Meliá Hotels International has once again secured its place in the S&P Global Sustainability Yearbook 2026, marking the ninth consecutive year the global hotelier has earned this distinction. This year, the company has achieved a notable milestone, ranking within the top 10% of its sector, Hotels, Resorts & Cruise Lines. This recognition underscores Meliá’s enduring commitment to sustainable tourism and its strategic integration of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria across its operations.
The S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment (CSA) awarded Meliá a score of 77 out of 100, positioning the company as the top hotel group in Europe and third globally in its sector. This impressive score places Meliá ahead of industry giants, trailing only Thailand’s Asset World Corporation and the technology company Amadeus.
Meliá’s performance in key sustainability areas is particularly noteworthy. The company achieved a perfect score of 100 points in Transparency & Reporting, Materiality Analysis, Tax Strategy & Governance, Emissions Reduction Targets, and Biodiversity Impact Mitigation. These areas are critical for responsible business management and reflect Meliá’s dedication to excellence in sustainability practices.
Beyond these highlights, Meliá demonstrated significant improvements in strategic areas such as supply chain management, waste management programs, water management, and the social dimension. The company’s progress in human capital, human rights, and occupational health further solidifies its commitment to a holistic approach to sustainability.
Gabriel Escarrer, President & CEO of Meliá Hotels International, emphasized the importance of this recognition in the context of global challenges: “In a global context marked by challenges such as climate change, evolving regulatory frameworks, tourism-phobia or the talent shortage, this recognition reinforces our determination to lead, through measurable achievements, the necessary transition towards a more sustainable hospitality sector. As leaders in leisure hospitality for seven decades, we embrace with enthusiasm the responsibility and legacy of continuing to maximise the positive impact of our activity on our people, the communities we operate in, and the natural environment of our destinations.”
The S&P Global Sustainability Yearbook is renowned as the world’s most comprehensive and prestigious corporate sustainability assessment. This year, over 9,200 companies were evaluated, with only 848 earning a place in the yearbook. In the Hotels, Resorts & Cruise Lines sector, 57 companies were assessed, and just six were selected worldwide. Meliá’s inclusion in this esteemed publication further cements its reputation as a leader in sustainable tourism.
This recognition adds to a growing list of accolades for Meliá Hotels International, including its inclusion among the World’s Most Sustainable Companies by TIME magazine, the World’s Most Trustworthy Companies by Newsweek, and its position as a sector leader in the MERCO ESG ranking. These achievements collectively underscore Meliá’s commitment to responsible and sustainable business practices.
The water, sanitation, and drainage sector can draw valuable insights from Meliá’s approach to sustainability. The company’s focus on water management and waste management programs highlights the critical role of efficient resource use in sustainable tourism. As the sector grapples with its own challenges, Meliá’s success offers a blueprint for integrating sustainability into core business strategies. The recognition of Meliá’s efforts serves as a call to action for other companies to prioritize ESG criteria and contribute to a more sustainable future.