MELIÁ HOTELS INTERNATIONAL SELECTS ZAPWATER COMMUNICATIONS AS U.S. AGENCY OF RECORD
MIAMI, FL (January 7, 2025): Meliá Hotels International (MHI), one of the world’s most prestigious hotel brands with over 400 hotels across more than 40 countries, has appointed Zapwater Communications as its Agency of Record in the United States. Founded in 1956 in Palma de Mallorca, Spain, Meliá Hotels International is deeply rooted in Spanish heritage and Mediterranean style, which influence its warm hospitality and unique guest experiences. The company’s commitment to excellence has also earned its recognition as the most sustainable European hotel company by S&P Global’s 2024 Sustainability Yearbook.
Zapwater will drive the U.S. communications strategy for MHI, representing all nine distinctive Meliá brands, including Gran Meliá Hotels & Resorts, The Meliá Collection, ME by Meliá, Paradisus by Meliá, Meliá Hotels & Resorts, ZEL, INNSiDE by Meliá, Sol by Meliá, and Affiliated by Meliá.
"We are honored to represent Meliá Hotels International," said David Zapata, CEO and founder of Zapwater Communications. "Meliá will be a cornerstone of Zapwater’s travel group and a vital asset in our continued global expansion. Together, we look forward to advancing Meliá’s mission of "Leisure at Heart, Business in Mind,” and sharing the brand’s remarkable hospitality and commitment to responsible tourism."
Zapwater Communications’ multi-pronged strategy will elevate Meliá Hotels International in the U.S. market. The agency’s scope of work includes developing and executing a robust PR plan that leverages Meliá’s global stories while tailoring them for U.S. audiences. Zapwater will spearhead proactive media outreach to secure earned media placements, manage reactive PR efforts, and foster strong relationships with key travel and lifestyle publications. Additionally, the agency will craft a strategic influencer and key opinion leader (KOL) program to introduce Meliá’s brands and destinations to top audiences. With an emphasis on creative storytelling, Zapwater will design compelling campaigns that align with Meliá’s corporate mission, sustainability goals, and innovative hospitality offerings. The agency will also lead Meliá Hotels International’s new global property openings and the promotion of brand events.
"Our mission is to communicate our unique approach to hospitality, which is why we believe that Zapwater is the perfect partner to continue enhancing the reputation of our company and improving our positioning in the luxury segment,” said María Romero, Loyalty, Brand Marketing & Social Media Relations Director at Meliá Hotels International."
Meliá marks a significant addition to Zapwater’s travel portfolio, reinforcing the agency’s reputation as a leader in travel and lifestyle PR. The firm will help shape the future of Meliá’s unique brands from luxury destinations like Gran Meliá and ME by Meliá to innovative and experience-focused brands like ZEL and INNSiDE.
For more information on Meliá Hotels International, please visit www.melia.com.
About Meliá Hotels International
Founded in 1956 in Palma de Mallorca, Spain, Meliá Hotels International has over 400 hotels open or in the pipeline in more than 40 countries and a portfolio of nine brands: Gran Meliá Hotels & Resorts, ME by Meliá, The Meliá Collection, Paradisus by Meliá, Meliá Hotels & Resorts, ZEL, INNSiDE by Meliá, Sol by Meliá and Affiliated by Meliá. The Company is one of the world's leading hotel companies in the leisure hotel segment. Its experience in this field has enabled it to consolidate its position in the growing market of leisure-inspired urban hotels. Its commitment to responsible tourism has earned it recognition as the world's most sustainable European hotel company (voted ‘Sustainability Yearbook Member’ in 2024 by S&P Global), as well as being a ‘Top Employer 2024’ brand in Europe, North America and Vietnam. For more information, visit www.meliahotelsinternational.com.
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