KINGSTON, JAMAICA SuperClubs Resorts has signed a master franchise agreement with Sonesta International Hotels to open up to 10 new hotels in Brazil within the next five years. Under the terms of the agreement, SuperClubs and Sonesta will jointly promote the development of “conventional city and condo-hotel properties” in Brazil.
The new hotels will wave the Sonesta flag, but will be managed by SuperClubs. The deal is significant because it marks the first time SuperClubs is moving away from managing all-inclusive resorts since its inception 25 years ago.
SuperClubs opened its first Brazilian resort in September and since then has been searching for further opportunities in the region, according to John Issa, executive chairman of SuperClubs, which has all-inclusives in Jamaica, the Bahamas, Cuba and Brazil, operating under the Grand Lido, Breezes and Hedonism brands.
Boston-based Sonesta operates 22 hotels and resorts and three Nile Cruise ships. It has properties in Boston, Miami, New Orleans, Anguilla, Aruba, Bermuda, Egypt, Peru and Tuscany. The company has announced plans to expand within the United States. Its latest project is in Coconut Grove, Miami. (3/27/01)