Marriott plans new all-inclusive resorts in Jamaica, Tanzania

Marriott International is set to deepen its presence in the all-inclusive segment with plans for two new beachfront resorts in Jamaica and Tanzania, underscoring growing investor confidence in long-haul leisure travel and the Caribbean and East Africa’s resort markets.

New Montego Bay resort strengthens Marriott’s Caribbean reach

According to recent industry coverage, Marriott International has entered into an agreement with Catalonia Hotels & Resorts for the development of a new all-inclusive property in Montego Bay, Jamaica. The resort is expected to operate under the Marriott Hotels brand, adding a significant full-service, beachfront option to the company’s Caribbean portfolio.

Publicly available reports indicate that the Montego Bay project is planned as a large-scale, resort-style complex aimed at international holidaymakers seeking packaged stays. The agreement forms part of a broader expansion of all-inclusive offerings in the region, where Marriott has already been growing its presence in Jamaica through conversions and management deals with existing properties.

Market analyses of the Caribbean hotel pipeline show that northern Jamaica, including Montego Bay and neighboring parishes, has become a focal point for new room supply. Development activity in the area has been driven by strong airlift, brand interest and steady demand for sun-and-sand vacations, supporting investor optimism in the long-term performance of resort assets.

The Montego Bay resort is expected to compete in a segment dominated by established all-inclusive operators, but the affiliation with Marriott’s global distribution systems and loyalty platform is anticipated to provide additional reach, particularly among North American and European travelers who prioritize points-earning stays.

Zanzibar project signals growing focus on East Africa’s beaches

In parallel with the Jamaica announcement, Marriott and Catalonia have outlined plans for a new resort in Zanzibar, part of the United Republic of Tanzania. Reports describe the project as a five-star, premium all-inclusive property that will be positioned as a flagship resort for Catalonia in the Indian Ocean archipelago, while joining Marriott’s all-inclusive portfolio once completed.

The resort is planned for a coastal location on Zanzibar, an island already known for upscale beach properties, boutique hotels and growing international connectivity. Travel industry coverage suggests the project aims to capture a share of rising demand for long-haul leisure travel from Europe and the Middle East, as travelers increasingly pair safari itineraries on mainland Tanzania or Kenya with beach stays on the island.

Observers of the regional tourism sector note that global brands have been gradually expanding in East Africa, especially in safari destinations and key urban centers. A large branded beach resort represents a further step in the diversification of the region’s accommodation offering, adding international all-inclusive capacity alongside existing independent and regional operators.

For Tanzania’s tourism economy, the arrival of a new internationally branded resort is expected to contribute to job creation, foreign exchange earnings and ancillary spending with local suppliers, although detailed projections have not yet been made public.

Partnership with Catalonia builds on long-standing collaboration

The two new resorts are framed within a wider strategic partnership between Marriott International and Spain-based Catalonia Hotels & Resorts. Spanish business media report that the companies have collaborated for more than a decade, and that the latest agreements form part of Catalonia’s 2026–2029 strategic plan, which prioritizes growth in the all-inclusive segment.

Under the arrangement, Catalonia is understood to be leading development of the new complexes, while Marriott is expected to bring global brand standards, commercial support and access to the Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program. This model reflects an increasingly common structure in resort development, where local or regional groups undertake the investment and construction, and international chains contribute brand, marketing and management expertise.

Analysts following hotel distribution trends point to the advantages such alliances can offer both sides. For Marriott, working with an established leisure operator can accelerate expansion into key resort destinations without requiring direct ownership. For Catalonia, association with a major global chain can broaden access to new markets and repeat guests, particularly in North America.

Industry commentary also notes that the agreements in Jamaica and Zanzibar come at a time when other Spanish-origin resort groups have been aligning with global brands to broaden their reach, suggesting a broader consolidation trend in the all-inclusive space.

All-inclusive segment continues to attract major brands

The planned properties in Jamaica and Tanzania highlight how leading hotel groups are treating all-inclusive resorts as a core part of their growth strategies. Since launching a dedicated multi-brand all-inclusive platform, Marriott has steadily added resorts across Mexico, the Caribbean and Latin America, and public documents show further projects in the pipeline.

Travel trade publications describe robust demand for all-inclusive stays, driven by travelers seeking cost certainty and simplified planning. This model has proven particularly resilient in traditional resort destinations with strong airlift and established tour operator networks, such as Jamaica, where several Marriott-affiliated all-inclusive resorts are already operating under brands including Autograph Collection.

In Zanzibar, the entrance of a new all-inclusive resort under a major international brand reflects a broader trend of extending the model beyond the Americas and into Indian Ocean destinations. Market observers indicate that this expansion is being supported by improving airline connectivity, rising middle-class travel from emerging markets and continued interest in multi-stop itineraries that combine wildlife, culture and beach experiences.

While detailed timelines and branding specifics for the two new resorts have not yet been fully disclosed, the announcements point to continued confidence in leisure-driven development and the role of strategic partnerships in shaping the next phase of global resort growth.