ACAPULCO, Mexico — AMResorts has its eye on several new
destinations, including Haiti.
"There is a huge potential in Haiti and a big need for
investment. We're engaged in talks now," Alex Zozaya, CEO of Apple Leisure
Group (AMResorts’ parent company), said at the Tianguis Turistico trade show on
Tuesday.
In the Caribbean, AMResorts also is exploring opportunities in
the Bahamas and Cuba. And, the company would like another resort in Jamaica, in
addition to the Secrets Wild Orchid and Secrets St. James in Montego Bay.
"Cuba represents many opportunities to grow our brands.
Cuba is eager for the U.S. market, and the destination will be a game changer
for us. We will be one of the biggest players," Zozaya predicted.
In Mexico, where AMResorts already has 27 properties across
its six brands, the company eyes expansion to Acapulco, Mazatlan and
Manzanillo.
However, there will be no foray into urban locations. The company has
ruled out Mexico City and will stick to beach resorts.
"We remain focused on beach destinations that are
within a five-hour flight from the U.S.," said Gonzalo del Peon,
president of AMResorts.
AMResorts said its room count grew 13% in 2014. Last year, the
company opened the Dreams Las Mareas Costa Rica, Secrets Playa Mujeres Golf
& Spa Resort, Dreams Sugar Bay St. Thomas, Dreams Sands Cancun Resort &
Spa, and Zoetry Villa Rolandi Isla Mujeres.
St. Thomas was a new destination for AMResorts. It plans to
open its first Panama resort, the Dreams Buenaventura, in 2016.
The company’s six brands are Secrets, Dreams, Sunscape,
Zoetry, Now and Breathless.