Hyatt has wagered billions on all-inclusive resorts, aiming to crack a market dominated by specialist operators. It now wants to scale up these resort brands worldwide.
Its $2.6 billion purchase of Playa Hotels & Resorts, which closed in June, is part of a buying spree that began with its $2.7 billion takeover of Apple Leisure Group and continued through last fall’s 50/50 joint venture with Grupo Piñero.
Hyatt has assembled these brands under the Inclusive Collection, overseen by Javier Águila. Skift interviewed Águila to learn what comes next.
Javier Águila, President, INclusive Collection, Hyatt. Source: Hyatt.
A Multi-Brand portfolio
Hyatt has a portfolio of luxury all-inclusive brands that is more expansive than any other global hotel group.
Hotel operators may find it difficult to create strong brand positioning when managing nine brands.
Águila said Hyatt is “thoughtful” about its brands. “Each brand has a distinct purpose, and it is created to appeal to specific types of travelers,” said Aguila. “We are very deliberate.”
Hyatt will have distinct swim lanes for the t