Melia Hotels Int'l makes MENA appointment
Spanish hotel group Meliá Hotels International has appointed Benjamin Oppl as development director Middle East and North Africa.
In line with its global expansion strategy, Meliá Hotels International has restructured its development and expansion department, tasking Oppl with the consolidation of activities in the MENA region.
He brings with him hospitality, tourism, real estate investment and development knowledge with extensive experience in the MENA region specifically, having previously held tenures at international consulting firm PKF and the travel division of the Emirates Group.
His initial start to his hospitality career began with the completion of a three-year dual apprenticeship in hotel management with Hilton in Dusseldorf, Germany. Prior to coming to the UAE, he held various positions in hotel, F&B and tour operations throughout Europe, Asia and North America, including tenures at multinational companies, such as Accor and TUI.
Oppl holds a post-graduate Hospitality and Tourism Management degree from the International University of Applied Sciences in Bad Honnef, Germany, as well as a Hotel Real Estate Investments and Asset Management certificate from Cornell University in New York.
Oppl remarked: “I am thrilled to be joining Meliá Hotels International during this exciting time for the group, as they celebrate their 60th Anniversary and continue their ambitious expansion plans in the MENA region and beyond.”