THE Majorca hoteliers They mourn the death of the historic Mallorcan businessman, at the age of 89. Gabriel Escarrer Juliafounder of Meliá Hotels International, a company he managed for almost 70 years. In a press release published this Tuesday, the Federation of the Hotel Industry of Majorca (FEHM) defined Escarrer as a “example of dedication, commitment and guidance for all citizens and businessmen” of the island.
The hotel bosses wanted to highlight the “key” role that Escarrer played in “laying the foundations and making Spain the tourism powerhouse it is todayand for which we are recognized beyond our borders. And the hotelier born in Palma, at just 24 years old, already owned four hotels, all rented, and was married. By age 36, he had 6 children and 21 hotels, most of which he owned.
“His commitment has been commendable, visionary, avant-garde, transformative, He took the Spanish brand with him and spread it around the world.always associated with values in the key of social, environmental innovation, etc.,” indicated the FEHM.
The Mallorcan hotel association highlighted that the founder of Meliá, during “nearly 70 years of intense commercial life”, left “great examples on our land linked to this”. pioneering and transformative characterto always move forward, through emblematic projects.
“Recognized by all businessmen, institutions, organizations, workers, his legacy, so present and consolidated, is an example of dedication, commitment and guidance for all citizens and businessmen of our territory. Rest in peace,” concluded the FEHM.
Almost 70 years at the head of Meliá
Son of farmers, the hotelier He was born into a modest family in Porreres. without many resources. But with the idea of looking for a better life and with more opportunities, the family left the city and settled in the capital of the Balearic Islands when Gabriel Escarrer was only five years old. Even though the family’s situation improved, they never had enough money for the hotelier to go to college, but that wasn’t an obstacle.
In June 2023, Escarerer left one of the world’s largest hotel companies, Meliá, the company he led. for almost 70 years after being recognized as one of the drivers of the internationalization of Spanish companies around the world.
This is why he was unanimously appointed in June 2023. honorary presidentalthough in 2016 the Mallorcan hotelier had already stepped down from the executive presidency of the company. Your son, Gabriel Escarer Jaumetook over the company as its new president, also retaining his CEO responsibilities at the helm of the company.
