Hilton Worldwide sets sights on Asia Pacific to drive its luxury portfolio’s growth

SINGAPORE – Hilton Worldwide announced that the company’s expansion in Asia Pacific through its luxury brands, Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts (Waldorf Astoria) and Conrad Hotels & Resorts (Conrad), will firmly focus on strategic property openings and extending personalized service offerings. With a combined total of 16 new properties in the pipeline for Asia Pacific, the growth is set to reinforce Hilton Worldwide’s vision to become the fastest growing and most innovative hotel company.

With 12 new Waldorf Astoria branded properties in its global pipeline, Hilton Worldwide will open five of these in Asia Pacific by 2017, adding to its current flagship property in the region, the Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund. Speaking at today’s press briefing during International Luxury Travel Market (Asia) 2013, John Vanderslice, global head of Luxury & Lifestyle Brands, Hilton Worldwide, said that four of the new Asia Pacific properties will be in China, namely, Beijing, Chengdu and Hainan (two properties). Looking ahead, Waldorf Astoria will continue to deliver its signature True Waldorf Service and Waldorf Weddings program and position its hotels as the preferred venue for unforgettable special occasions and exclusive events.

Following the recent opening of Conrad Beijing in March 2013, Conrad is stepping up its momentum with 13 new properties in the global pipeline from now until 2020. Of these, 11 will be in Asia Pacific. This includes seven new hotels in urban cities and resort locations across China, a move which will significantly augment Conrad’s footprint in the mainland.

Vanderslice said, “It has been well known that Asia Pacific is driving the demand for luxury and Chinese consumers now account for half of all luxury purchases in the region”. To date, Hilton Worldwide has 13 Waldorf Astoria and Conrad properties in Asia Pacific and our expansion plans mirror luxury consumption patterns in the region.

“China will be central to our growth strategy and we will also be looking to introduce both brands to new markets. More than just having a roster of hotels at impressive locations, we are extremely conscious of our respective brand missions which include delivering a singular experience in extraordinary places for Waldorf Astoria and offering the Luxury of Being Yourself for Conrad.”

Sourced: TravelDailyNews