Jamaican Iberostar resort among first properties to join the IHG system

Global hotel chain, IHG Hotels and Resorts has announced a long-term agreement for resorts and all-inclusive hotels with well-known Spanish all-inclusive operator, Iberostar Hotels and Resorts.

The alliance will see up to 70 hotels worldwide added to IHG’s system under the Iberostar Beachfront Resorts brand, which will become the 18th global brand for IHG. While the agreement will apply globally, it will naturally have a significant focus in the Caribbean, particularly in Iberostar’s existing strongholds in Jamaica and the Dominican Republic.

In fact, the first properties to join the IHG system will be in the Caribbean locations of Jamaica and the Dominican Republic as well as Mexico. This comprises the Iberostar Grand Paraiso in the Riviera Maya
of Mexico; Iberostar Selection Hacienda Dominicus in Bayahibe, Dominican Republic and Iberostar Grand Rose Hall in Montego Bay, St James in Jamaica.

More notably, Iberostar’s portfolio will be part of IHG’s Enterprise platform, including the IHG One Rewards Loyalty programme, which has more than 100 million members.

MOVE BEING WELCOMED

Commenting on the move, CEO of IHG Hotels and Resorts, Keith Barr remarked: “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”.

Continuing, Barr said: “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.”

IHG, in a statement, added: “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.”

For her part, Sabina Fluxá, vice-chairman and chief executive officer, Iberostar Group commented: “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.”