The announcement took place on the evening of the 24th, at another hotel in the group, the Sheraton Grand Rio Hotel & Resort. The project, led by investors Eduardo and Tarcísio Malheiros, reinforces the city's tourism potential and its growing appreciation in the hotel sector.
"João Pessoa is receiving significant hotel investment because the destination is very popular. This brand is here to consolidate this hub and further raise the level of the hotel industry in the region," said Eduardo Malheiros.
Expansion in the Northeast and the Partnership with Marriott
The relationship between the Malheiros company and Marriott had been under construction for years. After the success of the resort in Porto de Galinhas, which was awarded as one of the best all-inclusive hotels in Latin America, the choice of the Westin brand was a natural one.
"We travel a lot and stay at Marriott hotels. We ended up developing a passion and connection with the brand, which has values aligned with our essence as administrators," highlighted the investor.
The Westin João Pessoa is part of a larger expansion plan by the company in the region.
"Our focus is the Northeast. We are specialists in the Northeast market and we understand what needs to be done here," added Eduardo Malheiros.
The hotel is expected to open in 2028, with construction starting soon.
Cabo Branco Tourist Center
The arrival of the Westin João Pessoa strengthens the Cabo Branco Tourist Center, a project planned for over 40 years and which has finally come to fruition.
The governor of Paraíba, João Azevedo, highlighted the importance of this investment:
"Two years ago, this was just a dream on a piece of paper. Today, we have 13,000 beds being built at the same time. This project puts João Pessoa on the international tourism map," he said.
Sustainability and Design Signed by Daniel Piana
The architectural design for the Westin João Pessoa was carried out by Argentine Daniel Piana, who brought a sustainable and nature-integrated approach. The hotel will be built in an area of preservation of the Atlantic Forest, with a low-rise design to minimize environmental impact.
"The concept is to preserve as much green space as possible, integrating the hotel into the environment. The main building will be horizontal and will have only four floors, ensuring an immersive experience in nature," explained Piana.
The hotel will have a wide range of gastronomic options, including restaurants serving Asian, Italian and Brazilian cuisine, as well as a convention center with a rooftop and privileged views of the Atlantic Forest.
Mayana Neiva and Elba Ramalho at the Launch Celebration
To crown the announcement, the actress from Paraíba Mayana Neiva was chosen as the face of the Westin João Pessoa campaign.
The night of celebration ended with the official signing of the contract between the state and the private sector, followed by a pocket show by Elba Ramalho, reinforcing the project's connection with northeastern culture.
With a billion-dollar investment and an innovative project, the Westin João Pessoa promises to transform the capital of Paraíba into a high-end destination, further consolidating the Northeast as a reference in luxury tourism.
Report and photo: Mary de Aquino.