Nombramientos

📅 In 2024, the distribution sector saw key executive appointments: Andrew Flintham became Director General of British Airways Holidays in September, replacing Claire Bentley upon her retirement after 24 years. TUI UK's Neil Swanson took over Flintham’s former role. TUI Group named Andrea Pfeiffer as Director General for Spain, Portugal, and the Americas, tasked with driving digital transformation. Samuel Mauban was appointed Director General of CLIA Europe, focusing on net-zero emissions by 2050. Mark Nueschen joined World2Meet (W2M) as International Commercial Director after leaving Iberostar Hotels and Resorts.

🛫 In 2024, key appointments in the transportation sector included: Marco Sansavini as Iberia's CEO and President from April, after roles in Vueling and KLM; Robert 'Kelly' Ortberg as Boeing's CEO from August 8, previously CEO of Rockwell Collins; Carolina Martinoli as Vueling's CEO and President, focusing on strategic transformation and sustainability with emphasis on SAFs; Rafael Jiménez Hoyos as Level's CEO from October 1, aiming to position Level as Barcelona-El Prat Airport's primary long-haul operator; Rafael Cortés as Renfe Viajeros' Director General, enhancing quality and efficiency in the competitive passenger transport market.

📈 KPMG to bid farewell to Luis Buzzi, head of Tourism since 2018, taking over from the late Tomás López de la Torre. Buzzi's departure is treated as early retirement from his roles in Customer & Growth, and the Tourism and Leisure sector of the consultancy. KPMG previously formed a Tourism advisory council, from which prominent members recently exited.

🎨 Leticia Sabater, artist and presenter, credits Pepe Hidalgo as her role model in an interview with El Mundo, spanning three pages. She discusses her acting prowess and difficult childhood up to age 14, facing bullying. Sabater enjoys reading biographies of successful individuals in her free time and identifies with Air Europa's owner Hidalgo, who also had a challenging start. She feels connected to many who have risen from humble beginnings, including fighter Topuria.

🛡 Nautalia Empresas appoints Marta Fernández Sacristán as new National Account Management Director, post-David Moré's exit who now leads Mapa Group Travel. Fernández Sacristán, with 25 years at Viajes El Corte Inglés, brings extensive experience in managing major accounts. Her role is crucial for Nautalia, a division comprising 40% of the retail network's business volume. She will report to Cecilio Martell and Rosa María Martín Núñez. Travel Live, Nautalia's parent company, eyes growth with over €1.1 billion in turnover.

✈ Vueling will transfer seven Airbus A320neo to Iberia, all delivered to the low-cost airline by the European manufacturer in 2018. Currently, four of these aircraft are grounded awaiting engine revision due to Pratt & Whitney issues, resolved by Vueling through the incorporation of 14 leased A320ceo throughout 2024. This move is part of Iberia's "Flight Plan 2030," intending to develop Madrid as a leading European hub and to enhance their fleet by adding more A350 models, which have surpassed the A330 numbers, as well as by utilizing the new A321XLR.

🏖️ Javier Hidalgo resigned as board member of Madrid Playa Surf in 2024. The company, initiated by Atlético de Madrid, is building Europe's largest artificial beach next to the club's new sports city. Hidalgo, former CEO of Globalia, left due to pressure from partners over his links to the Koldo scheme. Pablo Ferre Domínguez, a trusted individual hired by Globalia in 2021, and a member of the tourism group's advisory council, replaced him. Hidalgo joined Madrid Playa Surf in 2023, owning a 25% stake, equal to Atlético de Madrid's share, with the rest split equally between Teras and Stoneweg funds.

🌊 Juan Carlos García Granda, Cuban Minister of Tourism, addresses the concerning decline in the country's tourism sector, which is essential for viability. He suggests a coherent investment plan is needed to improve the tourism product. Acknowledging issues with safety perception, loss of qualified personnel, and supply problems, García Granda highlights the centralized economic model and lack of freedom as underlying issues. He does not detail why investments are unproductive or how these fundamental problems will be addressed.

💰 Catalonia Hotels & Resorts sells its purchasing center Quantum to Avendra International, part of Aramark. Quantum has over 2,000 affiliated hotels, 600 suppliers, and operates in Spain, Mexico, Germany, and Zanzibar, with annual operations above €500 million. Catalonia projects €644 million in revenue and a €159 million pretax profit for 2024. The strategic sale aims to strengthen international expansion, while Catalonia will continue using Quantum, ensuring operational continuity. CEO Alejandro Casajuana assures no visible changes for employees, clients, or suppliers.

🏖️ Hosteltur began awarding the Tourism Personality of the Year in 2017, with the first award presented at Fitur 2018. Seven individuals and companies have been honored since then. The jury comprises Hosteltur's editorial team, including editor Manuel Molina, and leaders from CEHAT, CEAV, Mesa del Turismo, and CEOE. Awards are given to visionaries in the industry, such as Pablo Piñero, founder of Grupo Piñero, and CEOs like Steve Heapy of Jet2, who led the company to become the UK's second-largest tour operator by 2018. In 2023, Simón Pedro Barceló was recognized for leading Grupo Barceló to incorporate over 25 establishments, making it Spain's second-largest chain with over 300 hotels and 66,000 rooms. The next winner will be announced on a Wednesday at Fitur 2024.