HotelsMag October/November 2026 | Page 67

structure for owners and developers. It remains a compelling region for investment, supported by favorable exchange rates, competitive construction and labor economics, strong demand fundamentals and— in many markets— government incentives aligned with tourism growth.
6,527 rooms, more than 20 % of our signed pipeline.
Our soft conversion-friendly brands, including Autograph Collection, Tribute Portfolio and The Luxury Collection, give owners flexibility to renovate and rebrand existing assets efficiently
At the same time, new-build developments remain attractive, particularly for resorts and properties where the guest experience benefits from purpose-built development. Conversions can help owners move faster, while new builds make sense when the destination, scale or concept calls for it.
Relay technology provides a cloud-connected, voice-driven Recent openings safety such and communication as Nekajui Peninsula platform for Papagayo hotel staff, a Ritz-Carlton
. Reserve, reflect the region ' s demand for differentiated luxury experiences rooted in a strong sense of place.
in the breadth and flexibility of our brand portfolio. CALA is highly diverse, and we consistently focus on aligning the right brand in the right location, at the right cost
HOTELS: All-inclusive is a major growth driver in the region, with W Punta Cana, Adult All-Inclusive a glaring example. Why does the model work so well in CALA, and are developers looking to do more? Castaño: All-inclusive works extremely well in CALA because it aligns naturally with the region’ s leisure demand and resort appeal— and it’ s also a strong business model for investors. The model drives operational efficiency, improves forecasting through longer booking windows and supports attractive operating margins thanks to predictable revenue and tighter cost control. It also creates meaningful upsell opportunities beyond the base package.
We’ re seeing more resort clustering and dual-brand opportunities, which further improve back-of-house efficiency and allow owners to reach a broader guest base. A key
HOTELS: Marriott is defined by its plethora of brands up and down the chain scale— from luxury down to midscale. Are there particular brands best fitting for the region or can any of Marriott’ s brands work? Castaño: Our advantage in CALA lies
Costa Rica is one of the destinations where Marriott is focusing its CALA growth, with over 16 current projects and more than 2,254 rooms.
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