Marriott International, Inc. has announced that it will be opening hotels and signing agreements in the Caribbean and Latin America region (CALA) in 2024. The company had a record signing in the region with 67 contracts representing approximately 8, 000 rooms in 2024. Marriott will add 30 properties to the CALA portfolio in 2024. This will bring its regional footprint to 528 properties at the end of the year, spread across 37 countries.
“2024 was an exceptional year for Marriott’s CALA growth, driven by strong ownership interest, brand expansions and new market entry. We are well positioned to sustain momentum with our extensive brand portfolio, and the 228 million Marriott Bonvoy Members worldwide. The power of our well-established brands, competitive affiliation costs, powerful revenue generation engines and award-winning loyalty program continue to generate strong interest from our owners, franchisees and developers across the region,” said Brian King, President of Caribbean & Latin America for Marriott International.
In 2024, conversions will account for 32 percent of the total number of rooms signed in CALA. 36 properties, which represent nearly 2,600 room, are in the pipeline. Hoteliers and developers in CALA continued to capitalize on the efficiencies and benefits of renovating, rebranding and re-launching existing properties. Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of over 30 global leading brands was further expanded.
Just last October the company celebrated its 500th property in CALA with the opening of Almare, a Luxury Collection Resort, Isla Mujeres, Adult All-Inclusive, and as of year-end 2024, Marriott had 528 open properties in the region, representing 92,736 rooms.
Marriott’s pipeline at year-end in CALA consisted of 183 properties, representing 27,817 room, which will further enhance the presence of the company across all segments including luxury, affordable, midscale, all inclusive, and apartment style accommodations with Apartments By Marriott Bonvoy.
Laurent de Kousemaeker is the Chief Development Officer for Caribbean and Latin America at Marriott International. He said, “Our continued growth in the Caribbean and Latin America shows the power of our diverse brand portfolio and our commitment to provide unparalleled hospitality in this dynamic area.” “As we work with developers and owners in these captivating destinations to bring new resorts and hotels, we look forward welcoming new guests to further solidify our position as the world’s leading hotel company.”
Luxury Portfolio Expansion Reaches New Heights
Marriott has further expanded its luxury portfolio by signing 11 deals. This brings the luxury pipeline up to 38 properties and 5,889 rooms. Recent signings include The St. Regis Papagayo Resort (Costa Rica), The Ritz-Carlton, Playa Jackson Hotel & Residences (Dominican Republic), and Bvlgari Hotels and Resorts Cave Cay Exuma Bahamas.
From the pristine beaches of Aruba to the captivating coasts of Costa Rica, Marriott has already welcomed new properties in 2025, including the debut of The St. Regis Aruba Resort on the shores of Aruba’s Palm Beach, Paraiso de la Bonita, a Luxury Collection Resort, Adult All-Inclusive in Riviera Maya, and Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Costa Rica. The company is anticipating welcoming a number of luxury properties in the coming months, providing unmatched experiences for discerning tourists. Upcoming expected openings include, Salterra, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Turks & Caicos (March), St. Regis Punta Cana (April) and W Punta Cana (May), the first all-inclusive W Hotel in the world.
The All-Inclusive Segment Continues To Flourish
Since entering the all-inclusive market in 2019, Marriott has expanded its portfolio in the segment, offering guests a diverse range of upscale experiences with 36 all-inclusive properties now in CALA, located across nine markets: Mexico (Riviera Nayarit & Cancún), Jamaica, Barbados, Antigua & Barbuda, St Lucia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Grenada and Brazil. In July 2024, the company announced the opening of Marriott Cancun, An All-Inclusive Resort, marking the first all-inclusive property for the Marriott Hotels brand. This flagship brand expansion continues with the recent opening of Miches Marriott, an All-Inclusive Resort, in the Dominican Republic.
The robust all-inclusive portfolio includes 19 properties (7.800 rooms) worldwide, 15 properties (5.800 rooms) are in CALA and the segment represents 21 percent of the CALA pipeline rooms. Additionally, the collection of Elegant Hotels in Barbados, including Treasure Beach, The House, and Tamarind, is expected to join the Autograph Collection brand in 2025. In the region, several other all-inclusive hotels are also scheduled to open by 2029.
Midscale growth driven by City Express Expansion
Marriott strengthened its midscale brand, City Express by Marriott, after acquiring the City Express portfolio in 2023. By the end of 2024 City Express by Marriott had a global presence, with 153 properties open (17,777 rooms), and 53 properties under construction (5,673 room).
In 2024 the company will have signed 38 City Express deals, which represent 3,900 rooms. 12 of these deals (1200 room) were signed in CALA. City Express by Marriott operates 152 properties (17,694 room) in the CALA region. There are also 24 properties that are currently under construction (2,660 rooms).
The brand recently announced its anticipated entry into four new markets: Argentina, Bolivia, Nicaragua, and Peru, with eight new properties expected to open over the next three years. In 2025, City Express by Marriott is planning to open properties in the U.S., Canada, and Brazil.
Costa Rica and Dominican Republic lead high-growth markets
Marriott continues to see Costa Rica and Dominican Republic among its key growth markets within the CALA region. In 2024 the company signed ten deals representing 1,086 Costa Rican rooms, bringing the pipeline of development in the country up to 15 properties, representing 1,776 room. As of year-end, Marriott has 22 open properties across 15 brands in Costa Rica, with one more expected in 2025, in addition to the recent opening of Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve and Residences, which was unveiled in February 2025. In the Dominican Republic Marriott has 20 open properties, across 12 brands, and signed five deals, representing 955 room in 2024.
The pipeline now includes 23 deals, and 3,966 room. In January 2025, the company opened Four Points by Sheraton Santo Domingo and expects to welcome Donoma, La Terrenas Beach Hotel & Spa, Autograph Collection, The St. Regis Punta Cana, and W Punta Cana later in the year.
Marriott’s commitment to offering diverse and exceptional hospitality for all travel purposes is reinforced by its continued growth in CALA. From luxury escapes, to affordable midscale conveniences, Marriott’s continuous growth in CALA reinforces this commitment. Marriott’s continued growth in CALA is a result of a robust pipeline and strategic focus on key markets.
