So many properties, so many brands. With Meliá’s extensive product lineup, it can be easy for travel advisors to feel overwhelmed with all the available options for their clients. This is why education is key, says Sara Ranghi, Meliá’s Marketing & Brand Development Americas, Director, in this week’s Take 5 interview. With MeliáPro, the company’s online agent platform, travel advisors will be feeling like a pro in no time.

1. Meliá’s newest brand, Zel, will be debuting in the Dominican Republic this winter. What can you tell us about the brand, and how will it differ from all your other brands?

“Born in the Med, Zel is more than just a new brand — it’s an invitation to experience the Mediterranean way of life, wherever you are. Developed in partnership with tennis icon Rafa Nadal, Zel embodies the spontaneous and relaxed Mediterranean spirit. It’s about creating spaces where guests can feel at home, with the freedom to embrace life at their own pace, from energetic activities to tranquil moments, what we call Casa Mediterranea — a home away from home where life unfolds at your own pace.

“Zel Punta Cana, opening in December 2024, perfectly captures this essence. From the 190 beautifully designed suites — some with swim-up options — to the lively Beach Club and wellness-driven AUA Spa, everything is crafted to blend energy with relaxation. What makes Zel distinct is not just the premium amenities, but the way these experiences are curated to feel deeply connected to the Mediterranean ethos. Whether it’s sipping on exclusive Café de Finca coffee in your room or participating in a social encounter at the beach club, you’re not just a guest, you’re part of a community, embraced by the spirit of the Med.

“And the partnership with Rafa Nadal goes beyond the name; it infuses a sense of health, vitality, and a passion for active living. With access to a curated active and social programs, guests can live out the perfect balance between physical energy and inner calm. Zel is truly about making every day feel like a celebration of life, infused with warmth, connection, and Mediterranean joy.”

2. Meliá has so many brands and so many properties. For new-to-industry travel agents, or those who haven’t booked much of Meliá, what advice do you have for them to familiarize themselves with your portfolio?

“We know that navigating Meliá’s diverse portfolio can seem overwhelming, especially for those new to the industry. The best starting point for agents is MeliáPro (www.meliapro.com), our exclusive online platform designed to make life easier for travel agents. Through MeliáPro, agents can access detailed information about all our brands and properties, along with real-time booking tools, training sessions, and special offers. It’s a one-stop shop for everything you need to sell Meliá with confidence.

“We’ve also created a tailored landing page specifically for the Americas region (https://sites.melia.com/en/brand-hotel-material-america), which breaks down our brands and hotels and key features with presentations, videos, and relevant materials, making it easy to find the perfect match for their clients..

“When advising agents on how to approach our portfolio, I suggest thinking of our brands as a spectrum of experiences. For luxury seekers, Gran Meliá and Paradisus offer refined elegance and personalized service, while ME delivers a vibrant luxury, lifestyle-driven experience for those who want to immerse themselves in the energy of the destination and excitement of its nightlife. The Meliá Collection is ideal for one-of-a-kind, luxury stays in iconic destinations. Zel brings a relaxed Mediterranean vibe, perfect for those craving balance between energy and relaxation. Melia is our mother brand, the one where you can feel at home at any time. For younger clients INNSiDE is our affordable lifestyle brand; and for families, Sol provides playful & casual atmospheres. Affiliated by Meliá offers contemporary settings for both urban explorers and beachgoers.

“There’s truly a Meliá brand for every traveller, and with MeliáPro’s easy-to-navigate platform, agents can become brand experts in no time.”

3. What new travel agent resources/offerings do you have, and how will they help agents?

“At Meliá, we are committed to making life easier for travel agents. MeliáPro is our hub for travel professionals, offering everything from booking management to exclusive offers, real-time updates, and a comprehensive training section. Agents can access our MeliáRewards loyalty program, allowing them to earn points for personal stays while booking for clients. It’s our way of saying thank you for choosing Meliá!

“We also offer regular webinars to keep agents up-to-date on new openings, promotions, and sustainability initiatives. Additionally, our fam trips provide first-hand experiences, allowing agents to explore our properties and discover what makes Meliá stand out.”

4. We’re coming up on the all-important winter season. How are bookings so far, and which properties are selling particularly well, and why?

“Winter is shaping up to be a strong season for us, with a noticeable demand for our luxury all-inclusive Paradisus resorts, like Paradisus Palma Real and Paradisus Grand Cana in Punta Cana. These properties stand out for their unique ‘Destination Inclusive’ concept, which goes beyond luxury — it immerses guests in the local culture through curated selection of activities, from regional cooking classes, art workshops and personalized wellness programs to exciting water activities and immersive cultural experiences, these resorts provide a blend of relaxation and engagement that today’s travelers are seeking. It’s not just a stay; it’s a curated journey into the soul of the destination.

“For adults-only escapes, Paradisus Los Cabos and Paradisus La Perla are leading choices, where intimacy, luxury, and exclusivity create perfect havens for couples. And for clients seeking energy and nightlife, ME Cabo remains a favorite, with its chic atmosphere, pool parties, and social scene.

“We’re also seeing significant interest in our U.S. properties, such as Meliá Orlando, which benefits from its proximity to the theme parks, and INNSiDE New York, which caters to travelers looking for a modern, stylish experience in the heart of the city.

“Finally, for those adventurous travellers, our exclusive Tanzania circuit is drawing attention. With four magnificent properties, including Gran Meliá Arusha and Ngorongoro Lodge The Meliá Collection, guests can embark on a once-in-a-lifetime journey through some of Africa’s most breathtaking landscapes.”

5. What would you say are the top 3 selling points that differentiate Meliá from other resort chains?

“Brand Diversity. One of Meliá’s biggest strengths is the diversity of our brands. With 9 different brands across three distinct segments — luxury, premium, and essential — there’s a perfect match for every type of traveller. Whether your client is seeking the bespoke luxury of Gran Meliá or the vibrant energy of ME, we have a brand that aligns with their travel style.

“Next, ‘Global Reach, Rooted in Spanish Luxury.’ With over 350 hotels in 41 countries, Meliá offers your clients a consistent level of excellence no matter where they travel. What makes us stand out globally is the essence of Spanish luxury that runs through everything we do. Our properties reflect an understated elegance, where Mediterranean hospitality meets refined service. It’s about making guests feel at home through genuine warmth, intuitive service, and attention to detail, creating an experience that feels both luxurious and personal.

“Finally, ‘Commitment to Sustainability.’ Meliá is a pioneer in sustainable tourism. Today’s travellers are increasingly aware of the environmental impact of their trips, and with Meliá, they can feel confident they’re choosing a brand that’s dedicated to positive change. Our Travel For Good program and our Road to Net Zero Events initiative are just a few examples of how we lead the industry in sustainability. We’ve been recognized by TIME Magazine as the most sustainable company in the tourism sector in 2024 and are consistently ranked among the top global leaders in sustainability.”

For more information go to www.meliapro.com.