Tourexpi
Marriott International is continuing to expand its
global all-inclusive portfolio through a new agreement with Catalonia Hotels
& Resorts. The companies have signed contracts for two resorts that will
bring the Marriott Hotels brand to Montego Bay, Jamaica, and the Autograph
Collection brand to Zanzibar, Tanzania.
The projects strengthen Marriott's presence in the
all-inclusive segment while expanding its footprint in two of the world's
fastest-growing leisure destinations.
New resorts planned for 2027 and 2028
The first project will see the former Catalonia
Montego Bay converted into a Marriott Hotels All-Inclusive Resort. Scheduled to
open in 2028, the beachfront property near Sangster International Airport will
offer 522 guestrooms, 13 dining venues, three swimming pools, a spa, fitness
centre, tennis and pickleball courts, a lazy river and more than 2,130 feet of
beachfront. The resort will also feature nearly 12,917 square feet of meeting
and event space.
The second agreement covers a newly built Autograph
Collection All-Inclusive Resort in Zanzibar, expected to welcome its first
guests in 2027. The 271-room property will focus on wellness and include
multiple swimming pools, a spa, a theatre, an oceanfront jetty with a seawater
pool and bar, and a selection of speciality restaurants. The resort is designed
to combine the distinctive character of the Autograph Collection brand with
Zanzibar's culture, natural scenery and growing international appeal.
Partnership supports global expansion
"These agreements represent a significant
milestone in our all-inclusive strategy and demonstrate the strength of our
relationships with experienced owners seeking to maximize value through
Marriott's globally recognized brands," said Laurent de Kousemaeker, Chief
Development Officer, Caribbean and Latin America (CALA) for Marriott
International.
"Catalonia already knows Marriott through its
ownership of Renaissance Barcelona Fira Hotel, and we are delighted to expand
our collaboration through two distinctive resorts in highly desirable leisure
destinations. We continue to see growing interest from owners and investors who
recognize the power of Marriott's brands, distribution platform, and
development expertise."
Jerome Briet, Chief Development Officer, Europe,
Middle East and Africa (EMEA) for Marriott International, added: "These
signings highlight Marriott's ability to grow strategically across multiple
regions while serving owners with differentiated solutions tailored to local
market opportunities."
"The addition of this Autograph Collection Resort
in Zanzibar represents an important step in our all-inclusive expansion across
the EMEA region. Backed by a strong all-inclusive pipeline and proven
expertise, Marriott's brand portfolio offers owners diverse opportunities to
expand in all-inclusive in coveted markets around the world."
Catalonia strengthens international cooperation
Catalonia Hotels & Resorts currently owns, leases
and operates 82 hotels with more than 12,000 rooms across Europe, the Caribbean
and Latin America. The company also owns the Renaissance Barcelona Fira Hotel,
marking the foundation of its relationship with Marriott.
"We are pleased to strengthen our relationship
with Marriott International through these two significant projects," said
Manuel Valenzuela, Chief Commercial & Operations Officer of Catalonia
Hotels & Resorts.
"This agreement reflects leading international
brands' recognition of our operational excellence and the strength of our
management model. It also aligns with the company's expansion strategy,
including collaborations that support our growth in strategic markets."
All-inclusive portfolio continues to grow
As of July 2026, Marriott operates 38 all-inclusive
resorts across nine destinations in the Caribbean and Latin America under seven
brands. A further 16 projects, representing around 5,600 rooms, are currently
in development across the region.
In Europe, the Middle East and Africa, Marriott's
all-inclusive pipeline includes four additional resorts with nearly 2,000
rooms, underscoring the company's long-term commitment to expanding its
presence in the global all-inclusive market.
Image Credit: © Marriott International, Inc.
The most interesting news
Read the News

Orascom Expands Tourism Investment Across Oman
Projects in Hawana Salalah, Jebel Sifah and As Sodah Island continue to advance, with new hotels planned and investment in the private-island development set to exceed $90 million
Read the News

Seabourn Launches 138-Day World Cruise from Miami to Lisbon
Seabourn Quest will visit 58 destinations in 31 countries and territories on a 2029 voyage spanning more than 32,000 nautical miles across five continents
Read the News

‘We See Ourselves Not Just as a Hotel, but as Hosts on La Gomera’
Inspired by the island’s traditional terraced fields, Bancal Hotel & Spa combines architecture, local cuisine, wellness and nature. Director Olivier Doche explains how the hotel aims to make La Gomera itself an integral part of every stay
Read the News

Germany: When tourism becomes a question of identity
Günter Ihlau and Wolfgang Isenberg examine the AfD’s tourism policies and argue for travel as an expression of openness, diversity and individual judgement
Read the News

Colombia: inventia adds Río Magdalena cruises to South America programme
Two eight-day itineraries between Cartagena and Barranquilla combine river landscapes with colonial heritage, wildlife and local culture
Read the News

Germany: Thuringia hosts GNTB Travel Summit 2026
Around 60 international buyers from 14 European source markets will meet tourism suppliers in Erfurt from 20 to 23 September
Read the News

Peru: Lima to host more than 500 airport industry leaders at WAGA 2026
The global ACI gathering will focus on connectivity, infrastructure investment, innovation, sustainability and the future development of airports
Read the News

USA: Delta opens flight attendant recruitment for 2027
The airline is accepting applications from English-speaking and bilingual candidates for upcoming training classes
Read the News

Asia: Four Seasons turns intimate celebrations into tailor-made journeys
From micro-weddings and anniversaries to family reunions and corporate retreats, Four Seasons resorts across Asia are expanding their focus on personalised small-group experiences
Read the News

Chile marks National Wine Day with more than 50 experiences
Wine regions across the country will offer tastings, vineyard tours, dinners, heritage experiences and urban events for National Wine Day on September 4
Read the News

Club Med launches biggest ski sale for 2026/27 winter season
Ski Days offers savings of up to $1,040 at participating French Alps resorts and Québec-Charlevoix, with bookings open until September 15
Read the News

Vietnam: Hyatt Regency Danang Expands MICE Experiences Beyond the Meeting Room
New sports and team-building activities complement event venues for up to 700 guests at the beachfront resort between Da Nang and Hoi An
Read the News

China: Fosun Returns to Profit Growth as Overseas Revenue Reaches 56.5%
First-half profit attributable to shareholders rises 160.3% to RMB1.72 billion as the group sharpens its focus on insurance, pharmaceuticals and global expansion
Read the News

Family travel: multigenerational holidays reshape resort stays
Bahia Principe is adapting its portfolio to growing demand from families seeking shared experiences across different generations
Read the News

Bosnia and Herzegovina: Sarajevo Tourism Surges on Concerts and Film Festival
More than 100,000 tourists visited Sarajevo in July as major music and cultural events generated strong demand for hotels, restaurants and transport
Read the News

Malta to host more than 200 global tourism leaders at WTTC Summit
CEOs and senior executives from the world’s leading travel companies will gather in Valletta from 7 to 9 October to discuss technology, investment and the future of tourism
Read the News

Fam Fest Latam Returns to Cancún for Its 12th Edition
From 2 to 6 September, leading Latin American travel agents and tour operators will gather at AVA Resort Cancun for training, awards and first-hand insights into the expanding PAM Hotels portfolio
Read the News

Lima Region Strengthens Tourism Governance in Peru
New Regional Tourism Advisory Committee board for 2026–2028 brings together public authorities, private businesses, academia and other tourism stakeholders
Read the News

Emirates could add Lima service via Milan
The airline is reportedly seeking fifth-freedom rights for a Dubai–Milan–Lima route, potentially adding a new direct connection between Italy and Peru
Read the News

Expedition Chile Connects Destinations with International Buyers
Fifty-two tour operators from key markets explored five destinations and four routes before meeting 58 Chilean tourism suppliers in Santiago
Read the News

Colombia: ANATO proposes tourism recovery measures after earthquake
The travel agency association is calling for employment support, tax relief and special financing while tourism businesses in affected regions work to recover