MARAEY, a pioneering sustainable tourist-residential project in Maricá, Rio de Janeiro, and EHL Group have forged a historic partnership to develop South America's inaugural Hospitality Academy. This collaboration, which marks EHL Group's first venture in the region, aims to elevate hospitality education standards and drive economic growth.
At the core of the agreement is the establishment of the Hospitality Academy within MARAEY, with the support of the Rio de Janeiro State Government. With Latin America currently lacking representation among the top 80 hospitality universities globally, this initiative holds significant promise for the region's educational landscape.
MARAEY's CEO, Emilio Izquierdo, underscores the importance of the partnership, emphasizing its potential to elevate Rio de Janeiro and Brazil as premier sustainable tourist destinations. The academy will play a pivotal role in meeting the rising demand for skilled professionals in the tourism and service sectors, fueled by MARAEY's development of three five-star hotels and a convention center.
The hotel complex, including iconic brands like Ritz-Carlton Reserve and JW Marriott, is poised to create over 16,000 jobs during construction and more than 3,500 positions upon operation. Moreover, it is expected to attract hundreds of thousands of tourists annually, bolstering economic and tourist development in the state and country.
Aligned with MARAEY's commitment to sustainability, the Hospitality Academy will occupy a minimal portion of the project's land, prioritizing environmental preservation. MARAEY's accolades, including the BIOSPHERE Seal and Sustainable SITES Initiative GOLD certification, underscore its dedication to responsible investment and environmental stewardship.
Supported by leading global brands and institutions, including BMW and Siemens, MARAEY is poised to redefine residential standards in Brazil. With state-of-the-art amenities such as hospitals, schools, and sports facilities, MARAEY epitomizes a new era of sustainable luxury living.