Marriott International has announced a significant planned expansion of its all-inclusive portfolio through a long-term agreement with Sunwing Travel Group’s hotel division, Blue Diamond Resorts.

The agreement is expected to add 19 franchised resorts totalling nearly 7,000 rooms across six destinations (Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, St Lucia, Antigua and Costa Rica) to Marriott’s all-inclusive portfolio, and more than doubling the company’s presence in the segment to 33 properties by 2025.

The majority of the properties are expected to be converted into Marriott’s Autograph Collection by mid-2021.

Newly-appointed Marriott CEO Tony Capuano said: “We are thrilled to work with Sunwing Travel Group and expand into two new leisure destinations – St Lucia and Antigua.

“Blue Diamond’s expertise in the all-inclusive segment and high-quality resorts will help ensure that these properties serve as excellent additions to the Marriott portfolio.”

Capuano said the deal was a testament to Marriott’s scale and loyalty platform.

“We look forward to providing travellers seeking an all-inclusive experience with more choices in the Caribbean and Latin America,” he said.

Stephen Hunter, CEO of Sunwing Travel Group, said: “We are excited to enter into this agreement with Marriott International and introduce Blue Diamond Resorts’ portfolio of hotels to their Autograph Collection brand.

“Our luxurious, award-winning hotels will benefit from Marriott’s world-renowned reputation and esteemed travel program, all while bolstering our mission to bring unparalleled vacation experiences to customers.”

Marriott launched its multi-brand, all-inclusive portfolio platform in August 2019 and has nine open hotels across Costa Rica, Barbados and Mexico, with an additional five hotels in the pipeline in Mexico, Curacao, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica and Brazil.

Featured image source: Marriott International