Meliá commits to collecting 20,000 kg of ocean plastic in 2025 to enhance responsible travel

6 Jun

Written By Cat

Meliá Hotels & Resorts has renewed its environmental pledge with an ambitious plan to remove over 20,000 kilograms of plastic waste from the Mediterranean Sea and its ports during 2025, through its expanding “MELIÁ FOR THE OCEANS” programme in partnership with social enterprise Gravity Wave.

This initiative will resonate with UK-based business travellers who are increasingly seeking sustainable, responsible options for accommodation during their trips. Meliá’s commitment means travellers staying at its hotels across Spain and Europe will see tangible examples of marine waste transformed into functional and decorative hotel features, reinforcing both environmental impact and guest experience.

Originally launched in 2024 to coincide with the opening of Meliá Ibiza, the collaboration led to the removal of over 3,000 kilograms of plastic waste from Mediterranean waters. That waste was repurposed into useful hotel items, such as furniture, signage and guest giveaways, demonstrating the brand’s circular economy approach. In 2025, the initiative expands to more than 20 Meliá Hotels & Resorts properties in destinations including Mallorca, Sitges, Cádiz, Tenerife, Albania, Madrid and Barcelona.

Sustainability lies at the heart of the brand’s philosophy. The programme is one of the core pillars of Meliá Hotels International’s broader Travel for Good strategy, which aims to embed environmental responsibility into the guest journey. According to María Romero, Marketing Director of Premium Brands at Meliá: “For Meliá Hotels & Resorts, sustainability is not a trend but a genuine commitment to the present and future of our destinations… Through initiatives like MELIÁ FOR THE OCEANS, we take care of every part of the environment and turn waste into transformative experiences, aligned with a new way of traveling: more conscious, more human, and more connected to the wellbeing of the planet.”

Gravity Wave, founded by Spanish siblings Amaia and Julen Rodríguez in 2020, works alongside fishermen, ports and businesses to remove plastic waste from marine environments and convert it into sustainable materials. Álvaro García Artiñano, Head of Partnerships at Gravity Wave, praised the collaboration: “We’re truly grateful to have a partner like Meliá Hotels & Resorts… This project is far more than a one-off sustainability action; it’s a clear, long-term example of circular economy in action. We’re confident it will inspire not only the tourism industry but many other sectors as well.”

This year’s project introduces a creative dimension, with Spanish visual artist @chafer.j crafting artworks from marine debris, which will be displayed throughout hotel common areas. The brand is also working with environmental influencers to amplify the message and engage travellers who value sustainable practices.

Paul Baker, Sales Director at Global Travel Management, commented: “More and more of our customers are looking for sustainable travel options that don’t compromise on comfort or convenience. Meliá’s programme shows how business travellers can enjoy excellent hospitality while supporting meaningful environmental projects.”