Up to 70 hotels (comprising 24,300 rooms) under the Iberostar Beachfront Resorts brand will be added to IHG’s system over the next two years.
The first properties will join the IHG system in December and include Iberostar Grand Paraiso (Riviera Maya, Mexico), Iberostar Selection Hacienda Dominicus (Bayahibe, Dominican Republic), Iberostar Grand Rose Hall (Montego Bay, Jamaica), and Iberostar Selection Anthelia (Tenerife, Spain). Iberostar will retain 100 per cent ownership of the properties, which will gain access to IHG’s distribution channels and loyalty programme.
Additional hotels in Spain, Southern Europe and North Africa are expected to join over the course of 2023 and 2024.
In a press release, the companies state:
“In what is a large and high growth market segment, demand for resort and all-inclusive stays has been buoyed by increasing traveller desire for high quality experiences and stress-free holidays, particularly post-Covid, and the ability to access such stays as part of loyalty programme membership.”
IHG has fewer than 20 resort properties in the countries where the Iberostar Beachfront Resorts properties are located.
This agreement is set to boost IHG’s global estate by 2.8 per cent.
Keith Barr, CEO of IHG Hotels and Resorts, said:
“As we continue to expand the footprint of our world famous brands, we are always looking at exciting, sustainable growth opportunities in areas that can further enhance our offer for guests and owners. Guests have told us of their wish for increased choice of resort and all-inclusive destinations within our brand portfolio.
“We are delighted to address that by working with such a well-respected, experienced and like-minded partner as Iberostar, and to see more amazing hotels join our system that continues IHG’s growth in so many of the world’s most attractive markets and destinations. Iberostar has successfully developed a leading presence in beachfront and all-inclusive properties in the Caribbean, Americas, Southern Europe and North Africa over many decades, and we are excited about the opportunities to further grow the brand’s footprint together.”
Sabina Fluxa, vice-chairman and CEO of Iberostar Group, commented:
“With this agreement, we set the path to continue the outstanding growth that began 40 years ago with the creation of the Iberostar brand and which has positioned us among the top resort brands in the world.
“The alliance with IHG combines our strengths, represents a decisive step forward in the distribution of Iberostar’s beachfront resorts, and reinforces our position as a benchmark in responsible tourism. By working together we will grow our portfolio and we are really looking forward to hosting IHG loyalty members in our collection of premium and luxury beachfront resorts and all-inclusive properties.”
The Iberostar Beachfront Resorts brand will be included in a new ‘Exclusive Partners’ category in IHG’s brand portfolio, which will sit alongside its Suites, Essentials, Premium and Luxury and Lifestyle categories.
As part of the agreement, IHG will work with Iberostar to create opportunities for joint sustainability initiatives.
IHG has an existing 260 resort properties across brands including Six Senses, Regent, Intercontinental, Kimpton, Hotel Indigo, Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn and Holiday Inn Club Vacations.
by Hannah Brandler
