Bem-vindo, City Express by Marriott -- Now Arriving in Brazil

Rhea-AI Summary

Marriott International (NYSE:MAR) has announced the signing of seven City Express by Marriott hotels in Brazil, marking the brand's debut in the country. This is part of a larger development agreement with FÁBRICA DE HOTÉIS to open 30 properties across Northeast Brazil over the next 15 years.

The seven new properties will add over 750 guest rooms across key locations, including the Suape Industrial Port Complex in Ipojuca, Porto de Galinhas, Natal, and Fortaleza. The first openings are expected by 2028, with additional properties planned along Cabo de Santo Agostinho by 2029.

This expansion follows City Express by Marriott's recent growth across the Caribbean and Latin America region, with the brand now present in five countries and over 60 projects in the pipeline.

Positive

• Strategic expansion into Brazil's Northeast region with 30 properties planned over 15 years
• Addition of over 750 new guest rooms across high-growth destinations
• Expansion of Marriott's presence in the growing midscale segment
• Properties will be part of the Marriott Bonvoy ecosystem, enhancing value proposition

Negative

• None.

Insights

Hospitality Industry Analyst

Marriott's aggressive midscale expansion in Brazil strengthens its CALA footprint and diversifies its portfolio with 30 new properties planned.

Marriott International's planned expansion of City Express into Brazil represents a strategic deepening of its presence in the Caribbean and Latin America (CALA) region. The agreement with FÁBRICA DE HOTÉIS LTDA to develop 30 properties over 15 years - beginning with seven hotels adding over 750 rooms - targets Brazil's economically vibrant Northeast region.

This move comes at a pivotal time for Marriott's midscale strategy. The City Express brand, which only joined Marriott Bonvoy in 2023, is showing remarkable momentum with presence now in five countries and plans for six additional markets with over 60 projects in development. This rapid scaling demonstrates Marriott's commitment to the cost-conscious segment while leveraging its powerful distribution platform.

The targeted locations reveal a sophisticated market-entry strategy. Properties in the Suape Industrial Port Complex will capture corporate demand from Brazil's industrial development hub, while hotels in Porto de Galinhas, Natal, and Fortaleza position Marriott to benefit from both business and leisure travel. This dual-purpose approach maximizes occupancy potential across business cycles.

For Marriott, this expansion accomplishes multiple strategic objectives: it diversifies their portfolio into the growing midscale segment, strengthens their CALA footprint in a key emerging market, and creates new touchpoints for Marriott Bonvoy member acquisition in previously underserved locations. The development timeline (2028-2029 openings) suggests a measured approach that balances growth with proper market preparation.

The brand makes its anticipated debut with seven new hotels, part of a long-term agreement to develop 30 properties across Northeast Brazil over the next 15 years with FÁBRICA DE HOTÉIS LTDA.

PORTO DE GALINHAS, Brazil, July 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Marriott International, Inc. announced the signing of seven City Express by Marriott hotels in Brazil with FÁBRICA DE HOTÉIS marking the brand's anticipated debut in the country. This milestone is part of a broader multi-unit development agreement to open 30 City Express by Marriott properties across Brazil's Northeast region over the next 15 years.

The signing was celebrated at a special ceremony in Porto de Galinhas, attended by local government officials, representatives from the owning real estate firm, Marriott executives, and members of the media.

This announcement builds on the brand's recent momentum across the Caribbean and Latin America (CALA) region. In June, Marriott announced the expected entry of City Express by Marriott into El Salvador with four new hotels. Earlier this year, the company unveiled plans to launch City Express by Marriott in Argentina, Bolivia, Nicaragua, and Peru, beginning in January 2025. In March, the brand officially debuted in the United States, with plans to expand into Canada.

City Express by Marriott now has a presence in five countries, with an additional six markets and over 60 projects in the pipeline—underscoring its rapid growth and increasing impact in the midscale hospitality segment.

"We're excited to continue our collaboration with FÁBRICA DE HOTÉIS. to bring the City Express by Marriott brand to Brazil," said Federico Greppi, Chief Operations, Marriott International, Caribbean and Latin America (CALA). "This agreement reflects our ongoing commitment to combining Marriott's global scale with local expertise—delivering efficient, high-quality accommodations and providing access to our powerful platforms and the Marriott Bonvoy ecosystem."

"These new hotel signings are a testament to the trust our owners and franchisees place in Marriott International and the strength of our world-class brands," said Bojan Kumer, Regional Vice President of Development for Marriott International in CALA. "Brazil is a key growth market for us, and we continue to see opportunities to further diversify our portfolio in the country. We're especially excited about expanding in the affordable midscale segment with City Express by Marriott."

"We believe hospitality is a driver of development. City Express by Marriott in the Northeast is not just a new hotel — it's the connection between a global brand and the region's economic potential," said Tarcysio Malheiros, Director of FÁBRICA DE HOTÉIS.

The seven newly signed properties will contribute with over 750 guest rooms across key, high-growth destinations in Northeast Brazil, reinforcing Marriott's commitment to expanding access to quality accommodations in emerging markets.

In Ipojuca, Pernambuco, City Express by Marriott is set to open a hotel in the Suape Industrial Port Complex, a key hub for economic and industrial development in Brazil. Another property will open in Porto de Galinhas, one of the country's top tourist destinations, with an expected opening by 2028.

Additionally, by early 2028, the brand plans to expand into the vibrant cities of Natal and Fortaleza with new properties. These hotels will cater to a wide range of guests — from public sector and energy professionals to beachgoers and urban travelers — offering smart, well-located accommodations suitable for both business and leisure travel.

These developments will be followed by additional hotels along the coastal area of Cabo de Santo Agostinho and in other regions, with openings expected by 2029. Together, these properties will serve a diverse mix of corporate, logistics, and leisure travelers, reflecting the economic and tourism growth of Brazil's Northeast region.

City Express by Marriott, which joined Marriott Bonvoy portfolio in 2023, is designed to meet the needs of cost-conscious business and leisure travelers seeking modern, comfortable, and centrally located accommodations. The brand's regional expansion aligns with Marriott International's strategy to diversify its offerings and capture new customer segments.

ABOUT MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL
Marriott International, Inc. (Nasdaq: MAR) is based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, and encompasses a portfolio of nearly 9,500 properties across more than 30 leading brands in 144 countries and territories. Marriott operates, franchises, and licenses hotel, residential, timeshare, and other lodging properties all around the world. The company offers Marriott Bonvoy^®, its highly awarded travel platform. 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 5 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 www.marriott.com/loyalty.mi. For more information or reservations, visit www.marriott.com, and for the latest company updates, visit www.marriottnewscenter.com.

ABOUT FÁBRICA DE HOTÉIS
Fábrica de Hotéis develops hospitality projects that connect global brands, investors, and regions, combining economic viability with regional impact. More than just developments, we deliver end-to-end solutions — from concept to operation — focused on generating value, boosting local economies, and translating each region's identity into authentic hospitality experiences. We design experiences. We deliver destinations.

 

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SOURCE Marriott International, Inc.

FAQ

How many City Express by Marriott hotels will open in Brazil?

Marriott has signed seven initial City Express hotels in Brazil, with plans to develop a total of 30 properties across Northeast Brazil over the next 15 years.

When will the first City Express by Marriott hotels open in Brazil?

The first properties in Porto de Galinhas, Natal, and Fortaleza are expected to open by 2028, with additional locations planned by 2029.

Where will the new City Express by Marriott hotels be located in Brazil?

The hotels will be located in key destinations including the Suape Industrial Port Complex in Ipojuca, Porto de Galinhas, Natal, Fortaleza, and Cabo de Santo Agostinho.

Who is Marriott partnering with for the City Express expansion in Brazil?

Marriott is partnering with FÁBRICA DE HOTÉIS for the development of City Express properties in Northeast Brazil.

How many rooms will the new Brazilian City Express by Marriott hotels add?

The seven newly signed properties will contribute over 750 guest rooms across various locations in Northeast Brazil.