Marriott International has more than doubled its all-inclusive offering thanks to a long-term agreement with Sunwing Travel Group’s hotel division, Blue Diamond Resorts.
Sunwing Travel Group said the deal “aligns the fastest growing hotel company in the Caribbean with the world’s largest hotel chain”.
Blue Diamond Resorts brands include Royalton Luxury Resorts, adults-only brands Hideaway at Royalton and Planet Hollywood Hotels and Resorts.
The deal will propel Marriott into the list of top 10 global all-inclusive players by adding 19 franchised resorts, with nearly 7,000 rooms across six destinations.
It will more than double Marriott’s presence in the all-inclusive segment to 33 properties by 2025.
The majority of the properties are expected to be converted into Marriott’s Autograph Collection by mid-2021.
Stephen Hunter, chief executive at Sunwing Travel Group, said: “Marriott’s prestigious reputation and esteemed travel programme will further elevate our award-winning hotels, while supporting Marriott’s expansion into the all-inclusive category.”
Sunwing Travel Group will benefit from Marriott’s worldwide distribution and partnership agreements, in addition to Marriott Bonvoy, Marriott International’s loyalty programme, which has more than 145 million members.
Tony Capuano, Marriott International group president of global development, design and operations services, said: “Sunwing Travel Group’s premium, all-inclusive resorts will serve as excellent additions to the Marriott portfolio, adding two new leisure destinations – St Lucia and Antigua – to our footprint and doubling our presence in this segment.
“We will draw on their expertise in the all-inclusive segment to bring even more choices and exceptional experiences to our Marriott Bonvoy members.”
As well as Blue Diamond Resorts, the vertically integrated Sunwing Travel Group operates a leisure charter airline and a luxury charter service; three major North American tour operators; two travel retailers; and a destination management company.
Pictured: Royalton Antigua Resort & Spa