A recent survey conducted by Marriott International in the Caribbean and Latin America (MI CALA) on travel trends found that the most crucial factor when choosing a destination was exploring the culture and local history (86%), beating out gastronomy (79%), beach settings (74%), outdoor adventures (73%), and extreme adventures (39%). Further cementing cultural experiences as a reason for travel, this survey finding provided further insight into the decision-making process for travelers.
With access to Marriott International’s award-winning program, Marriott Bonvoy, travelers can enjoy a stay at over 300 properties in 37 destinations such as Peru, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, Brazil, Colombia, St. Kitts, Aruba, the Cayman Islands, Mexico, Panama, Chile, Ecuador, and so many more. In addition, through Marriott Bonvoy Moments and on-property partnerships, members can enrich their experience by choosing from thousands of tours and activities, such as visiting UNESCO World Heritage Sites, historical adventures, and culinary tastings.
“The Caribbean and Latin American region is ideal for travelers looking to explore cultural and historical sites offering an exceptional variety of destinations and hotels from mountainous adventures, dynamic urban settings, music, art, design, history and of course tropical beaches,” said Diana Plazas Trowbridge, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer for Marriott International in the Caribbean & Latin America. “Through Marriott Bonvoy and on-property partnerships, we are keeping this important factor top of mind every day by providing our members with thousands of unique offerings to enrich and fulfill their experience no matter what destination they choose.”
UNESCO World Heritage Sites
UNESCO World Heritage sites provide travelers with the unique opportunity to explore protected areas of natural and cultural relevance. Across the CALA region, Marriott International offers guests exclusive access to earn Marriott Bonovy points by checking out nearby UNESCO historical sites, allowing travelers to craft educational itineraries and ensure their experiences are deeper and more meaningful.
Urubamba, Peru: Guests interested in exploring the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Machu Picchu can stay at the Tambo del Inka, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa. This hotel features a private train station to embark on a journey from Urubamba to Machu Picchu. Guests will feel transported back in time with the train cars emulating 1920s-style carriages—including a dining car and a panoramic observation car —gourmet cuisine and the highest quality of service.
Panama City, Panama: Located 15 minutes from the UNESCO World Heritage site, Casco Viejo, W Panama offers a Marriott Bonvoy guided tour highlighting the area’s architectural gems while wandering through the Plaza de la Catedral and Calzada de Amador. This tour includes private transportation, a guide, and a refreshing Panamanian raspado, a shaved ice dessert with fruit syrup and condensed milk.
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic: Situated in the vibrant city of Santo Domingo, the JW Marriott Santo Domingo offers travelers a tour of The Colonial Zone, where you will experience the capital city’s rich cultural history. Guests will begin by exploring the oldest European settlement in the New World, which features historical gems such as Plaza de España, Alcazar de Colón, the Sundial, and Primate Cathedral. Travelers can try rich Dominican Chocolate at the Kah Kow Museum or tour San Pedro de Macoris and La Romana to experience the island’s local products, including key exports like rum, tobacco, and cocoa.
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: Nestled along white sandy beaches, guests can stay at the luxurious beachfront JW Marriott Hotel Rio de Janeiro and explore the city’s extensive verdure. Deemed a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Jardim Botânico features extensive flora, including Amazonian water lilies and the infamous glass orchid house. This Marriott Bonvoy three-hour idyllic tour includes a private tour that guides travelers through the 140-hectare park, exploring over 6,000 species of fauna and species native to the region, like monkeys and toucans.
Quito, Ecuador: Guests looking to explore Old Town can stay at the JW Marriott Quito. Old Town is Quito’s historic district and has been named a UNESCO Cultural Heritage Site because of its relatively unchanged colonial squares, local shops, restaurants, and colorful architecture alongside hilly cobblestone streets.
Historical Adventures & Culinary Tours
From urban adventures to mountainous escapes or tropical beaches, the CALA region offers guests the opportunity to fully immerse and participate in historical adventures and culinary tours to engage with the local community. From authentic Colombian coffee tastings in Bogota to sightseeing at Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park in Grand Cayman, or a 48-hour concierge service in Mexico City, this region offers guests many unique experiences to explore local culture and history.
Bogota, Colombia: At the W Bogota, guests can indulge in an authentic Colombian experience and escape to Cafetal de la Trinidad, a traditional farm and one of the first haciendas to pioneer coffee planting in the region. During this historical tour, guests will experience a full coffee tasting with farm-sourced Colombian refreshments and traditional cuisine while taking in over 300 hectares of scenery.
Santa Marta, Colombia: At the Santa Marta Marriott Resort Playa Dormida, travelers can visit an indigenous Kogui community Mulkuankungui. This Marriott Bonovy experience invites guests to be hosted by a Kogui family who aims to teach travelers about the importance of various rites of culture, customs, and beliefs. During their stay, a tree will be planted in the nearby mountain range of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, symbolically representing the environmental awareness that the Kogui tribes promulgate.
Additionally, the women of this tribe are skilled weavers, and during this tour, travelers will have the opportunity to learn this incredible art.
Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands: Located on the North Side of Grand Cayman and 35 minutes from the Grand Cayman Marriott Resort, guests can enjoy a leisurely walk through the Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park. As guests stroll through the colorful garden, they can sit near the lake, which serves as a habitat and breeding ground for native birds and other species native to the Caribbean. The Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park includes the Floral Garden, Orchid Boardwalk, Xerophytic Garden, Heritage Garden, Woodland Trail, and the Children’s Garden.
San Juan, Puerto Rico: Travelers to Puerto Rico should be sure to include the historical charm of Old San Juan on their itinerary. This charming city features incredible colonial architecture, beautiful ocean views, and a wide range of traditional gastronomic options. Travelers staying at the San Juan Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino or the Sheraton Puerto Rico Hotel & Casino are close to Old San Juan, and the hotels offer complimentary shuttle service for all guests.
St. Kitts & Nevis: Located on the beautiful and historic island of Saint Christopher, the beachfront St. Kitts Marriott Resort & The Royal Beach Casino offers relaxation and excitement for the entire family alongside unique experiences to learn about the local community and its history. In partnership with Sunlinc and The Tour Desk, the hotel can arrange various tour experiences, such as the Sugar Heritage and Culture tour and The Scenic Railway tour. The former provides a chance to experience old sugar mills and historical UNESCO sites like Brimstone Hill Fortress.
Mexico City, Mexico: For travelers who only have 48 hours to spend in the city, they can stay at the St. Regis Mexico City, which is located alongside the iconic Paseo de la Reforma and offers a specialty curated itinerary by the hotel’s Clefs d’Or concierge. Travelers can explore Mexico City’s eclectic art scene by visiting galleries such as Marso, which celebrates emerging artists, or visit Munal, a museum containing ancient Mexican art from the 16th to 20th century. For those looking to indulge in epicurean experiences, the concierge has plenty of recommendations, the most popular of which is El Cardenal, a family business since 1969.
Palm Beach, Aruba: Ideally located on Palm Beach, the Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino offers travelers a chance to learn more about aloe vera, Aruba’s top export. Offering tours of The Aruba Aloe Museum and Factory, travelers can learn about the economic staple of the island and get a glimpse into the production and history of the plant. Additionally, the hotel recommends taking part in an open-air Jeep tour for a thrilling adventure. Travelers will blaze a trail through the wild beauty of Aruba’s outback and see the island through the eyes of a local.
Santiago, Chile: The Chilean vineyards have gained worldwide fame and prestige for the quality and variety of wines. Just a short drive from The Ritz-Carlton, Santiago, or the Santiago Marriott Hotel, guests can join the Tour Concha Y Toro, which offers a bilingual tour guide to enjoy panoramic views of Vineyard Pirque and surrounding areas. Travelers can walk around the ancient park and witness the underground cellars founder Don Melchor Concha y Toro.
The annual survey, conducted in partnership with Maru/Blue, focused on travel trends for the Caribbean and Latin American region and explored travelers’ preferences for 2023. The survey compiled insights from 1,500 U.S. respondents and allowed Marriott International to remain at the forefront of global hospitality.
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