The Royal Palm Hotel, Galapagos, has announced the appointment of a new general manager, Diego Andrade Murtinho.

A native Ecuadorian with 20 years’ experience in retail, sales, marketing, hospitality and tourism, Murtinho joins The Royal Palm Hotel from his position as national director of sales for the Oro Verde Hotels, a renowned Ecuadorian group of lodging service providers with more than 600 rooms in four cities in mainland Ecuador.

“Andrade will oversee our boutique highland hotel and exclusive Villa Escalesia, which is managed by the Royal Palm team; bringing new ideas, lots of energy and a dynamic change to the team at our exclusive property.

“His commercial experience, contacts within Ecuador’s leisure-tourism sector and a clear operational strategy, will ensure our future objectives and business growth for the Royal Palm,” said Sir John Madejski, owner of the Royal Palm.

The Royal Palm is a family-owned boutique hotel set in its own 195-hectare private estate in the lush Miconia forest Highlands of Santa Cruz.

“I am very excited about the opportunities that lie ahead; this is one of the world’s most unique destinations with unrivalled natural beauty,” said Andrade.

“I have a great team here at the hotel and together we will work towards taking the guest experience to a whole new level.”