Aramark acquires Forever Resorts properties, rebrands Leisure division

Aramark has announced the signing of an agreement to acquire a collection of premier destination properties providing hospitality services throughout North America from National Park Service concessionaires Forever Resorts, in conjunction with a rebrand of its Leisure division to Aramark Destinations. The acquisition substantially strengthens the position of the newly branded Aramark Destinations business in North America and supports the company’s strategy to grow its portfolio of destinations and cultural attractions across the country, Aramark said in the release announcing the moves.

"Aramark Destinations’ acquisition of Forever Resorts’ properties is another step in our long-term strategy to serve as a leader in the hospitality industry and increase our portfolio of unique attractions and destinations across North America,” said Bruce Fears, President & CEO of Aramark Destinations, in the announcement release. “Both companies share a passion for hospitality and service, and the cultural similarities between us will make this a natural transition. Forever Resorts has a fantastic team of dedicated hospitality professionals, and we look forward to them joining us in delivering exceptional and authentic experiences to travelers from around the world while carrying on the legacy of Rex Maughan and his love for nature and the great outdoors.”

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Scottsdale, Arizona-based Forever Resorts is one of the largest National Park Service concessionaires in the country, focusing on properties with access to nature and one-of-a-kind surroundings for vacations since it was founded in 1981 by Rex Maughan.

Under the terms of the agreement, beginning in April 2022, Forever Resorts will transition the operations of 12 unique vacation and outdoor adventure destinations to Aramark Destinations, all of which are in or near national parks, recreation areas, and national forests across the United States. They include Grand Canyon Lodge–North Rim, The Lodge at Bryce Canyon, Red Canyon Village, Signal Mountain Lodge & Marina, Chisos Mountain Lodge, Big Bend Resort & Adventures, Cedar Pass Lodge in Badlands National Park, Minute Man RV Park & Lodging, Rock Harbor Lodge at Isle Royale Resorts, Mad River Boat Trips, Scenic Safaris at Jackson Hole and Mormon Lake Lodge.

Aramark’s destination/cultural attraction portfolio already includes operations such as Yosemite National Park, Glacier Bay Lodge & Tours and Lake Crescent Lodge.