Gabriel Escarrer Juliáfounder and honorary chairman of Meliá Hotels International, has died at the age of 89, leaving behind a life dedicated to the growth of tourism and the global expansion of a company he started when he was just 21 years old in his native Mallorca. In a statement, the company highlighted his “entrepreneurial vision,” the impact of his leadership and the values that defined his extensive career.
A life in the service of tourism
In 1956, Escarrer Juliá founded what would later become Meliá Hotels International, transforming his vision into one of the world’s most influential hotel chains. With more than 400 hotels in 40 countries, his leadership set milestones in the sector, opening destinations such as the Mexican Caribbean, Bali and Cuba, and promoting tourism as an engine of economic and social development. For more than six decades, Escarrer was at the helm of the company, positioning it as a leader in the international hotel sector. In 2016, he passed the helm to his son Gabriel Escarrer Jaume in a planned succession process, demonstrating his commitment to the continuity and stability of the company.
Recognitions and awards
Throughout his career, Escarrer received important awards, including the Doctorate Honoris Causa from the University of the Balearic Islands and the Gold Medal of the Autonomous Community. Internationally, he was recognized with awards such as the Order of Merit of Duarte, Sanchez and Mella, in the Dominican Republic, and the Cuban Order of Solidarity. He was also named Ambassador of the Spain Brand, consolidating his reputation as a global benchmark in the tourism industry.
The human side of the leader
Beyond his business success, Escarrer was a man of deep convictions and family values. He built a large family, with six children and 20 grandchildren, and left an indelible mark on the more than 40,000 Meliá employees around the world. His legacy is not only measured in numbers, but also in the principles of social and environmental responsibility that he instilled in his company, laying the foundations for the concept of “Responsible Tourism”. In its statement, Meliá Hotels reaffirmed its commitment to Escarrer’s legacy, pledging to continue his work with the same spirit he imprinted on the company. “We will continue to honor his legacy and watch over the present and future of what was his life’s work, together with his family: Meliá Hotels International,” the statement concluded.
