The membership marks another milestone for Meliá Hotels International, one of the world's most recognized hospitality groups, whose journey began in 1956 on the Spanish island of Mallorca. Over the past seven decades, the company has evolved from a regional hotel operator into a global hospitality powerhouse, managing more than 400 hotels across 46 countries and serving millions of travelers annually.
Headquartered in Palma de Mallorca, the company has built its reputation on delivering diverse travel experiences through a portfolio of nine hotel brands. These include luxury and lifestyle offerings such as Gran Meliá Hotels & Resorts, ME by Meliá, and Paradisus by Meliá, alongside internationally recognized names like Meliá Hotels & Resorts and INNSiDE by Meliá.
The WTTC said the inclusion of Meliá reflects a shared commitment to shaping a more sustainable and resilient tourism sector at a time when destinations worldwide are balancing growth with environmental and social responsibility.
Beyond its commercial success, Meliá has emerged as a leading advocate for responsible tourism. The company has earned recognition from S&P Global as Europe's most sustainable hotel company, a distinction that underscores its focus on environmental stewardship, community engagement, and digital transformation. Through these initiatives, the hospitality group aims to create long-term value for guests, employees, investors, and local communities while contributing positively to the global tourism ecosystem.
Welcoming the company into the council, WTTC President and Chief Executive Officer, Gloria Guevara, highlighted Meliá's influence on the global hospitality landscape and its commitment to sustainable development.
"We are proud to welcome Meliá Hotels International to WTTC. As a company rooted in Mediterranean hospitality yet operating across 46 countries, Meliá exemplifies how global scale can be successfully combined with a deep commitment to sustainability, community impact, and authentic guest experiences. Their long-standing leadership in responsible tourism, combined with a clear focus on innovation and talent, makes them a valuable voice within our global membership."
She added: "We look forward to working closely with Meliá to accelerate the transition towards a more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient sector, while continuing to demonstrate the transformative power of Travel & Tourism as a driver of economic growth and cultural connection worldwide."
The partnership also reflects the growing importance of public-private collaboration in addressing the opportunities and challenges facing the tourism industry, from climate action and workforce development to technological innovation and destination management.
For Meliá Hotels International, joining WTTC represents an opportunity to contribute its decades of industry expertise to conversations shaping the future of global travel.
Chairman and CEO of Meliá Hotels International, Gabriel Escarrer, emphasized the value of industry cooperation and collective action in achieving long-term progress.
"As one of the leaders in the leisure hospitality sector, with 70 years of experience in the industry, Meliá has been an active participant in the major transformations the sector has undergone. Throughout this journey, we have learned the importance of coming together to achieve more ambitious goals and to drive the essential public-private collaboration from within the private tourism sector."
He further stressed the role businesses must play in advancing sustainable development, saying: "We also believe in the power and commitment of private companies to make a positive impact on society and the environment. In this context, the WTTC undoubtedly represents an indispensable platform for knowledge and for guiding the enhancement of tourism policies, supporting the transition towards a more profitable, sustainable, and globally influential future for our industry."
Industry observers believe the collaboration between WTTC and Meliá Hotels International could help accelerate efforts to build a tourism sector that is not only economically vibrant but also environmentally responsible and socially inclusive. As global travel continues its post-pandemic evolution, partnerships between influential organizations and leading hospitality brands are increasingly seen as critical to ensuring the industry's long-term resilience and sustainable growth.