Hilton Cartagena begins a new strategic phase and strengthens its leadership in hospitality

Kawa arrives after 23 years of leadership under Vinod Agarwal, during which the hotel strengthened its position as a benchmark for hospitality, innovation, and development. The new manager's arrival marks a renewed push for the hotel, with the goal of strengthening wellness tourism and continuing to consolidate Cartagena as a key destination for group tourism in Latin America. 

“Hilton Cartagena has always been an icon of hospitality on the Colombian coast. Our vision is to continue being pioneers in service and creating spaces where every guest finds unique amenities: from physical and mental renewal to enjoying sports, local cuisine, or an international event. We want every visit to be an invitation to reconnect with the best of Cartagena and with oneself,” said Ricardo Kawa, general manager of Hilton Cartagena. 

According to DANE (National Administrative Department of Statistics), Cartagena attracted 95,378 international visitors for group and event tourism during the first four months of 2025, of which 26,903 were for events and 68,475 for business; a segment that recorded an average spending of USD 857 per person and an average stay of five nights.

At the same time, vacation tourism welcomed 1,244,994 travelers during the mid-year season, with 992,769 domestic and 252,225 international, reaffirming the city's position as a leading destination for its history, gastronomy, and beach attractions.

The hotel, awarded Hilton's Award of Excellence in 2024, aims to continue integrating a portfolio designed for diverse audiences, driven by trends in the balance between business, rest, and leisure. Considering that 70% of global travelers prefer hotels with amenities focused on relaxation, and one in four plan to book spa and wellness experiences during their trips, a statistic from Hilton's recent global report,

"We want to leverage the strength of our beachfront facilities with a fully integrated convention center and unique outdoor spaces to attract large-scale conferences, weddings, and meetings, while strengthening alliances with international markets, generating well-being for all audiences," said Kawa. 

During the presentation event, the manager also confirmed that Hilton Cartagena is a key destination for vacation tourism, meetings, and events in the city, while its facilities complement attendees' stays. 

Among its other attractions are the MatchPoint Paddle Club, unique in the region, and distinctive venues like Las Chivas Restaurant and the Society Bar, making the hotel an ideal setting for both business trips and leisure.  

With this strategy, the hotel reaffirms its role as the history, present, and future of Cartagena's ethos, consolidating itself as a driving force of tourism and an ally of local economic development, positioning Cartagena as a world-class destination.

Source: Hilton Hotels & Resorts.