Meliá Hotels International, one of the world’s leading hotel companies with 357 hotels in operation and 71 in the process of incorporation, has announced positive results for 2024, with significant growth in revenue, occupancy and a strong focus on sustainability. The company, which operates a wide range of hotel brands, from urban hotels to luxury holiday resorts, has demonstrated resilience and adaptability in a highly dynamic tourism market.
Post-pandemic recovery and growth
The company has reported a 28.3% increase in net income globally in 2024. In South America, RevPAR (Net Revenue Per Available Room) grew by 3%, while occupancy increased by 6% compared to 2023. "The post-pandemic recovery in Latin America reflects our ability to adapt to the needs of a changing market, driven by the strengthening of the premium and luxury segments, and our commitment to sustainability as a driver of transformation and value for our guests and partners," said Víctor Donmez, Managing Director Latam of Meliá Hotels International.
Latin America has seen a full recovery across all markets, and globally they project a 25% growth in revenue by 2024 compared to 2019. The group and corporate segments, heavily affected by the pandemic, recorded an 18% recovery in occupancy.
Key segments and new brands
Meliá has strengthened its presence in the premium and luxury segments, which represent 66.8% of current rooms and 70.1% of the pipeline of new projects. The Meliá Collection brand, which brings together unique hotels in exclusive destinations, has had an excellent performance with 11 hotels in operation and 10 planned openings in China, Milan, Malta, Albania, Spain and Cuba. The collaboration with Rafael Nadal for the ZEL brand has also generated strong appeal, especially in the North American market with the Zel Punta Cana hotel in the Caribbean.
"At Meliá Hotels International, we understand that true luxury lies not only in our facilities, but in our ability to innovate and offer memorable, sustainable experiences tailored to the expectations of our guests in each destination," said Donmez.
Leadership in sustainability and technology
Meliá has been recognised as the most sustainable company in the tourism sector by TIME magazine and Statista, a global platform for data and business intelligence. It has also been considered the tourism company that generates the most trust, according to the Newsweek and Statista rankings.
The company holds International Renewable Energy Certificates (I-RECs) and complies with standards such as LEED and RE100, GHG Protocol, CDP and ISE B3, ensuring that 100% of the electricity used in its hotels comes from renewable sources. These initiatives have generated a significant financial return, with reductions of up to 31% in electricity consumption in some hotels.
Donmez also said that at Meliá Hotels International, sustainability is not only an ethical commitment, but a strategic advantage that transforms the experience of its guests and enhances positive impact on the world. Its leadership in Latin America demonstrates how innovation and responsibility can go hand in hand, driving exceptional results for its clients and communities.
Meliá has also implemented various digital solutions to improve the customer experience and promote sustainability. These innovations include digital menus and self-ordering, eliminating the need for printed materials, reducing costs and environmental impact; digital check-in for greater agility and convenience for guests; digitization of documents, reducing bureaucracy, optimizing management and decreasing the use of paper; and smart Wi-Fi, ensuring high-quality connectivity and a more efficient experience.
By 2025, Meliá will focus on continuing to advance sustainability initiatives, reducing absolute greenhouse gas emissions, expanding its global presence and investing in innovation.
Source: Meliá Hotels International.