By the Caribbean Journal staff

Wyndham’s La Quinta hotel brand is planning a major expansion to the Dominican Republic.

Wyndham has signed an agreement with Caribbean developer Profusion Group.

 “With a top-performing Caribbean economy and millions of annual visitors, the Dominican Republic attracts a variety of travelers seeking the exceptional value, service and quality for which La Quinta by Wyndham is known in the U.S.,” said Tom Barber, Chief Global Development Officer at Wyndham. “We are committed to working with passionate, like-minded partners like Profusion Group to introduce the brand to new markets – and new travelers – around the world.”

The deal calls for a total of eight new-build La Quinta by Wyndham hotels in the Dominican Republic over the next five years.

Of that, four properties are slated to open in 2021, all of which will be managed by Wyndham’s international management division.

Barber said the expansion was due to increased demand for upper-midscale lodging, particularly in the Dominican Republic, “meeting the needs of the growing traveling class of 280 million households seeking trusted, value-driven travel experiences.”

Interestingly, the company said the hotels would open in destinations with the need for select-service hotels “as alternatives to the island’s upscale all-inclusive resorts,” along with up-and-coming cities with needs for hotel supply.

“The Dominican Republic’s leading position in the Caribbean’s hospitality sector, combined with Wyndham Hotels & Resorts’ leadership team, a strong and sustainable economy and growing middle class will add to La Quinta by Wyndham’s fast growing footprint,” said Edward De Valle II, CEO of Profusion Group.

Wyndham has been steadily increasing its Caribbean portfolio this year, from a new hotel in Belize to a relaunch in Puerto Rico.