Marriott Expands All-Inclusive in Jamaica & Tanzania; Hyatt Arrives Victoria Falls; Waldorf Astoria
Marriott International is expanding its all-inclusive resort footprint with new properties in Jamaica and Tanzania, while the Waldorf Astoria New York prepares to host a unique tennis invitational. Concurrently, Hyatt Hotels Corporation is set to open a Grand Hyatt near Victoria Falls, and Four Seasons Naviva introduces an exclusive spirit partnership.
Marriott Bolsters All-Inclusive Presence and Beverage Supply
Marriott International is significantly expanding its all-inclusive resort offerings with two new properties slated for development in the Caribbean and East Africa. A new all-inclusive resort is scheduled to open in Montego Bay, Jamaica, in 2028. Additionally, Zanzibar, Tanzania, will welcome an all-inclusive property in 2027, according to information reported by The Points Guy. This Zanzibar resort is planned to feature multiple swimming pools, a spa, a theatre, an oceanfront jetty complete with a seawater pool and bar, and a diverse culinary programme, as detailed in a press release cited by the publication. These developments underscore Marriott's continued investment in the all-inclusive segment, a model that provides guests with predictable upfront costs for their stays. Separately, Marriott is also transitioning its global beverage supply agreements, moving from Pepsi to Coca-Cola products across its portfolio.
Waldorf Astoria New York to Stage Ballroom Tennis Event
The Waldorf Astoria New York, which reopened last year, is set to host a distinctive sporting event within its historic ballroom. On 27 August, the hotel will debut the Waldorf Astoria Racquet Club: Ballroom Tennis Invitational. This event will feature professional tennis players including Tommy Paul, Ben Shelton, Leylah Fernandez, and Maria Sakkari, as reported by The Points Guy. To mark the occasion, the hotel plans to offer special accommodation packages, glasses of Moët & Chandon champagne, and specific food selections from Chef Michael Anthony's Lex Yard. This initiative represents a creative use of the hotel's iconic spaces, transforming a grand ballroom into a temporary tennis venue, thereby offering a unique attraction for guests and spectators alike within the luxury hospitality sector.
Hyatt Enters Victoria Falls; Four Seasons Naviva Partners on Local Spirit
Hyatt Hotels Corporation is expanding its footprint in Southern Africa with the planned opening of the Grand Hyatt Victoria Falls The Kingdom in Zimbabwe in 2027. This property will feature 245 rooms, a spa, and three restaurants, according to The Points Guy. It is expected to be the closest hotel to the entrance of Victoria Falls National Park, offering convenient access to one of the world's major natural attractions. Meanwhile, Naviva, a Four Seasons Resort, located on 48 acres of rainforest alongside the Pacific Ocean, has announced a partnership with Eterno Embrujo. This collaboration introduces a special, limited-batch agave-based raicilla, available exclusively at the resort. Guests can engage with this local spirit through the resort's 'Road to Raicilla' programme, which includes guided tours across land and sea, highlighting cultural aspects of the region.
Implications for Global Travel and Asian Markets
Marriott's expansion in the all-inclusive sector, particularly in destinations like Zanzibar, demonstrates a growing demand for pre-paid, comprehensive holiday options. This trend could influence resort development strategies in Asian markets such as Thailand, Vietnam, and the Philippines, where integrated resorts are increasingly popular. The shift to Coca-Cola across Marriott properties will standardise beverage offerings for travellers globally. The Waldorf Astoria's tennis invitational highlights how luxury hotels are diversifying their appeal through unique events, a strategy that could be adopted by high-end properties in Asian urban centres like Singapore or Hong Kong to attract both local and international clientele. Hyatt's entry into Victoria Falls broadens luxury accommodation choices near significant natural landmarks, potentially drawing more Asian travellers seeking safari and nature-focused holidays in Africa. The Four Seasons' focus on exclusive, locally-sourced products like raicilla reflects a broader industry move towards authentic, regionally specific guest engagements, a concept that resonates strongly with luxury resorts across Asia aiming to offer distinctive cultural programmes.
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