Meliá Hotels International Aims at 25 More Years in Cuba

It’s been a quarter of a century since Meliá Hotels Internationals dropped its anchor in Cuba with the opening of its first hotel –Sol Palmeras- on May 10, 1990 in Varadero. Right now, the Majorca-based company tops of the list of major hotel chains with operations and lodgings on the Caribbean island nation.

To celebrate this 25th anniversary, the hotel company’s founder and president, Gabriel Escarrer Julia, and vice president Gabriel Escarrer Jaume, attended a homage meeting at the recently-opened Meliá Jardines del Rey in Cayo Coco, held within the framework of the 35th International Tourism Fair (FITCuba 2015), that took place on May 5-7 in Jardines del Rey.

During the gala, Cuba’s Tourism Minister Manuel Serrano thanked the Spanish hotel chain for its tremendous contribution to the island’s tourism development, the training of professional human resources and the expansion of Cuba’s travel industry. Mr. Marrero availed himself of this opportunity to congratulate the company’s employees and hand over a recognition for what he called “a fruitful and restless relation between Cuba and Meliá.”

For his part, Mr. Escarrer said that Meliá Hotels International grew deep roots in this land “as if it were at home” and it did it “in an act of faith and permanence.” Some 27 hotels run by the company in the Cuban archipelago speak volumes of this willingness and commitment.

In a video screened during the celebration, Mr. Escarrer Jaume had this to say: “These are the first 25 years and we’re now aiming at 25 more years… The island of Cuba boasts tremendous potentials and capabilities to step up this development.” Mr. Escarrer Jaume talked about the Me, INNSIDE and Grand Meliá brands, whose evolution and positioning have prompted countless opportunities for the island nation to enter these new market segments.

The emotional function kicked off at 7:00 pm with a cocktail party, followed by a fancy three-dish dinner entertained by awesome surprises and heart-touching speeches. To top it all off, the event featured the performance of celebrated Cuban band Orquesta Aragon and Cuban singer Emilia Morales.

The presidents of the Gaviota, Cubanacan and Gran Caribe companies, government officials, the diplomatic corps and members of the UNWTO, as well as tour operators, travel agencies, airlines and journalists also attended the event.