by Joe Pike
Last updated: 2:29 PM ET, Mon September 17, 2018
Hilton and Playa Hotels & Resorts are tackling the all-inclusive market together.
TravelPulse was on hand for a press conference at The Royal Playa Del Carmen Monday morning as representatives from both Playa Hotels & Resorts and Hilton revealed plans for a partnership that will produce all-inclusive resorts in Mexico and the Caribbean.
"[The all-inclusive market] is dominated by private, family-owned-and-operated properties and Playa decided to take a different tactic and strategy," said Bruce Wardinski, chairman and CEO of Playa Hotels & Resorts, "and that is to convince companies like Hilton that we can be a great partner in their entry into the all-inclusive segment."
Initial plans call for two new all-inclusive resorts, to be owned and managed by Playa Hotels & Resorts, to the Hilton portfolio in the Caribbean and Mexico by the end of 2018.
"About 17 years ago was my first introduction to all-inclusive resorts and I was absolutely amazed that the segment existed and it was incredibly profitable," said Wardinski, "and it wasn't being penetrated or represented by the major U.S. brands."
By the end of this year, Hilton and Playa Hotels & Resorts will introduce Hilton La Romana, an All-inclusive Resort in the Dominican Republic and Hilton Playa del Carmen, an All-inclusive Resort, adding 1,269 new Hilton guest rooms to its existing global portfolio.
"We are excited to expand the relationship with Bruce and Playa," said Christopher J. Nassetta, president and chief executive officer for Hilton. "The thing that we know in talking to our customers-and even customers that weren't ours-was that this is a product they want."
Both resorts will include such amenities as expansive pools, modern guest rooms and suites, diverse dining experiences and access to some of the region's best beaches.
"These are fabulous resorts with fantastic value," said Nassetta. "We know that Playa is the leading player in the business and will allow us to serve customers in a way we couldn't before, and allow us to find new customers."
Hilton and Playa Hotels & Resorts have plans to open eight additional all-inclusive resorts together by 2025.
"This is just the beginning if all things go well," said Nassetta.
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