The Balearic Islands is the region where tourism contributes the most to the economy: no less than 45% of the regional GDP. In 2025, the most successful year in its already successful history as a tourist destination, the archipelago welcomed more than 19 million foreign tourists, who generated cumulative spending exceeding 21 billion euros.
In this regard, the Balearic Islands have been positioning themselves in recent years as a premium destination that attracts tourists who generate high added value, thanks to the momentum of public-private partnerships, the islands’ business community—which has been a true generator of companies and industry trends for over half a century—and a commitment to service and attention to travelers that ensures the Balearic Islands remain at the top of millions of people’s travel wish lists every year.
Furthermore, the Balearic Islands have definitively shed their reputation as a mass-market destination to establish a model increasingly geared toward high-end tourism. Approximately 22.5% of luxury visits to Spain are to the Balearic Islands, and this type of tourism now accounts for nearly 25% of international spending on the islands. And this is largely thanks to the talent, hard work, and commitment of the Balearic leaders featured on Forbes Travel’s list of Spain’s 50 Luxury Tourism Leaders.
Gabriel Escarrer
President and CEO of Meliá Hotels International
Escarrer leads Meliá’s positioning in the luxury sector through brands such as Paradisus, Meliá Collection, and MiM Hotels, which offer premium resorts, signature cuisine, iconic locations, and exclusive experiences. His strategy solidifies the company’s position as an international leader in the premium and lifestyle segment.
Raúl González
CEO of the EMEA Region, Barceló Hotel Group
Raúl González is leading Barceló Hotel Group’s push into luxury tourism, consolidating the Royal Hideaway brand and accelerating its expansion into the luxury sector through a strategic alliance with the German group Kempinski. The alliance drives the group’s international expansion and reinforces its commitment to the premium segment.
Ignacio Jiménez
CEO and co-founder of Hidden Away Hotels
Jiménez is the director of Hidden Away Hotels, a boutique hotel operator with properties in cities such as Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, and Palma. With a focus on unique properties and in-house design, Jiménez has positioned the company in the premium segment, leveraging strategic locations, a local identity, and distinctive offerings in high-end tourism in Spain.
Otham Ktiri
President and Founder of OK Mobility
Under Ktiri’s leadership, OK Mobility has launched OK Mobility Plus, with locations in Palma, Ibiza, Madrid, Barcelona, Málaga, and Alicante. The platform offers premium vehicles (BMW, Audi, Porsche, Mercedes) and personalized pickup and drop-off services, designed to ensure the comfort and efficiency of high-end travelers.
Jaime Martínez Llabrés
Mayor of the City of Palma
Under the leadership of Mayor Jaime Martínez, Palma is seeking to establish itself as a high-end tourist destination, prioritizing the development of premium and sustainable offerings. The urban and tourism plan aims to raise the standard of its hotels, attract discerning travelers, and revitalize key areas with new establishments and cultural experiences.
Abel Matutes Prats
President of Palladium Hotel Group
In 2026, Palladium Hotel Group is strengthening its commitment to luxury. Following the recent opening of The Site Ibiza—which features two 5-star hotels, a world-class culinary hub, and the Ibiza Gallery—the group will launch Bless Hotel Barcelona and the debut of Only YOU Hotel New York in Manhattan, expanding the global presence of its premium brands.
Toni Mir
CEO and President of the Cap Vermeil Group
Toni Mir, CEO of Cap Vermell Group, leads luxury projects in Europe and Africa, including Michelin-starred restaurants. His flagship hotel, the Cap Vermell Grand Hotel, combines meticulous design, signature cuisine, and exclusive services, reflecting his strategic vision, operational discipline, and passion for creating unique, sustainable, and memorable experiences.
Marga Prohens
President of the Balearic Islands Regional Government
Prohens promotes a high-value, sustainable, and innovative model, with a particular focus on reducing seasonality and enhancing the quality of tourism offerings throughout the archipelago. His approach emphasizes managing visitor flows, prioritizing unique experiences, and promoting a form of tourism that combines excellence, sustainability, and well-being for both residents and visitors.
Javier Vich
President of the Mallorca Hotel Business Federation
The Mallorca Hotel Business Federation, led by Javier Vich—who is also co-CEO of the Súmmum Hotel Group—is driving a shift in the tourism model toward greater quality and value, with an offering in which 73% of hotels are four-star or higher and a significant repositioning of the hotel sector, aiming to reduce seasonality and attract segments that generate higher spending.