Nombramientos

💚 Gabriel Escarrer Juliá, the founder of Meliá, was honored in a funeral on Thursday at the Basilica of Sant Francesc in Palma, with a large attendance from Mallorca's society and tourism sector. Prominent figures from religious, political, business communities, and security forces participated, reflecting Escarrer's 89 years of human quality. Relatives and Meliá executives attended, with tributes highlighting his generosity and the ethical legacy left for future generations.

🏦 Nacho Giral, cofounder of Atrápalo, hands over daily management after 24+ years, with CEO role assumed by Luis Alonso, the financial director of 17 years. Atrápalo, an agency that tallied €230 million in 2023, embraces strategic shifts while founders continue influencing business direction. 📈

🏨 Prestige Hotels sold Hotel Prestige Sant Marc in Roses (Girona) to a national investor through a Sale & Lease Back operation, with the hotel continuing under Prestige's management. Recently upgraded from 3 to 4 stars, the hotel is 400 meters from Santa Margarita beach, spans over 11,900 square meters, and offers 240 rooms with large terraces. The deal, advised by consultancy firm Catella, showcases investor interest in Spain's vacation hotel segment.

🏖 Adrià Lamelas elected as AMT president on November 26, 2024, succeeding Juan Antonio Amengual during the Alianza de Municipios Turísticos de Sol y Playa (AMT) assembly in Lloret de Mar. The AMT, representing 20% of Spain's overnight stays and generating 4% of the country's tourism jobs, contributed to aid efforts for DANA's effects in Valencia. AMT's annual meeting focused on improving synergies between tourists and residents, and discussed the creation of a high-level tourism forum, participation in international events, and the AMT Smart Destinations Awards.

🏥 Miguel Codolá named a prominent hotelier, known among peers like Fluxá and Reyero, as "the emperor". This notable figure was a pioneer in the international expansion of the Mallorcan hotel industry, teaching others to stay grounded. Despite controversies with political figures, he was admired for his bravery and personal values. His professional legacy will influence universities and schools, and he maintained a humble connection with his friends regardless of their status. The last visit from his close circle was on September 9, and he is remembered for his enduring spirit even through severe illness.

🚢 Ávoris liquidates Jolidey, transferring all Caribbean-focused programs to Travelplan. Jolidey's packages—featuring flights, accommodations, and activities—covered destinations like the Dominican Republic, Mexico, and Cuba. Ávoris, which currently operates 12 brands including generalist tour operators Viva Tours, Marsol, Nortravel, and seven specialized ones (Catai, LePlan, Touring Club, Special Tours, Mundosenior, Travel.land, Iberrail), aims to streamline its portfolio in favor of its flagship brand, Travelplan. Recently, Travelplan expanded offerings to Mauritius, Thailand, Uzbekistan, Costa Rica, and Cape Verde, being one of Spain's largest tour operators with a focus on Europe and North Africa.

🛫 Three days ago, severe turbulence on a Scandinavian airline SAS flight, operated with an Airbus A330, caused panic among the 254 passengers onboard and shut down an engine over Greenland on the Stockholm to Miami route. The FAA issued an immediate airworthiness directive following this incident. AC Hotels' president Antonio Catalán announced the launch of 'AC Essential' at the beginning of the year, starting with 16 hotels. Meliá and Rafa Nadal are opening their hotel in Punta Cana in December, already accepting reservations. HBX Group is planning an IPO for the first half of 2025, aiming to raise between €750 million and €1.25 billion. Nordeste Properties invested €5.17 million in a tourist apartment building in Granada. Nuria Montes was dismissed from her role in the Valencian Community government in July 2023 after criticism over the DANA tragedy.

✈ Lituania renames its capital's airport to Ciurlionis Airport in tribute to artist and composer Mikalojus Konstantinas Ciurlionis, marking 150 years since his birth next year. This change, decided by the Council of Ministers, is temporary for five years, after which the airport may revert to its original name or adopt a new one. Internationally, the official name remains unchanged to avoid complications.

🛫 South aims to execute the agreed Employment Regulation File (ERE) to ensure the viability of Iberia's handling division, reducing the initial count of affected employees from 1,727 to 1,499. Negotiations continue with unions demanding better economic protection, and the deadline for agreement is the end of the month. The next meeting is scheduled for November 26. South, an IAG and Iberia entity, plans to complete the severance plan by December 31, 2026, impacting employees across roughly 30 airports including Madrid and Barcelona.

✈️ The air traffic controllers at Madrid-Barajas bid farewell to Iberia commander Ángel Espinel this week as he operated his last commercial flight before retiring, celebrating his decades-long aviation career. Having previously served in the Air Force (Wing 35 and 45 Group), Espinel is recognized for his professionalism and character. He is noted for his contagious smile, passion for gliding, interest in history books, and dedication to charitable work. During his last interaction, Espinel expressed his appreciation for the tower control team's often unheralded work, acknowledging the safety and confidence they provide to flight operations.