Meliá Hotels International highlighted the “corporate vision” and “long and brilliant career” of its founder Gabriel Escarrer Juliá, who died this morning at the age of 89.
The honorary president of one of the most important tourism companies in the country has been considered a pioneering figure in the Spanish tourism sector. Under his leadership for more than six decades, the company has achieved a prominent place in the global hospitality landscape, marking significant milestones in destinations such as the Mexican Caribbean, Bali and Cuba.
Key figure of the generation of tourism pioneersEscarrer Juliá dedicated his life to the development of the hotel industry since in 1956, at just 21 years old, he founded the company that is today Meliá Hotels International in Mallorca.
According to the company, “Escarrer Juliá’s legacy transcends the business world.” He has been distinguished with distinctions such as the Honoris Causa Doctorate from the University of the Balearic Islands, the Gold Medal of the Autonomous Community of the Balearic Islands and the Business Excellence Award of the Kingdom of Spain.
Additionally, he received international decorations such as the Order of Merit of Duarte, Sánchez and Mella of the Dominican Republic and the Cuban Order of Solidarity. He was also named ambassador for the Spain brand, which has established itself as a global tourism reference.
In 2016, Escarrer Juliá passed the presidency to his son Gabriel Escarer Jaume, as part of a “carefully designed” succession plan, demonstrating its commitment to the sustainability and stability of the company, according to Meliá.
According to the hotel company, the managerwe anticipate the power of tourism to “unite countries” and promote the social and economic development of destinations”, precursor of what is today called “responsible tourism”.
Father of six children and grandfather of twenty grandchildrenhis loss left a “deep mark” among his employees (more than 40,000 worldwide)partners and in the international business community, according to the company.
The company expressed its gratitude for the expressions of affection and condolences received, reaffirming its “commitment to honoring the legacy of its founder” and continuing to work to maintain Meliá Hotels International as a benchmark in the tourism sector.
