The Forbes Travel Spain Awards honor the legacy of Gabriel Escarrer Juliá and name Paradisus Fuerteventura the Best Resort in Spain

Meliá Hotels International has been recognized at the Forbes Travel Spain Awards with two distinctions that reflect both its historic legacy and its current commitment to excellence in the resort segment: the Tourism Tribute Award (In Memoriam) granted to its founder, Gabriel Escarrer Juliá, and the award for Best Resort in Spain for Paradisus Fuerteventura, a property owned by the joint venture created between Meliá Hotels International and Banca March.

Tourism Tribute Award (In Memoriam):
- Honored Gabriel Escarrer Juliá, founder of Meliá Hotels International, who passed away in 2024.
- Recognized his pivotal role in shaping modern tourism in Spain and expanding Spanish hospitality worldwide.
- Presented by Spain’s Minister of Tourism, Jordi Hereu, and received by Gabriel Escarrer Jaume, Chairman & CEO of Meliá.

Best Resort in Spain:
- Awarded to Paradisus Fuerteventura, a joint venture between Meliá and Banca March.
- Celebrated for its experiential luxury concept, sustainability initiatives, and deep connection to the local community.
- Highlights include its “Destination Inclusive” philosophy, offering immersive cultural and gastronomic experiences, and social impact programs like the Urdimbre project, which supports employment for young migrants in the Canary Islands.

Why It Matters
This recognition underscores Meliá’s ability to balance heritage and innovation: honoring the vision of its founder while positioning Paradisus Fuerteventura as a benchmark for luxury hospitality in Spain. It also reflects how sustainability and community engagement are becoming central to defining world-class resorts.