Hyatt Reinforces Its Leadership Ambition in the All-Inclusive Segment with New Leadership Appointment in its Inclusive Collection
- EDITOR
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
Maria Zarraluqui brings more than 25 years of industry-leading expertise in all-inclusive development to her new role as SVP, Global Hyatt Inclusive Collection Growth and Owner Relations
Hyatt Hotels Corporation today announced that Maria Zarraluqui has been appointed SVP, Global Hyatt Inclusive Collection Growth and Owner Relations, underscoring Hyatt’s Inclusive Collection ambition to further strengthen its leadership position in the all-inclusive segment. This appointment, effective March 1, 2026, will help unlock the next phase of growth for an all-inclusive portfolio that already spans more than 150 resorts and 55,000 rooms across Latin America, the Caribbean, and Europe, with plans to expand further within these regions and beyond.
In this newly created role, Maria will focus on asset-light growth strategies, resort development and repositioning, and the cultivation of strategic relationships to support the long-term expansion of Hyatt’s all-inclusive portfolio. She will report directly to Javier Águila, President, Inclusive Collection, Hyatt, who stepped into his global role in March 2025.
“Maria brings a broad track record of success in growing all-inclusive portfolios, along with an outstanding industry reputation, which will further strengthen and propel the Inclusive Collection’s development team as we continue to solidify the portfolio as a global leader, building on the industry-leading expansion achieved in recent years,” said Javier Águila, President, Inclusive Collection, Hyatt. “We have taken a creative approach to organic and inorganic growth and focused on delivering outsized results for our owners, and Maria’s appointment will be central to advancing that strategy.”
Most recently serving as Vice President of Global Development at Meliá Hotels International, Maria brings more than 25 years of experience in the hospitality industry. She has led development across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Southeast Asia, China, and the Americas, executing more than 350 hotel deals in both new and established markets. Her experience includes successful joint ventures and a strong track record of building strategic alliances with major international partners. Maria is an active board advisor and committee leader across multiple organizations. She is also a global speaker and a real estate professor at IE Business School in Madrid. She holds a master’s degree in legal consultancy for enterprises from Deusto University, a mention of honour as number one of the 2008-2009 Executive Tourist MBA, IE Business School in Madrid, and a law degree from the University of Navarra.
Hyatt’s Inclusive Collection currently comprises more than 150 resorts and 55,000 rooms across Latin America, the Caribbean, and Europe. Hyatt recently completed its transactions related to the acquisition of Playa Hotels & Resorts following the successful sale of its real estate portfolio to Tortuga Resorts, resulting in a fully asset-light transaction.
The portfolio continues to expand in destinations and countries that matter most to guests and World of Hyatt members, with the recent openings of Secrets Playa Esmeralda Resort & Spa, Dreams Playa Esmeralda Resort & Spa, Secrets St. Lucia Resort & Spa, and Secrets Baby Beach Aruba, as well as the planned openings of Hyatt Vivid Punta Cana and Secrets Macao Beach Punta Cana in 2026. Read more here - Hotel Management Global Outlook Link
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