President Luis Abinader decorated Gabriel Escarrer Julia with the Medal of the Order of Merit Duarte, Sanchez and Mella on Tuesday, 19 April 2022 during a ceremony at the Presidential Palace. This is the highest government recognition. It was awarded for his career dedicated to tourism and the impact Melia has made on tourism in the Dominican Republic. Melia is one of the pioneers in resort development in the Punta Cana area.
The businessman said he received the recognition on Tuesday as “one of the greatest honors” that has been dedicated to him throughout his life, the Ministry of Tourism reports. Escarrer Julia said he was moved because it came from a country he loved deeply. He shared the moment with members of his family, colleagues and collaborators. He recalled the Dominican Republic was the Spanish chain’s second international destination in the 1980s, and the decision to build here marked “a before and after” in the evolution of what is now Meliá Hotels International. “It was, without a doubt, the most important decision we have ever made, as it radically changed our business model and allowed us to enter nothing less than the Top 20 of the world’s hotel industry,” he said.
President Abinader said that the recognition “allows us to show the new generations the merits, successes and sacrifices of those who have contributed to forge our present with their work; which will also inspire our future”.
Abinader emphasized: “The work of this extraordinary businessman supports the conviction that I have always held that tourism brings countries together, overcomes borders and promotes the social and economic well-being of the people”.
The president of the leading Spanish hotel company described the Dominican Republic as a country that has all the attractions that the most demanding tourist can expect from a destination, since in addition to its dazzling nature, its climate and its beautiful beaches, it offers cultural richness, its gastronomy and the great hospitality and generosity of its people, as well as a hotel product capable of competing at the highest international level.
The hotelier highlighted that, despite the uncertainties created globally by the pandemic and geopolitical tensions, “Meliá remains more firmly than ever committed to the Dominican Republic, and in its commitment to the improvement and diversification of the product and destinations.
Melia operates 8 resorts in the Dominican Republic. Its newest venture, though, is a partnership with The Falcon’s Beyond in the development of Katmandu Park Punta Cana, a US$400 million project.
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Diario Libre
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26 April 2022