SAHIC: MARAEY and the Future of Sustainable Tourism on the Agenda

Among the exhibitors and speakers is Emilio Izquierdo, CEO of MARAEY, a project that will revolutionize sustainable tourism in Brazil and Latin America, associated with the Marriott International group.

Despite international awards and an environmentally responsible development model, the project has been on hold for almost two years, awaiting the judgment of appeals filed by the state of Rio de Janeiro and the municipality of Maricá before the Superior Court of Justice (STJ) and aimed at continuing the project.

An innovative and sustainable destination

Located in Maricá, in the Metropolitan Region of Rio de Janeiro, MARAEY stands out for its integrated approach to luxury, sustainability and social development. The project covers an area of ​​844 hectares and 8.5 km of beach, and has partnerships with industry giants such as Marriott (hotels), BMW (sustainable mobility), Siemens (innovation) and Rock in Rio (entertainment).

In addition to environmental preservation, the project aims to create the second largest Private Natural Heritage Reserve (RPPN) of restinga in the State of Rio and the fifth largest in Brazil, ensuring the conservation of essential ecosystems. The fishing community of Zacarias, with approximately 200 families, will benefit from land regularization and urbanization compatible with the project.

Education and professional qualification at the center of the project

One of MARAEY's major differentiators is its investment in professional training. The partnership with École Hôtelière de Lausanne (EHL) will result in the MARAEY Hospitality Business School, a university that will serve 700 higher education students. In addition, VET by EHL, a vocational training center developed with support from UN Tourism and the Ministry of Tourism, aims to train more than 150,000 students in the coming years, strengthening the hotel sector and expanding employment opportunities.

“The lack of qualified labor in the hospitality sector is a challenge that needs to be addressed. With MARAEY Hospitality Business School, we want to change this reality and consolidate Brazil as a world reference in sustainable and high-end tourism,” says Emilio Izquierdo.

Culture and entertainment

MARAEY is also betting on entertainment as a competitive advantage. The Rock in Rio Autograph Collection, an all-inclusive resort with 912 rooms on the beachfront, will offer guests an immersive experience inspired by the world’s largest music festival. The structure will have 16 dining options, a water park, electric go-karts, a crossfit gym and even music recording rooms.

The project also includes a large event space and an arena for up to 12,000 people, positioning Maricá as a new cultural and entertainment hub in Brazil.

Legal challenges and economic impact

Despite the transformative potential of the project, MARAEY is temporarily paralyzed, awaiting the judgment of appeals in the Superior Court of Justice that could unlock its implementation.

“Brazil cannot miss this opportunity for sustainable growth, which is MARAEY, which will bring long-term environmental, social and economic benefits”, reinforces Izquierdo.

The future of sustainable tourism in Brazil

MARAEY’s participation in SAHIC 2025 reinforces the importance of discussing innovative models of tourism and sustainable real estate development. With a proposal to balance economic growth, environmental preservation and social inclusion, the project could become a new milestone for the sector in Brazil – if it can overcome the legal challenges that prevent it from getting off the ground.

The expectation now revolves around the court decision, which could finally unlock the continuity of the project and allow MARAEY to become a global reference in the hotel industry that recognizes that building sustainably is a commitment to the environment.

Report and photo: Mary de Aquino.