Meliá Hotels International will continue to grow at a rate of around one hotel every 3 weeks, both in consolidated markets and particularly in emerging markets. Earlier this year, the company has opened new markets in Latin America, Europe and the Middle East, with hotels such as the Gran Meliá Riyadh in Saudi Arabia, which is already under construction and is expected to open in 2015.
During the group’s annual shareholders meeting in Palma de Mallorca (Spain), founder and chairman of Meliá Hotels International, Gabriel Escarrer, emphasized the success of the recently opened Paradisus Resorts in Playa del Carmen (Mexico). Escarrer also highlighted the ME London hotel, as well as the Gran Meliá Rome. The Gran Meliá Riyadh will add another milestone.
The new Gran Meliá Riyadh will be housed in a very modern glass building at Cairo Square in the Saudi capital. The building is close to the parks, shopping centres and government ministries, and offices. The hotel will initially provide 252 rooms, several restaurants, a spa and wellness centre, and a convention centre.
Regarding the company’s 2012 financial results and its general performance, Escarrer explained to the company’s shareholders that the better competitive growth of Meliá is due to five key management factors:
- The company’s globalization strategy, with hotels in 39 countries so far and 95 percent of the current pipeline outside Spain
- A two-track approach that allows the group to keep growing in the most competitive markets, while following a strict contingency plan in Spain and weaker markets.
- A combination of brand strength and positioning, unique hotels, and a sales strategy that has increased RevPAR growth to 7.9 percent in 2012, through price improvements.
- Market confidence in the Meliá Business model, the recent bond issue, and the relationship with investors and owners from around the world.
- The talent management, corporate social responsibility and sustainability that drives and supports the international growth of the company.
Escarrer concluded that Meliá Hotels International that the group will continue to grow and become more global. “Our vocation as hoteliers leads us to diversify and be present wherever the business is and wherever our customers are,” said the chairman.