2022: Back to the joy of traveling

As we approach the end of the year, we can take stock of 2022 and view with positivity the results of a year defined by the return to normal life and the desire to travel again.

Although external factors, such as the war conflict, inflation and energy costs, have created certain uncertainty, trips have taken centre stage in people's lives. The eagerness to go on holiday drove bookings this past summer, and business travel gradually reached previous levels as companies resumed their business operations following the pandemic. Travelling is much more than simply breaking away from everyday life. It also serves as an outlet for creating happy memories and inspiring creativity.

2022 has been an important year for the company's growth, with new hotels in Andalusia, the Canary Islands and Catalonia. We will soon welcome to the family the emblematic Canfranc Estación, a Royal Hideaway Hotel, a 5* GL establishment located in Huesca's historic Canfranc train station and one of the most ambitious projects in Spain.

This year we opened two new hotels in Turkey and Indonesia, and in 2023 we plan to continue expanding internationally in Portugal, Poland, Slovenia, Cape Verde, Sri Lanka and the Maldives.

2022 was a good year for the company thanks to the trust and support of our customers and partners, and above all, the dedication of the entire team, whom I would like to thank for their utmost professionalism and whose efforts have allowed us to return to pre-pandemic levels. A memorable experience is only possible through strong commitment, which is one of the Barceló Hotel Group's guiding principles. This scenario has brought several challenges we must face next season, and the labour shortage is one of the biggest hurdles that await. We must help tourism professionals feel motivated once again. This is a tough yet amazing industry whose mission is to make guests happy.

We have also launched a series of measures as part of our Barceló Responsible strategy—named one of the best sustainability projects in Spain at the 2022 ReThink Hotel Awards—that seeks to safeguard the present and guarantee the future. The initiatives range from implementing energy efficiency techniques to designing environmentally friendly structures, and include installing energy and water efficiency systems as well as showcasing the local identity of our destinations. All of this shows our commitment to defending sustainable and responsible tourism, improving local talent, and contributing to each destination's economic, social and cultural development.

In addition to receiving several national and international awards this past year, the Barceló Hotel Group's firm commitment to culinary talent was also recognised. Specifically, several restaurants at three of our hotels in Tenerife, Gran Canaria and Granada were awarded five stars at the 2023 Spain and Portugal MICHELIN Guide Gala.

This fantastic honour highlights the company's focus on fine dining, transforming our hotels into standalone culinary destinations.

None of this would be possible without your trust, which is what encourages us to continue driving experiential innovation and creating happy and unique moments. The company works hard every day to design exciting experiences that bring us together. We are all connected through feelings and sensations, and there is nothing more exciting than real life. Life is a gift, and happiness grows when it is shared.

May 2023 be full of cheer.

Raúl González, CEO EMEA Barceló Hotel Group