Gabriel Escarrer, founder and chairman of Spanish hotel company Sol Meliá, will be awarded for his contribution to the travel industry in this year’s British Travel Industry Hall of Fame, at a glittering ceremony at London’s Savoy Hotel on 2 May.

Escarrer joins an elite of individuals from the travel, tourism and hospitality industries who are honoured each year for their outstanding contribution. The Hall of Fame, now in its seventh year, will welcome four new members for 2001. Joining Escarrer will be Mike Gooley, Trailfinders; Freddie Laker, Laker Airways and Peter Long, First Choice.

Escarrer has been nominated by current members of the Hall of Fame, including key industry figures such as Martin Brackenbury, Federation of Tour Operators and Airtours; Sir Richard Branson, Virgin; Sir Michael Bishop, British Midland and David Crossland, Airtours.

Escarrer’s lifelong career in the travel industry began in 1956 with the opening of a small hotel in Majorca. From such humble beginnings, Escarrer, with his vision and tenacity, has created the tenth largest business and resort hotel company in the world and the leading hotel company in Spain. With a present total of over 330 hotels in 30 countries, Sol Meliá is set to continue its worldwide expansion with projects for a further 80 hotels currently underway.

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