Marriott International has signed a management agreement with Turkish developer Özak GYO to bring The Ritz-Carlton brand to the all-inclusive segment in the Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) region. The Ritz-Carlton Kemer All-Inclusive, slated to open in 2028, will be situated in the coastal town of Kemer, part of Antalya province, a key leisure destination on Türkiye's Mediterranean coast.
The property will feature 141 guestrooms and suites, along with a selection of villas ranging from one to five bedrooms, designed to offer privacy and exclusivity for families and groups. Amenities will include a state-of-the-art fitness centre, multiple swimming pools, a spa, and sports facilities, with culinary experiences positioned as a central draw.
Neal Jones, President of Europe, Middle East, and Africa at Marriott International, said: “The signing of The Ritz-Carlton Kemer All-Inclusive reflects our continued focus on expanding Marriott's luxury portfolio in sought-after leisure destinations across Europe, Middle East, and Africa.”
Ahmet Akbalık, Chairman of Özak GYO, highlighted the project's strategic importance, noting it aligns with the company's long-term growth vision in tourism. “With The Ritz-Carlton Kemer, we are building on this experience to enter a new segment of luxury hospitality,” he said.
The collaboration with Servotel hospitality consultants underscores the ambition to attract new visitor segments to Kemer, enhancing Türkiye's appeal in luxury tourism. The resort is expected to compete with established luxury all-inclusive offerings in the region, such as those operated by Rixos and Maxx Royal.
Expanding Marriott's luxury footprint in EMEA
This project is part of Marriott's broader strategy to grow its luxury portfolio in high-demand leisure destinations. The company has been actively expanding its all-inclusive offerings globally, with recent additions in the Caribbean and Mexico. The Kemer resort will be the first Ritz-Carlton to adopt an all-inclusive model in EMEA, a significant move given the brand's traditional à la carte positioning.
Marriott's EMEA luxury pipeline includes other notable projects, such as the recent expansion in Thailand and the Sheraton Jeju debut in South Korea. The company's focus on luxury and lifestyle brands has been a key driver of its growth, with more than 200 luxury properties operating worldwide.
For Özak GYO, the partnership marks a strategic entry into the luxury hospitality segment. The developer, known for residential and commercial projects in Türkiye, sees tourism as a growth area, particularly in Antalya, which attracts millions of international visitors annually.
The Ritz-Carlton Kemer All-Inclusive will target affluent travellers seeking a premium all-inclusive experience, a segment that has seen rising demand in recent years. The resort's design will incorporate local elements while maintaining the brand's signature elegance.
Industry observers note that Türkiye's luxury tourism market is evolving, with more high-end properties entering the fray. The recent tax changes in the Maldives have also prompted some travellers to consider alternative destinations, potentially benefiting Türkiye.
Marriott's move into luxury all-inclusive in EMEA could set a precedent for other brands, as the model gains traction among travellers who want the convenience of all-inclusive without compromising on luxury. The company's existing all-inclusive portfolio includes brands like Marriott and Westin, but this will be the first Ritz-Carlton property to offer the format.
The resort is expected to create hundreds of jobs in the region and contribute to the local economy. Construction is slated to begin in the coming years, with a target opening in 2028.
As the travel industry continues to recover and evolve, luxury all-inclusive resorts are becoming a key battleground for hotel groups. Marriott's partnership with Özak GYO positions it well to capture a share of this growing market in Türkiye and beyond.
