London, UK, 23rd February, 2024 – Brazil's most innovative and sustainable tourist-residential project, MARAEY was recognized for the second consecutive year at the International Property Awards, one of the most important real estate industry awards in the world. In this edition, the development received the Award Best International Public Services Development with the hospitality university project supported by the EHL Group (Founded Ecole hotelière de lausanne). The recognition strengthens the project's position as a reference in the field of education. The ceremony took place on Thursday morning (22) in London, United Kingdom.
In previous years, MARAEY was named the best tourist-residential project and the best mixed-use project in the Americas, and received the Five Star Award for Best in Brazil in three categories: New Hotel Construction & Design, with MARAEY, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Marriott International's most exclusive resort brand; Mixed Use Development, with the MARAEY Experience Mall; and Public Services Development, also with the MARAEY Hospitality Business School university project.
The Abacus Group has comprehensively supported MARAEY since its creation and, in partnership with the studio TOSEN Architecture & Design, is responsible for the technical development of two award-winning projects for innovative and sustainable design.
Winning the World´s Best the Public Services Development with the university reinforces MARAEY's commitment to tourism development in Brazil through the pillars of Education (People), Sustainability (Planet) and Innovation and Technology (Prosperity). Considered one of the most important awards in the world, the Property Awards is judged by an independent panel of 100 experts from various backgrounds, who evaluate the projects corresponding to their areas of expertise.
With the prospect of generating 36,000 jobs when fully operational, MARAEY will create a significant demand for qualified professionals in the tourism and services sectors. In order to respond to this demand, the MARAEY Hospitality Business School has the ambition to become the first certified school by EHL Group in South America, with the supporting guidance of EHL, the first hospitality school in the world, with 130 years of history and recognized by the QS World University Rankings for Hospitality and Leisure Management for the last five years as the best hospitality teaching institution in the world. The university will encompass 15,000 m2 and aim to consolidate the region as a hub of training and service excellence. It will prioritize sustainability and offer the unique advantage of being immersed in a paradise of natural beauty.
MARAEY Hospitality Business School project, supported by the EHL Group, will have the capacity for 700 students in bachelor's, master’s and short courses, in areas such as Gastronomy, Hospitality and Business. The teaching staff will be made up of specialists with an academic and practical focus, so that students can develop both technical and interpersonal skills to work in or manage businesses.
The program will offer students a comprehensive and globally recognized education, empowering them with the knowledge, skills, and leadership capabilities essential for success in the hospitality industry at a managerial level. It will integrate training in management and creativity from the outset of their studies, providing experiences with award-winning chefs, workshops, and extracurricular activities. To facilitate this, the university will be housed in a spacious, dedicated building within the MARAEY development, featuring modernized classrooms, professional-grade kitchens, an auditorium, a library, a cafeteria, a restaurant, and other amenities. Additionally, students will have the opportunity to engage in hands-on learning experiences onsite, allowing them to apply their acquired skills within the hotel infrastructure offered by the complex.
“MARAEY is a unique, innovative project that is already considered by the World Tourism Organization to be a global example of environmental, social and economic sustainability. To be recognized once again by the International Property Awards, such a relevant award, especially for the role of education in the project, with the Hospitality University supported by the EHL Group, makes us very proud. Sustainable tourism necessarily involves training professionals who are committed to the ideals that guide MARAEY, such as a commitment to excellence, a desire for constant improvement, a culture of effort and work, environmental respect and social responsibility." concludes Emilio Izquierdo, CEO of MARAEY.
The awards received by MARAEY confirm the relevance and excellence of its services worldwide.
"The establishment of the MARAEY Hospitality University underscores EHL's commitment to excellence in education and our dedication to shaping the future of the hospitality industry. This recognition reflects our ongoing efforts to provide a comprehensive and globally recognized education that empowers students with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in the hospitality and service industry. We are proud to be part of such an innovative and sustainable project, and we look forward to contributing to its continued success," says André Mack, EHL Corporate Ambassador.
The education planned to support the prosperity of the resort will also include other important fronts, such as the implementation of technical training courses in hospitality, notably in partnership with the EHL Group and the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). The program, known internationally as VET by EHL, is currently present in more than 30 countries and will benefit thousands of students by boosting professional training in the sector.
This is the 31st edition of the Property Awards, which covers more than 50 categories and recognizes high-end developments in the real estate industry around the world, and selects innovative projects based on design, service, originality, and commitment to sustainability.