Julio Rafael is the Marketing & Communications Director at Jannah Hotels & Resorts, where he oversees EDGE Hotels. He brings almost 10 years of experience in brand strategy, digital transformation, and multi-property marketing within the luxury hospitality sector. Julio is also known as the “Winner of the Hotelier Marketing Power List for 2025”.
He has been recognized as one of the “Top 30 Sales & Marketing Leaders in the Middle East 2023”, Julio is known for driving measurable brand growth and positioning hospitality brands for long-term relevance in competitive markets.
Julio leads marketing for 6 hotels, 12 restaurants, and 24 luxury villas across Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Ras Al Khaimah. Additionally, he oversees a large, multi-disciplinary in-house team, including social media, copywriting, photography/videography, content creation, graphic design, digital marketing, and web development. Julio manages strategic partnerships with airlines, travel agencies, banks, and major entertainment events including F1 Abu Dhabi, UFC, NBA, and International Basketball Week.
He has played a pivotal role in pre-opening initiatives for new properties, executing brand activations, improving digital platforms, and designing proprietary campaigns that enhance visibility and market positioning for all brands. Under his leadership, multiple social media campaigns and influencer programs have driven measurable increases in engagement, awareness, and followers across all properties, earning nominations and awards from leading hospitality and lifestyle publications including What’s On, Time Out, Fact Magazine, Forbes, Hoteliers, Arabian Hospitality, and World Luxurious Hotels.
Previously, he served as Cluster Marketing Manager at Capital Motion and Marketing Manager at Al Forsan International Sports Resort, leading award-winning campaigns, influencer programs, and organized record-breaking events such as the Guinness World Record, that significantly increased brand reach and audience engagement.
Known for his results-driven approach and innovative marketing strategies, Julio continues to evolve Jannah Hotels & Resorts’ brand through digital innovation, experiential marketing, and regional expansion, while delivering impactful guest experiences and sustainable portfolio growth.
العربية 
English News