Nombramientos

🏨 Juan Carlos López Vella, former controller of Soho Boutique Hoteles, was appointed as General Manager in a strategic shift aimed at stabilizing, refinancing, and preparing for future growth and expansion. He joined the company in 2018, bringing extensive financial and management control experience, and has completed an Executive Education program at San Telmo Business School. The hotel group focuses on innovation, sustainability, and quality service in the urban boutique hotel sector. The strategic plan includes financial restructuring to fully repay loans from the Solvency Support Fund for Strategic Companies managed by SEPI.

🏨 Luis Riu, CEO of Riu Hotels, calls for increased collaboration to eradicate the illegal offering of tourist homes in Spain, which causes a sense of lack of control in many destinations. In an interview with Europa Press, he highlights the need for a brave approach involving public administrations, citizens, hoteliers, restaurants, shops, car rentals, tour operators, and vacation housing sectors. Riu cites Mallorca, where some municipalities have more vacation homes than residential ones, altering local life. He urges updating "rules of the game" to ensure tourism remains a development engine for Spain.

📌 Room Mate Hotels clarified on July 11 that they have no records of contracts with Madrid's President Isabel Díaz Ayuso or her team during the 2020 pandemic. Ayuso confirmed she paid out of pocket for her stay at Be Mate Apartments, a separate entity not currently linked to Room Mate. The company requests an end to misinformation, asserting it's not their role to disclose private client data. Be Mate Apartments may verify Ayuso's billing records, but it's unknown if they've been asked to do so.

🏖️ Wolfgang Beeser, former president of Thomas Cook and former CEO of Neckermann, has passed away. His career was pivotal in European tourism, marked by a significant role at Neckermann during its prime competition with TUI and later at Thomas Cook. Fluent in Spanish and with a home in Puerto de Cruz, Tenerife, Beeser also served on the board of Grupo Iberostar and left a positive impression in the Balearic and Canary Islands.

✈️ Spanish airports and airlines are recovering from a Microsoft computer glitch that affected thousands globally, including hospitals. Aena states its main systems are restored after manual operations this morning, with airports operational despite delays and queues. As of 14:30, 3,520 flights operated, 105 cancellations reported, and many delays. Airlines are adjusting and restoring systems; passengers were advised to arrive three hours early due to the chaos.

🎶 Juan José Hidalgo, president of Globalia and Air Europa, will finance all festivities and bullfights in his hometown, Villanueva del Conde, in the coming year, fulfilling a promise made in November last year. The commitment was confirmed this week to the presenter of "Cuestión de Prioridades" and reported by Salamanca Hoy. Hidalgo had announced his intention to cover the costs if everything went as he believed.

🏨 Minor Hotels will rebrand Peace Resort Samui to NH Collection Samui, marking NH Collection's entry into Thailand. Starting January 1, 2025, the property will undergo refurbishment and begin operations as NH Collection Samui. Located at Bophut Beach in Koh Samui, the 122-room resort was established by the Pupaiboon family in 1977. NH Collection Samui will offer luxury accommodations, including bungalows and villas with private pools and direct beach access. Facilities include a gym, water sports center, children's services, event spaces, and a vision to develop independent villas for the luxury holiday home market.

🚀 Air traffic controllers bid farewell to esteemed Vueling commander Gonzalo Arangüena Galán, also known as "el lendakari". After years of flying with LTE, Spanair, and Vueling, his last flight landed at Gran Canaria Airport. His retirement is now celebrated with anchovies, skewers, and steaks. The farewell was shared on X (previously Twitter) on July 11, 2024.

❄ Leski Xpertravel, part of Ávoris Corporación Empresarial, merges with Marsol, increasing product range and benefits for customers and partners. Patxi Izquierdo to lead the new “Ski & Experiences” line within Marsol, ensuring a smooth transition. Marsol to expand ski offerings with international destinations and flight-inclusive packages. Spa catalog in Spain to grow, with new destinations in France. Enhanced experience offerings will include sports, adventure, and family activities in Spain, France, and Andorra.

💰 Ana Muñoz Sánchez appointed Chief Financial Officer of Minor Hotels Europe & Americas, previously serving as Senior Vice President of Corporate Reporting and Financial Information. Bringing over 25 years of key financial management experience, she has held high-ranking positions at multinational corporations and Ibex 35 listed companies. Muñoz's career includes four years as Financial Director at Laboratorios Farmacéuticos Rovi, overseeing corporate, plants, and European subsidiaries, and five years as Country Finance Manager for Iberia at Boston Scientific. She holds a degree in Business Administration from Universidad Complutense de Madrid, specializing in Auditing, and is an auditor certified by ROAC.