last year, completed the last step to become a 'net zero' hotel. S&P later recognized Meliá's as the most sustainable European hotel company in 2024. 'Sustainability has become increasingly important to travelers when choosing a hotel, with significant numbers indicating they prioritize and are willing to pay more for eco-friendly accommodations,' says Lesser. 'Implementing sustainable practices can improve a hotel's brand reputation, attract eco-conscious travelers, and create a competitive advantage.'
Hospitality Net
07-05-2025
- Business
- Hospitality Net
A New Chapter in the Mediterranean: Meliá to Open a New Hotel in Sardinia and Double Its Italian Portfolio
Meliá Hotels International continues to expand its Mediterranean portfolio with the addition of a new hotel in one of Italy's most captivating coastal destinations. The company has announced the signing of the Hotel Corte Rosada, Affiliated by Meliá, a 4-star beachfront retreat set to open in summer 2025 in Alghero, on the island of Sardinia, located just 15 minutes from Alghero - Riviera del Corallo Airport. This strategic opening reinforces the Group's ambition to offer authentic leisure experiences in unique locations, while expanding its presence in Italy—from 8 operating hotels to a projected 15 properties by 2027. Nestled along the pristine coast of Alghero, within the protected Porto Conte Regional Natural Park, Hotel Corte Rosada will offer guests an exceptional setting where nature, wellness, and the Mediterranean lifestyle converge. The hotel enjoys direct access to sandy beach and is surrounded by crystal-clearwater, lush pine forests, and dramatic cliffs, and scenic forest trails - making it ideal for both relaxation and outdoor exploration. The hotel will feature 152 rooms, a wellness centre, and a diverse range of dining options including a restaurant, bar, and breakfast venue—all designed to deliver a relaxed and immersive island experience. Alghero, an enclave of Catalan origin and language, with a valuable historic center and ancient fortifications, located on Sardinia's northwestern coast, is a destination known for its natural beauty and cultural charm. With a vibrant old town and access to iconic sites such as Capo Caccia, Neptune's Grotto, Punta Giglio, and Monte Doglia, as well as its proximity to nature reserves, vineyards, and diving spots, it offers the perfect balance of sea, heritage, and outdoor adventure for modern travellers. The Hotel Corte Rosada marks the second property by Meliá on the island—joining Bellevue Sardinia, Affiliated by Meliá, which opened in 2024—and becomes the fifteenth hotel in the company's growing Italian portfolio. In addition to Alghero, Meliá is set to debut new properties in Venice and Milan later in 2025, reinforcing its commitment to key cultural and tourism hubs across the country. Hotel website
