In a significant move within the hospitality industry, Hyatt Hotels Corporation and Grupo Piñero recently announced plans to form a 50/50 joint venture aimed at advancing the Bahia Principe Hotels & Resorts brand. This collaboration is anticipated to increase Hyatt’s all-inclusive portfolio by roughly 30%, establishing a substantial growth opportunity for both companies and strengthening Hyatt’s leadership position in the global all-inclusive resort market. Expected to close in the coming months, this venture brings together Hyatt’s established luxury network and Grupo Piñero’s expertise in the four- to five-star all-inclusive segment.
Hyatt’s Expanding Portfolio and Global Strategy
Hyatt has been expanding its all-inclusive offerings in recent years, a strategy that continues with this joint venture. Through its "Inclusive Collection," Hyatt already owns a substantial all-inclusive portfolio, with brands like Hyatt Ziva, Hyatt Zilara, and Secrets Resorts & Spas. By adding Bahia Principe’s resorts, Hyatt aims to meet rising demand from travelers seeking immersive and convenient all-inclusive experiences. This venture would incorporate 23 resorts and over 12,000 rooms across the Dominican Republic, Mexico, Jamaica, and Spain. Among these is the iconic Cayo Levantado Resort in the Dominican Republic, which is known for its private island setting.
For Hyatt, this joint venture aligns with its growth trajectory in the all-inclusive sector and reinforces its commitment to delivering luxury experiences. Hyatt's President and CEO, Mark Hoplamazian, noted, “The addition of Bahia Principe’s resorts to Hyatt’s Inclusive Collection will enhance Hyatt’s all-inclusive offering and strengthen our leadership position with one of the largest collections of all-inclusive resorts in the world.” By integrating Grupo Piñero’s well-established brand with Hyatt’s global loyalty program, World of Hyatt, the partnership aims to attract a wider audience and provide enhanced benefits to its members.
Grupo Piñero’s Vision and European Success
For Grupo Piñero, this venture will amplify its success in all-inclusive hospitality and open doors to broader markets, particularly in the Americas. A family-owned Spanish company with almost 50 years in the tourism industry, Grupo Piñero has built a strong reputation in Europe with its Bahia Principe Hotels & Resorts brand. The company’s all-inclusive model has been especially popular among European travelers, with a range of offerings that balance luxury, cultural immersion, and responsible tourism practices. Grupo Piñero’s CEO, Encarna Piñero, emphasized the strategic benefits of the joint venture, stating, “The asset-light long-term strategic joint venture with Hyatt will strengthen Bahia Principe’s legacy and represents a clear path to build on its success and growth strategy for the future.”
The venture enables Grupo Piñero to leverage Hyatt’s global platform and tap into a broader customer base, especially in North and South America. It also supports Grupo Piñero’s sustainable development initiatives, as a portion of the proceeds from the transaction will be directed toward enhancing existing Bahia Principe resorts. This reflects Grupo Piñero’s commitment to responsible tourism, aiming to generate positive economic and social impacts within the local communities where its resorts operate.
Operational Leadership and Future Growth
In terms of leadership, the joint venture will benefit from experienced executives from both Hyatt and Grupo Piñero. Hyatt plans to appoint Julio Pérez, Bahia Principe’s current CEO, to lead the management company. Encarna Piñero will serve as Chairman of the Board, ensuring a seamless integration of both companies' operational cultures. Additional key officers will be named later, bringing together Hyatt’s strategic direction and Grupo Piñero’s deep-rooted expertise in the all-inclusive sector.
This collaboration is expected to support future growth beyond the initial 23 resorts. With Hyatt’s network effect and Grupo Piñero’s brand legacy, the joint venture anticipates an increase in occupancy rates and a more diverse clientele. As Bahia Principe Hotels & Resorts joins the World of Hyatt loyalty program at a future date, travelers will have added incentives to explore new destinations and experiences across Hyatt’s Inclusive Collection.
A Shared Vision for Responsible Tourism
Both Hyatt and Grupo Piñero prioritize responsible tourism, recognizing the need for sustainable practices that protect natural resources and support local communities. Grupo Piñero’s commitment to responsible management is evident in its strategic plan, which incorporates environmental and social considerations across its operations. The company's initiatives, such as promoting eco-friendly practices within its resorts and developing residential complexes with sustainability in mind, align well with Hyatt’s purpose of care for people and the planet.
Hyatt has a track record of environmental initiatives within its properties, ranging from energy-efficient design to waste reduction programs. By joining forces with Grupo Piñero, Hyatt is advancing its commitment to sustainable tourism on a larger scale. This joint venture not only expands Hyatt’s footprint but also strengthens its dedication to fostering tourism that contributes to the well-being of local communities and ecosystems.
An Industry Game-Changer in All-Inclusive Travel
The joint venture between Hyatt and Grupo Piñero could have broad implications for the all-inclusive resort market. By adding Bahia Principe’s properties to Hyatt’s Inclusive Collection, this partnership creates one of the largest all-inclusive portfolios globally, appealing to a diverse range of travelers seeking curated and enriching experiences. For industry observers, the venture exemplifies a trend toward asset-light, long-term collaborations, which provide companies with the flexibility to grow without significant capital outlays.
This approach allows Hyatt and Grupo Piñero to focus on delivering exceptional guest experiences while minimizing direct real estate ownership risks. For hotel owners and investors, the partnership enhances the value of Hyatt’s brand portfolio, with potential returns generated through the increased appeal of a broader, more interconnected all-inclusive network.
The Hyatt and Grupo Piñero joint venture reflects the evolving nature of hospitality in a competitive global market. As travel rebounds and consumer demand shifts toward all-inclusive and immersive experiences, strategic partnerships like this one offer valuable growth opportunities. By combining Hyatt’s international reach and loyalty network with Grupo Piñero’s established presence in the all-inclusive market, the venture sets a new standard for luxury and accessible all-inclusive hospitality.
With a shared commitment to sustainable tourism and a focus on community impact, this partnership aims to create meaningful experiences for guests while fostering positive change in the destinations it serves. As the transaction finalizes and Bahia Principe Hotels & Resorts joins Hyatt’s portfolio, travelers and World of Hyatt members can look forward to an enhanced range of all-inclusive offerings worldwide. This collaboration marks an exciting chapter for both companies, positioning them for continued success in the dynamic world of luxury all-inclusive travel.