Official Presention of Marbella Luxury Weekend

Marbella Luxury Weekend, further international projection. The program includes more than 90 events from participating companies over 4 days.

Marbella, 20th May 2014: Today was the official presentation of the fourth edition of Marbella Luxury Weekend. During the ceremony, which was attended by Ángeles Muñoz, Mayor of Marbella, and José Luis Hernandez, Councellor of Tourism, both as municipal representatives and promoters of this initiative, stressed the continuity and success of this event, and its consolidation year after year thanks to the focus on core values such as fashion, jewellery, motor vehicles and gastronomy, but mostly, “thanks to the commitment of brands that support the event year on year and to the international impact of this event on luxury tourism” said José Luis Hernandez.

Others that participated in the press conference included Jacobo Cestino, General Director of La Zagaleta; Cristina Muñoz, President of the SOS Foundation; Juan José González, President of the CIT, and José Figueroa, vice -president of Puerto Banús.
During the presentation of the new program and participating firms, Ángeles Muñoz, Mayor of Marbella, reminded us that it is an event “organized and run by the City Council, and in particular by the Tourist Board initiative, but that it is supported by the private initiative of more than 70 companies that have joined as participants, sponsors and partners, trusting in its prestige to position the city as a location for luxury tourism”. The Mayor highlighted the data offered by the Spanish Luxury Association that places Marbella as the second biggest city in Spain in terms of volume and movement of luxury shopping, just behind Barcelona. “This is a huge flow of tourists as well as an increase in employment in this sector, and all tourism related activities.”

The program of activities of all the firms amounts to a total of 93 performances, from around seventy brands, which will take place in Puerto Banús between the 5th and 8th June. “A record number of participants, sponsors and partners that promise the continuity of MLW”, Muñoz said.

José Luis Hernandez , Councellor of Tourism Marbella Town Hall stressed the commitment of the participants and partner brands to the city and mentioned some of the most significant developments such as the floating “Marbella Luxury Catwalk”, where collections by Custo Barcelona, Andrés Sardá, Bikkembergs, Wolford, Swarovski La Oca Hats and Sena Design will be exhibited. Other important parts of the event will be presentations from impressive car models such as Porsche and Pagani, the presenters of La Zagaleta Forum, and this year, the collaboration with the SOS Foundation.

In this sense, he also wanted to point out the reuse of the Levante tent as a VIP area, “which will generate much more movement between the 21 stands along the harbor, each dedicated to a participating brand”. 

The city councilman emphasized the selfless hard work of two star Michelin chef, Dani García, “who will be in charge of the catering for the launch party in the Torre VIP area and whose commitment and relationship with this city which is evident and we are all very grateful for.” To that effect he also highlighted the significant contributions of other firms such as Puerto Banús, Guarnieri, Lifestyle and Salduna Catering.

Meanwhile, Jacobo Cestino recalled that Friday 6th June, under the umbrella of Marbella Luxury Weekend, La Zagaleta will launch the third edition of the Brands and Trends Forum, an initiative that brings together leading global executives in various sectors: food, service, leisure, luxury, transportation and technology.

Cestino emphasized the high business profile guest speakers, including executives from Cortefiel, Renfe, Telefónica, Grupo Osborne, Chanel, Amazon and the High Commissioner of the Government for the Brand Spain, Carlos Espinosa de los Monteros. “In this third edition of the Forum we will discuss in detail what it means to be a brand in the XXI century, customer loyalty, developments in the digital age and the recovery of the Spanish market, as well as a special section which will be dedicated to the brand and philanthropy”.

The president of the SOS Foundation, Cristina Muñoz, expressed her pleasure in participating in the fourth edition of MLW and highlighted the high commitment and generosity of Marbella City Council for offering the opportunity to help with one of the campaigns which they are running: “Solidarity Treasures “. The aims are to “raise funds for children – and to offer fresh products such as meat, fish and vegetables , through a raffle (where tickets will cost 20 €) and an auction which will take place during the closing party, on Sunday 8th June and will include products from leading luxury firms.” Maria León, as a Godmother of the campaign, will be the main image of the SOS Foundation during MLW, as well as Ana Antic, who will hold the raffle and participate in the Masterclass and bloggers debate.

Muñoz announced that 30 % of the proceeds from the raffle will go to families in Marbella, dividing the rest among families in need throughout Spain.

Finally, both José Luis González and José Figueroa were very pleased to be able to participate in this initiative and what is represents for Marbella, for business owners, businesses, tourism and brands Marbella and Puerto Banús.