SPAIN - Tourism
Executive Vice President & CEO, Garden Hotels
Bio
Gabriel Llobera Prats is Executive Vice President & CEO of Garden Hotels.
Garden Hotels is currently best known in Mallorca for its focus and initiatives on sustainability and supporting the local economy. As we continue to expand and grow, we always ensure that local communities benefit as well. At the same time, we acknowledge that some of our initiatives in Mallorca may not seamlessly translate to Ibiza or Menorca. In addition, other locations like Huelva or our recently opened destination in the Dominican Republic pose different challenges. Nevertheless, we remain committed to implementing our initiatives in all destinations. For Garden Hotels, sustainable practices go beyond just complying with the law; they are our philosophy. For example, despite not being a legal obligation, we have eliminated plastics and single-use materials in our establishments.
Hotels in Mallorca and hotel chains in particular are actively engaged in sustainable initiatives, setting a precedent for industry-wide adoption. Garden Hotels has substantial experience and serves as a catalyst for local economic growth, initiating projects and trials and fostering collaboration with the local community. Our interactions with local producers have uncovered unmet needs, such as the absence of local packaging manufacturers for amenities, which presents opportunities for new ventures. Moreover, sourcing livestock locally not only supports regional development but also opens doors for aspiring entrepreneurs in emerging sectors.
Garden Hotels has launched a digitalization initiative targeting responsible procurement, allowing us to trace the origins of products, be it ecological or locally sourced. It is essential to recognize that proximity to origin does not inherently imply ecological practices, and vice versa. Given the limited organic produce and agriculture in the Balearic Islands, our platform provides comprehensive information to ensure informed purchasing decisions across our hotels. In this system, responsible purchases are digitalized, streamlining operations for our approximately five suppliers who manage around 400 items. Each product is meticulously detailed, including appearance and specifications, with prices provided by the supplier. Hotel clients select specific products without supplier knowledge, facilitating flexibility in supplier arrangements as needs evolve. Moreover, the program optimizes invoicing by automating cross-checking of delivery notes and invoices, easing administrative burdens. We have also partnered with a financial institution like FinPay to expedite supplier payments, offering prompt remittance options and ensuring uninterrupted supplier operations. Initially developed for internal use, the program has now been commercialized, with a dedicated brand and entity. Presently, 25 hotels outside our network utilize this platform for procurement, underscoring its market viability and efficiency benefits. Garden Hotels is also establishing a central kitchen to streamline operations across our hotels. Instead of 10 separate kitchens, one spacious facility will enhance efficiency and facilitate the procurement of local products. Initially serving our hotels, in 2025 it will serve Mallorca, Menorca, and Ibiza. If capacity allows, we may extend this service to other hotel chains, following the model of our laundry and purchasing centers. This fully digitalized kitchen emphasizes sustainability and locally sourced ingredients.
A dedicated law should prioritize the tourism sector without imposing regulations unrelated to its scope. Many hotel chains in Mallorca in fact exceed the sustainability requirements set by the law, showcasing extraordinary and innovative practices. We welcome emulation of our practices by other chains, as collective benefits are in everyone’s interest. Regulation by public institutions should be aimed at fostering awareness rather than imposition. It is about instilling a mindset of mutual support among companies for the benefit of the entire community. Efficiency should be the primary focus of regulatory efforts. Concerns regarding the tourism law’s moratorium on growth highlight the need for pragmatic solutions. The proliferation of vacation homes, originally intended for secondary use, exacerbates infrastructure strain, necessitating thorough planning before any expansion decisions are made. Finite island resources mandate careful consideration to prevent overgrowth and ensure sustainable development.
Our approach underscores a commitment to sustainable and health-oriented tourism. Emphasizing organic products, we mitigate potential health risks for our customers, prioritizing their well-being. By investing in organic alternatives, we proactively reduce the likelihood of future health concerns, aligning with Garden Hotels philosophy. Garden Hotels maintain high quality for both culinary offerings and recreational activities. Many of our entertainment activities transitioned towards eco-friendly and sustainable options. Moreover, we are developing a comprehensive hotel experience program focused on global sustainability.
Navigating a pandemic after 37 years in the market has reshaped Garden Hotels’ perspectives, a sentiment shared industry-wide. Currently in a consolidation phase, we aim to solidify our position in the market, gradually overcoming the economic repercussions of the pandemic. Throughout this challenging period, one thing remained steadfast: our commitment to our employees. Despite facing significant financial challenges, we ensured timely payment of wages to our entire team, recognizing their invaluable contribution to our journey. Even amid substantial losses, maintaining this commitment was non-negotiable. Now, as we approach consolidation, our aim is for Garden Hotels to emerge as sustainability leaders, setting the standard for transformative tourism experiences that resonate with our customers. Expansion within Spain is on our agenda, though our main focus now is the imminent opening of our venture in the Dominican Republic by the end of the year, a project in the works since 2017. It consists of a condominium with 196 apartments under our direct management yet commercialized under an American entity, acknowledging the unique dynamics of the American market. While we are exploring other projects in the Dominican Republic, the timeline remains uncertain.
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