Marriott Expands Luxury Offerings With JW Marriott in Costa Rica

Core Insights - Marriott International, Inc. has entered into an agreement with Mullen Real Estate Capital to develop a JW Marriott All-Inclusive resort in Costa Elena, Costa Rica, set to convert in July 2025 and join the Marriott Bonvoy portfolio by Spring 2026 [1][2] Group 1: Expansion and Development - The introduction of the JW Marriott All-Inclusive resort marks a strategic expansion of Marriott's presence in Costa Rica, collaborating with Mullen Real Estate Capital, a significant player in the all-inclusive sector in the CALA region [2] - The resort will feature 415 guest rooms, 11 dining options, and 44,000 square feet of water amenities, including 17 swimming pools, aiming to provide a high-end experience for visitors [3] - As of year-end 2024, Marriott has 22 open properties across 15 brands in Costa Rica, with a development pipeline of 15 properties totaling 1,776 rooms, indicating strong growth in the region [4] Group 2: Global Presence and Performance - Marriott operates nearly 9,361 properties in 144 countries and territories, focusing on global expansion to meet the increasing demand for hotels in international markets [5] - In 2024, Marriott achieved a net room growth of 6.8%, adding 109,000 rooms globally, bringing the total to over 1.71 million rooms, with a development pipeline of 3,766 hotels and approximately 577,000 rooms [6] - The company is particularly focused on strengthening its presence outside the United States, especially in Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa [6] Group 3: Financial Performance and Market Trends - Despite a year-to-date share price decline of 11.6%, Marriott is expected to benefit from robust global travel demand, which is anticipated to drive growth in international markets [7] - The company entered 2025 with strong business momentum, with global group revenues tracking 6% higher for 2025 and 10% higher for 2026, driven by increases in both room nights and average daily rates (ADR) [9]