City Express by Marriott Set to Expand into New Countries Across the Caribbean and Latin America

Rhea-AI Summary

Marriott International announced expansion plans for its City Express by Marriott brand into four new markets across the Caribbean and Latin America region: Argentina, Bolivia, Nicaragua, and Peru. The brand, which currently operates 153 hotels with 17,777 rooms in the CALA region, signed 12 new hotels (1,236 rooms) in 2024.

Eight new properties are expected to open over the next three years, including two hotels in Argentina (Iguazu and Añelo Neuquén), one in Bolivia (Santa Cruz), three in Nicaragua (Managua, Estelí, and Leon), and two in Peru (dual-brand property in Casma). These additions complement the brand's existing presence in Mexico, Chile, Colombia, and Costa Rica, following Marriott's acquisition of the City Express brand portfolio in 2023.

Positive

• Significant expansion with 12 new hotels (1,236 rooms) signed in 2024
• Strategic entry into 4 new markets strengthening regional presence
• Strong existing portfolio of 153 hotels with 17,777 rooms in CALA region
• Diversification into high-growth markets and business centers

Negative

• None.

Insights

Market Research Analyst

The planned expansion of City Express by Marriott across four new Latin American markets represents a calculated move to capitalize on the region's growing middle-class travel segment. The strategy demonstrates three key strengths:

Strategic Market Selection: The chosen locations reveal a sophisticated dual-market approach:

• High-value tourist destinations (Iguazu Falls, Peru's coastal region)
• Business-critical areas (Santa Cruz's economic center, Vaca Muerta's energy hub)

Operational Efficiency: The mix of new builds and conversions shows financial prudence:

• Conversions in Nicaragua enable rapid market entry with lower capital requirements
• New constructions in growing markets position for long-term value appreciation

Revenue Diversification: The expansion strengthens Marriott's position in the midscale segment, which typically shows resilience during economic downturns. The dual-branded property in Peru particularly stands out as it allows operational cost sharing while targeting different customer segments.

While the immediate revenue impact may be modest relative to Marriott's global operations, this expansion establishes important footholds in underserved markets with significant growth potential. The timing aligns with post-pandemic travel recovery and increasing regional business activity, particularly in markets like Bolivia's Santa Cruz and Argentina's Vaca Muerta region.

Underscoring Marriott's expansion in the affordable midscale segment, the City Express by Marriott brand plans to debut in Argentina, Bolivia, Nicaragua, and Peru, with eight properties expected to open over the next three years.

PLANTATION, Fla., Jan. 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- City Express by Marriott, part of Marriott Bonvoy's portfolio of over 30 extraordinary brands, announced its planned entry into four new markets across the Caribbean and Latin America (CALA) region – Argentina, Bolivia, Nicaragua, and Peru – further solidifying Marriott International's presence in the affordable midscale segment.  In 2024, Marriott signed 12 City Express by Marriott hotels (comprising 1,236 rooms). The City Express by Marriott portfolio currently encompasses 153 hotels and 17,777 rooms across the CALA region.

Following Marriott's acquisition of the City Express brand portfolio in 2023, which marked the company's entry into affordable midscale, the brand has demonstrated strong performance and expansion across the CALA region. This includes continued success in its country of origin, Mexico, and new opportunities for development in secondary and tertiary destinations across the country. The anticipated expansion into Argentina, Bolivia, Nicaragua, and Peru adds to the existing portfolio in Mexico, Chile, Colombia, and Costa Rica. This announcement comes on the heels of Marriott International's recently announced plans to bring the City Express by Marriott brand to Brazil and to expand the brand into the United States and Canada as a new transient midscale offering in the region.

"We are thrilled to introduce the City Express by Marriott brand to Argentina, Bolivia, Nicaragua, and Peru," said Laurent de Kousemaeker, Chief Development Officer for Marriott International in the Caribbean and Latin America. "The brand's expansion underscores the increasing demand for affordable, high-quality lodging options in the region. These new signings reflect our commitment to providing diverse travel experiences for every guest and our focus on providing new build and conversion opportunities for our owners and developers. We are confident that City Express by Marriott will continue to thrive in these dynamic markets."

With a robust pipeline and continued focus on strategic development, City Express by Marriott is well-positioned to meet the needs of travelers seeking value-driven accommodations without compromising on quality and service.

Argentina

City Express by Marriott Iguazu, Argentina: Situated in the border town of Puerto Iguazu, the gateway to the world-famous natural wonder of Iguazu Falls, this property is expected to begin operating with 87 rooms in the second quarter of 2025. City Express by Marriott Añelo Neuquén, Argentina: Located in the Neuquén Province within the Patagonia region, this property will feature 100 rooms. The hotel is expected to open in 2027, supporting the growth of Vaca Muerta, a rapidly expanding hub for the oil and gas industries.

Bolivia

City Express by Marriott Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia: This new property is slated to start construction in the first quarter of 2025 in Santa Cruz, Bolivia's largest and most populated city.  Santa Cruz is the country's most important business center and largely considered its economic heart. The property will feature 100 rooms and is anticipated to open in early 2027.

Nicaragua

City Express by Marriott Managua, Nicaragua: With an anticipated conversion in Q3 2025, this 100-room hotel will be part of a mixed-use development with Las Americas shopping mall and the HEX Convention Center. City Express by Marriott Estelí, Nicaragua: Also planned to convert in the same timeframe, this 49-room hotel in Estelí will cater to business travelers and be part of a mixed-use development with Multicentro Estelí shopping mall. City Centro by Marriott La Recolección, Nicaragua: Located in downtown Leon, this 50-room hotel near tourist attractions and business landmarks is expected to convert in in Q3 2025 as well. The brand is celebrating a milestone with its first hotels in Nicaragua, while strengthening its presence in high-growth destinations.

Peru

City Express Plus by Marriott and City Express Suites by Marriott, Casma, Peru: Both hotels are anticipated to open in 2027 in Casma, Ancash, Peru, as part of a dual-brand property development within an enterprising tourism and lifestyle project known as the "Peruvian Miami Beach." City Express Plus by Marriott will feature 120 rooms, while City Express Suites by Marriott will offer 80 rooms. Known as the "Land of the Eternal Sun" due to its sunny climate, Casma is in the coastal desert of Peru. Its rich history, coastal landscape, and archaeological significance make it a fascinating destination for leisure tourists exploring Peru's coastal regions.

NOTE ON FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This press release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of United States federal securities laws, including statements related to expected hotel openings; brand debuts in certain markets; future growth and deal opportunities; and similar statements concerning anticipated future events and expectations that are not historical facts. We caution you that these statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to numerous evolving risks and uncertainties that we may not be able to accurately predict or assess, including the risk factors that we identify in our U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission filings, including our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K or Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Any of these factors could cause actual results to differ materially from the expectations we express or imply in this press release. We make these forward-looking statements as of the date of this press release and undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise these statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

ABOUT MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL
Marriott International, Inc. (Nasdaq: MAR) is based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, and encompasses a portfolio of nearly 9,100 properties across more than 30 leading brands in 142 countries and territories. Marriott operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts all around the world. The company offers Marriott Bonvoy®, its highly awarded travel program.  For more information, please visit our website at www.marriott.com, and for the latest company news, visit www.marriottnewscenter.com.  In addition, connect with us on Facebook and @MarriottIntl on X and Instagram.

ABOUT CITY EXPRESS BY MARRIOTT
City Express by Marriott offers travelers a space where convenience meets comfort. Catering to the needs of both business and leisure travelers, the brand offers seamless and efficient stays in convenient locations ensuring a hassle-free journey. With a focus on quality and simplicity, guests do more than just stay – they relax, recharge, and get ready for whatever comes next. With over 150 properties in 4 countries, City Express by Marriott, our flagship, stands alongside City Express Plus by Marriott, City Express Suites by Marriott, City Express Junior by Marriott, and City Centro by Marriott each uniquely designed for a different segment of travelers. City Express by Marriott is proud to participate in Marriott Bonvoy®, the global travel program from Marriott International. The program offers members an extraordinary portfolio of global brands, exclusive experiences on Marriott Bonvoy Moments, and unparalleled benefits including free nights and Elite status recognition. To enroll for free or for more information about the program, visit https://www.marriott.com/loyalty.mi. For more information or reservations, visit marriott.com, for the latest company updates, visit news.marriott.com.

 

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SOURCE Marriott International, Inc.

FAQ

How many new City Express by Marriott hotels were signed in 2024?

Marriott signed 12 new City Express hotels comprising 1,236 rooms in 2024.

When will the City Express by Marriott Iguazu, Argentina location open?

The City Express by Marriott Iguazu is expected to begin operating with 87 rooms in the second quarter of 2025.

What is the current size of MAR's City Express portfolio in the CALA region?

The City Express by Marriott portfolio currently encompasses 153 hotels and 17,777 rooms across the Caribbean and Latin America region.

Which new countries will City Express by Marriott expand into?

City Express by Marriott will expand into Argentina, Bolivia, Nicaragua, and Peru.

How many properties will open in Nicaragua under the MAR City Express brand?

Three properties will open in Nicaragua: City Express by Marriott Managua, City Express by Marriott Estelí, and City Centro by Marriott La Recolección in Leon.