The world of tourism and hospitality bids farewell to one of its most prominent figures. Gabriel Escarrer Juliá, founder of Meliá Hotels International, has passed away at the age of 89. His legacy, built over nearly seven decades of dedication, cements him as one of the great visionaries of the modern tourism industry.

Gabriel Escarrer receiving the Kingdom of Spain Business Achievement Award from King Felipe VI

Gabriel Escarrer Juliá received the Kingdom of Spain Award for Business Achievement from King Felipe VI in 2020. Photo: CAIB.

In 1956, at the age of 21, Escarrer began his entrepreneurial journey by founding Hoteles Mallorquines, at a time when mass tourism was just emerging in Europe. His company experienced unprecedented growth, expanding from the Balearic Islands to the Canary Islands, the Iberian Peninsula, and eventually to the rest of the world. During the 1980s, the company adopted the name Sol Meliá after acquiring one of Spain’s largest hotel chains, eventually evolving into Meliá Hotels International, a group with a presence in over 40 countries and a portfolio of globally recognised brands.

Escarrer’s innovative spirit led the company to pioneer the opening of new tourist destinations in the Caribbean, establishing a strong presence in Mexico, the Dominican Republic, and Cuba, as well as in Southeast Asia, with hotels in emerging locations such as Bali, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam.

In 2022, Escarrer handed over leadership to his son, Gabriel Escarrer Jaume, who assumed the roles of Executive Chairman and CEO of the company. Nonetheless, Escarrer continued to serve as Honorary Chairman, remaining a guiding influence and source of inspiration for the organisation.

Interview with Gabriel Escarrer Juliá

In 2019, Gabriel Escarrer Juliá gave an interview to Mallorca Global Mag, offering a comprehensive analysis of the evolution of the tourism sector and his company over the years. You can read the interview by clicking the image below.

Gabriel Escarrer Juliá leaves an indelible mark on the hospitality industry. His role as a driving force behind tourism modernisation and his entrepreneurial vision transformed Meliá into one of the most important hotel chains worldwide, elevating the names of Mallorca and Spain to the pinnacle of the global industry. His career, not without its controversies, will be remembered as a testament to leadership, innovation, and commitment to the growth of global tourism. Rest in peace.