Categorizing…

The Caribbean and Latin American (CALA) lodging market has experienced some challenges in 2025. While visitation from the U.S. has cooled down, intra-regional travel has increased. As always, market performance varies by segment. Modest-priced properties have struggled, but luxury and all-inclusive properties have prospered. The major international brands and developers continue to increase their presence throughout CALA by developing branded residences and highly experiential lodging properties.

This is a story about a disagreement I had with a client. I should mention, this was a friendly disagreement. His idea of an amazing experience was to go above and beyond, always exceeding the customer’s expectations.

Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) is expanding the reach of its Essentials portfolio with several major milestones, including signing more than 20 new Hyatt Select deals this year and reaching 70 total hotel deals for the Hyatt Studios brand since its launch, highlighting the portfolio’s continued growth in new markets across the Americas. Underscoring the momentum, Jason Ballard was recently appointed as Global Brand Leader – Essentials to steer this anticipated next phase of exponential growth.