Meliá Hotels International has announced the passing of its Honorary Chairman and Founder, Gabriel Escarrer Juliá, in the early hours of 26NOV 2024, at the age of 89.
Described as a visionary in the tourism industry, Escarrer Juliá transformed a small business he founded in Majorca at the age of 21 into a leading hotel chain.
During his six-decade tenure, Escarrer Juliá oversaw the expansion of Meliá Hotels International into destinations such as the Mexican Caribbean, Bali, and Cuba.
"Today, we would like to celebrate his life and thank all our partners, owners, customers, suppliers, institutions, competitors in the industry, and friends in general for the affection and sincere condolences they have expressed to us, assuring them that we will continue to honour the legacy of our founder and watch over the present and future of what was the great work of his life, together with his family," the company said in a statement.
Escarrer Juliá received numerous accolades, including the Gold Medal of the Balearic Islands, a Doctorate Honoris Causa from the University of the Balearic Islands, the Order of Merit of Duarte, Sanchez, and Mella from the Dominican Republic, and the Cuban Order of Solidarity.
He was also named an Ambassador of the Spain Brand and received the Kingdom of Spain Award for Business Excellence.
In 2016, Escarrer Juliá transitioned leadership to his son, Gabriel Escarrer Jaume. Under the family’s guidance, Meliá Hotels is supported by a global team of over 40,000 employees.
Beyond his business achievements, Escarrer Juliá is remembered as a devoted family man with six children and 20 grandchildren.
