Jorge Rebelo de Almeida honoured with title of Citizen in 4 Brazilian states

The titles were awarded in Rio Grande do Norte, Ceará, Alagoas, and Bahia.

The Vila Galé group’s founder and CEO, Jorge Rebelo de Almeida, has been honoured with the title of honorary citizen in four Brazilian capitals. The honours were bestowed in Rio Grande do Norte, Ceará, Alagoas, and Bahia, in acknowledgment of the six hotels and resorts located in these states, which drive tourism by generating more than 1,500 direct jobs and more than 2,500 beds.

Jorge Rebelo de Almeida started the Vila Galé group 35 years ago with a hotel in the Galé Beach, Portugal. As for Brazil, its first unit was the Vila Galé Fortaleza, which opened 22 years ago. The hotel chain currently has 41 units, 31 in Portugal and 10 in Brazil. Later this month, the chain is arriving in Cuba with Vila Galé Cayo Paredón, an all-inclusive resort on a paradisiacal beach.

During his visit to Brazil, the CEO toured the states to receive the awards. “I’m very honoured by the tributes I’ve received. I have been with friends and partners who are part of Vila Galé’s history. I’d like to reinforce the passion we have for generating employment and giving opportunities to the local community. These awards wouldn’t be possible without our employees”, he says.

The first nomination took place in Natal, on an initiative by MP Luiz Eduardo to celebrate Tourism Day, with the aim of reinforcing the importance of this sector in Rio Grande do Norte’s economy. In addition to Jorge Rebelo de Almeida, other important names were honoured.

At the ceremony in Ceará, the title was awarded exclusively to the founder of Vila Galé by State Representative Evandro Leitão, at the request of State Representative Guilherme Bismarck. During the ceremony, Jorge Rebelo de Almeida stressed the importance of investment in attracting international tourists.

In the state, in addition to Vila Galé Fortaleza, a charming urban resort located on Praia do Futuro, Vila Galé has an all-inclusive resort on Praia do Cumbuco. The latest news is the construction of the Vila Galé Collection Sunset, also in Cumbuco, which is expected to generate a further 60 jobs. The new unit will have 124 rooms, a SPA with indoor pool, massage rooms, gym, and multi-sports fields.

In Alagoas, the title was awarded by State Representative Marcelo Victor, at the request of State Representative Bruno Toledo. During the ceremony, Jorge Rebelo de Almeida spoke about his passion for this state and reaffirmed his interest in building a new luxury resort in Coruripe.

“We opened the largest all-inclusive resort in the state a year ago in Barra de Santo Antônio and we still intend to have another unit of the Collection line”, he said. Vila Galé Alagoas had an investment of R$150 million.

The title of Citizen of Bahia was awarded on Friday morning (6th October) in Salvador. This latest honour was proposed by State Representative Eduardo Salles. “I’m very honoured by the tribute, I am passionate about Bahia and the people of Bahia. In this state, we have Vila Galé Salvador, with a privileged location in Ondina, and Vila Galé Marés, an all-inclusive resort on Guarajuba Beach”, explains Jorge Rebelo de Almeida.

Vila Galé Marés has just undergone a refurbishment worth R$15 million to build a children’s water park and a premium wing.

After the four ceremonies, a cocktail party was held at the hotels and all-inclusive resort, attended by politicians, long-time friends, travel agents, operators, and journalists.