Nombramientos

🛂 David Vicent has been appointed as the new Deputy Director of Sales and Marketing at Estimar Hotels, a hotel chain in an expansion phase. Despite the expansion, the General Director Juan Oltra emphasizes the chain's preference for quality over ambitious growth. Vicent, an expert in sustainable tourism planning, digital marketing, and tourism engineering, also collaborates with ONU Tourism on training, education, and consultancy and is a permanent consultant and expert committee member of the OMT's Themis Foundation Barometer.

🏨 In 2024, significant appointments in the hotel industry included Aurelio Vázquez as the general director of Summum Hotel Group, aiming to implement their Strategic Plan 2025-2030 focused on expansion. Francisco Albertí joined Grupo Hotusa as the new director of Expansion for Eurostars Hotel Company, targeting growth in vacation destinations globally, notably in EMEA and the Caribbean. Beatriz Miguel became the new Business Director of Ilunion Hotels, integrating Operations, Commercial, and Business Intelligence. Helena Burstedt was appointed Hyatt Hotels Corporation’s regional vice president of Development for Iberia, with 50 establishments in Spain and Portugal. Lastly, on December 23, Millenium Hospitality Real Estate named Borja Escalada as CEO following a stake purchase by Sancus Capital.

🚩 Vladimir Putin acknowledged Russian air defenses were active when an Azerbaijani plane attempted to land in Grozni, Chechenia's capital. He apologized to Azerbaijan's leader Ilham Aliyev but didn't admit fault for the crash. Aliyev suggested an external factor caused the crash, seeking accountability without elaboration. The Kremlin noted Putin's condolences to victims' families and well wishes for the injured. The White House confirmed the civilian plane was downed by Chechen air defenses, while Moscow joined the crash investigation.

🔥 Los Ángeles, Morrison Hotel, built in 1914, destroyed by fire; no casualties reported. The Doors' 1970 album cover featured the hotel. Fire originated on the fourth floor; dozens of homeless occupants evacuated safely. LAFD's statement revealed 100 firefighters battled the blaze over two hours. The investigation into the fire's cause is ongoing. The building, now uninhabitable, measures nearly 4,600 square meters.

📅 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.