Marriott International and Trinity Hills Valley have entered a franchise agreement to introduce a Tribute Portfolio hotel and residences in Panama.

The project includes plans for a 111-room hotel and 130 private residences, which Remington Hospitality will manage. It is a part of the new surf lagoon-anchored resort.

The development marks the first mountain surf lagoon-anchored resort in the Western Hemisphere and will blend independent hospitality concepts with Marriott’s operational standards.

The initiative will focus on sustainable practices and seeks to involve local communities during its progression.

Construction will proceed pending final approval stages, said the company.

Tribute Portfolio hotel and residences is situated at the base of Cerro Trinidad in Lidice, Capira, which is approximately 45 minutes from Panama City and around one hour and 15 minutes from Tocumen International Airport by road.

Trinity Hills Valley owns the site, which is situated in an area with major ongoing projects, which include the Pan-American Highway upgrade, the third line of the Panama Metro light rail system, and construction of a fourth bridge over the Panama Canal. These projects are all scheduled for completion by 2028.

The land-owning Panama-based Trinity Hills Valley is connected to TrinityHills Capital, a property developer based in the US.

TrinityHills Capital COO and managing director Abdiel Basto said: “This project with Marriott International validates our commitment to innovative resort development.

“By integrating a Tribute Portfolio hotel and branded residences in this dynamic growth corridor, we're creating an authentic haven for travellers and residents seeking unparalleled experiences in Panama's natural beauty, enhanced by upcoming infrastructure improvements.”