NEW YORK -- The agreement between Wyndham International and Viva
Resorts to rebrand Viva's properties as Viva Wyndham Resorts will
give Wyndham a foothold in markets where it lacked a presence and
raises Viva's profile in the lucrative U.S. market, officials said.
As reported, Wyndham International is expanding in Mexico, the
Dominican Republic and the Bahamas through a 10-year alliance with
Viva Resorts, the operator of all-inclusive resorts based in Santo
Domingo, the Dominican Republic.
Under the agreement, as of Dec. 1, Viva's three resorts in
Mexico, as well as its resorts in the Dominican Republic and the
Bahamas, will be rebranded as Viva Wyndham Resorts and incorporated
into the Wyndham portfolio.
The Viva Wyndham properties will incorporate Wyndham brand
standards and the resorts will participate in the Wyndham ByRequest
guest-recognition program.
"Building a strong partnership with a brand like Wyndham is the
key component to ensuring our guests enjoy a consistent, upscale
hotel product," said Ettore Colussi, Viva Resorts president.
"Wyndham's highly regarded industry reputation will help us
quickly raise awareness stateside and entice more business from the
U.S.," Colussi said.
Fred Kleisner, chairman of Wyndham International, said, "The
partnership with Viva allows us to expand in new Caribbean and
Mexican markets, as well as provide more choices for guests looking
for all-inclusive resort experiences."
In Mexico, the rebranded resorts are the 400-room Viva Wyndham
Maya and the 234-room Viva Wyndham Azteca, both in the Riviera
Maya, and the 355-room Viva Wyndham Vallarta in Puerto
Vallarta.
In addition to the three Viva Wyndham properties in Mexico,
Wyndham operates a hotel with a different brand, the Grand Bay
Hotel Isla Navidad -- A Wyndham Luxury Resort, near Manzanillo.
To contact reporter Jorge Sidron, send e-mail to [email protected].