The world’s second-largest hotel chain is sticking its big toe into uncharted waters with the planned opening of all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean and Mexico.

Marriott International announced last week that it will open a 650-room all-inclusive resort in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, as part of its Autograph Collection in 2020, and feature all-inclusive properties in its planned NIA resort complex in Riviera Nayarit, Mexico.

The latter project will include a 240-room The Ritz-Carlton resort (2023 anticipated opening), a 400-room Westin Hotels resort (2023 anticipated opening), a 300-room Autograph Collection resort (2025 anticipated opening), and a 500-room Marriott Hotels resort (2025 anticipated opening).

“Our new all-inclusive resort platform is a natural progression for Marriott International,” said Tony Capuano, Marriott’s executive vice president and global chief development officer.

“It will provide the ownership community a game-changing value proposition for their luxury and premium resort projects around the world, while providing guests a new vacation option with brands they trust.”

All-inclusive resorts have gained in popularity, but Marriott has not seriously competed in that market segment until now, although some Marriott resort properties offered all-inclusive options to guests at an additional cost.

“Marriott International plans to further expand its all-inclusive portfolio in popular, leisure destinations worldwide with a mix of new-build properties and conversions of existing resorts, including properties currently in the Marriott International portfolio,” the company said in a press release.

The new platform will provide the company’s 133 million Marriott Bonvoy members the option to earn and redeem points for this convenient, pay-one-price concept.”

marriott.com