Hyatt and Grupo Piñero partner to expand all-inclusive portfolio

Hyatt Hotels Corporation and Grupo Piñero have officially finalised a long-term, asset-light strategic joint venture that brings the Bahia Principe Hotels & Resorts brand under Hyatt’s Inclusive Collection. This collaboration, headquartered in Palma de Mallorca, Spain, marks a significant milestone in the hospitality industry, enhancing Hyatt’s all-inclusive offerings while driving Grupo Piñero’s international growth.

A Transformative Alliance for Global Hospitality

This joint venture introduces 22 resorts comprising approximately 12,000 rooms into Hyatt’s portfolio. These include 21 Bahia Principe properties spread across key destinations such as the Dominican Republic, Mexico, Jamaica, and Spain, along with the exclusive Cayo Levantado Resort in the Dominican Republic. This expansion allows Hyatt to broaden its appeal to World of Hyatt members and all-inclusive travellers globally.

Grupo Piñero, a family-owned company with a legacy spanning over five decades, retains ownership of these resorts. The group is committed to ongoing renovation and improvement projects for the Bahia Principe properties, ensuring they remain competitive in the evolving travel market. Hyatt’s role will include leveraging its global systems and marketing expertise to enhance the appeal of these properties, particularly among American and European travellers.

Leadership Driving Growth

The joint venture will be led by Julio Pérez, CEO of Bahia Principe Hotels & Resorts, with Grupo Piñero’s Global CEO, Encarna Piñero, serving as Chairman of the Board. Izet Mahalbasic, Vice President of Hotel Finance for Hyatt, will assume the role of Chief Financial Officer. This leadership team aims to foster sustainable growth and elevate the all-inclusive experience across the portfolio.

Mark Hoplamazian, President and CEO of Hyatt, emphasised the strategic importance of this partnership, describing it as a move to bolster Hyatt’s all-inclusive platform across dimensions such as room inventory, geographical reach, and guest offerings. He also praised Grupo Piñero’s established expertise in the all-inclusive market, particularly in the Caribbean.

Encarna Piñero echoed these sentiments, highlighting the complementary strengths of both companies. She noted that the alliance represents a pioneering model for the hospitality industry, combining Grupo Piñero’s regional leadership with Hyatt’s global brand presence and operational systems.

Strengthening Hyatt’s Inclusive Portfolio

This partnership builds on Hyatt’s decade-long commitment to the all-inclusive sector, which began with the launch of Hyatt Ziva and Hyatt Zilara in 2013. In 2021, Hyatt made its largest acquisition by integrating Apple Leisure Group, significantly expanding its all-inclusive portfolio. By the end of 2024, Hyatt’s Inclusive Collection has grown to include over 140 properties across 10 brands, reinforcing its position as a leader in this market segment.

Future Plans and Loyalty Integration

The integration of Bahia Principe Hotels & Resorts into the World of Hyatt loyalty program is expected to further enhance the guest experience, though details on this rollout will be shared later. With the addition of Bahia Principe, Hyatt continues to attract a diverse range of travellers seeking premium all-inclusive experiences.

Expert Insights

Industry analysts view this collaboration as a win-win for both Hyatt and Grupo Piñero. Hyatt gains access to established markets in the Caribbean and Europe, while Grupo Piñero benefits from Hyatt’s global distribution network and brand recognition. This strategic partnership positions both companies to capitalise on growing demand for high-quality, all-inclusive travel experiences.