Sonesta Joins Forces with AKEN for Latin America Growth
Sonesta International Hotels Corporation has taken a major step in its global expansion by announcing a strategic alliance with AKEN Hotels & Resorts, a premier group with a growing portfolio across South America and the Caribbean. Under the terms of the definitive agreement, expected to be finalized in mid-2025, Sonesta will integrate AKEN’s properties into its international development pipeline, boosting its presence across high-growth markets that include Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean and key South American destinations.
Brian Quinn, Sonesta’s Chief Development Officer, highlighted the strategic importance of the partnership, noting that “Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean and South America represent tremendous potential for travel demand, guest loyalty and engagement.” By joining forces with AKEN Hotels & Resorts, Sonesta gains immediate scale in a region renowned for both leisure and business travel growth. Quinn emphasized that the alliance aligns perfectly with Sonesta’s three-pillar growth strategy—be Fast, Friendly and Flexible—while partnering with a brand that shares a commitment to exceptional service and guest experience.
Keith Pierce, Sonesta’s Executive Vice President and President of Franchise and Development, underscored AKEN’s strengths in ecotourism and conscious luxury. “As travelers continue to look for authentic experiences, this agreement represents a unique opportunity for Sonesta to create a strategic alignment with AKEN, a brand recognized for its experience in ecotourism and conscious luxury,” Pierce explained. He added that AKEN’s deep local insight and operational excellence will provide Sonesta with critical mass in untapped luxury markets across Latin America.
Key to the alliance is the integration of AKEN’s award-winning properties into Sonesta’s global loyalty ecosystem. Members of Sonesta’s rapidly growing Sonesta Travel Pass program will gain access to a broader array of redemption opportunities, enjoying deeper regional access from eco-lodges in Brazil’s Atlantic Forest to beachfront retreats in Colombia’s Caribbean coast. This expanded footprint will enable travelers to earn and redeem points at more than 1,200 properties worldwide, further enhancing guest engagement and lifetime value.
Luis Gallotti, co-founder and co-CEO of AKEN Hotels & Resorts, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating, “We’re thrilled to begin a relationship with Sonesta to bring the spirit of South American hospitality to a broader global audience.” He noted that the alliance will amplify AKEN’s reach, strengthen its global sales distribution and accelerate growth—all while preserving the brand’s roots in immersive local experiences, thoughtful service and architecturally distinctive design.
Industry analysts view the alliance as a savvy response to shifting travel patterns, with Latin America emerging as a top destination for sustainable tourism, cultural immersion and adventure travel. By partnering with AKEN, Sonesta taps into a network of eco-friendly properties that appeal to environmentally conscious guests, positioning both brands to capitalize on rising demand for authentic, nature-based experiences.
The agreement comes at a time when consolidation and strategic partnerships are reshaping the hospitality landscape. Sonesta’s move to join forces with AKEN Hotels & Resorts not only accelerates its footprint across the Americas but also reinforces its reputation for innovative growth strategies. With the deal expected to close by mid-2025, both companies are poised to welcome a new era of collaboration that promises enhanced loyalty benefits, expanded distribution channels and deeper engagement with travelers seeking authentic luxury across South America and the Caribbean.
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