After a year of record growth, Hilton reaffirmed its commitment to the Caribbean and Latin America with the tour of its President and CEO, Chris Nassetta, in which he met with industry leaders, owners, partners and team members in Argentina, Peru, Colombia and Costa Rica. In 2023, Hilton opened nearly 20 new hotels and closed the year with 4,000 rooms added to the market, more than any other year in the company's history. Sustained positive momentum is expected as Hilton continues to implement its growth strategy and rapidly expand in the region with the goal of surpassing 300 hotel openings in the next three years.
"I have always enjoyed visiting our teams in the Caribbean and Latin America, as Hilton's transformation in the region is an incredible example of the power of our hospitality. In the last decade, we have tripled our presence to 225 hotels in our portfolio of CALA," said Chris Nassetta, President and CEO of Hilton. "Now, with more than half of our portfolio under construction in the region, we are on track to open, in the coming years, our 300th hotel. This expansion is the result of our team's winning growth strategy and its extensive knowledge of the market, the vision and trust of our valued partners, and the dedication of our team members to create unforgettable stays for all our guests."
Hilton has tripled its growth in the Caribbean and Latin America over the last decade, adding 9 new countries and territories, and launching 7 new brands. Building on its 225 open hotels welcoming travelers today, the company has a strong portfolio of over 100 hotels and plans to enter 7 new countries and territories in the coming years, including Bermuda and Paraguay in 2024. The company also expects to introduce two new brands: Spark by Hilton, which is redefining the economy segment with a premium product offering, and Home2 Suites by Hilton, an award-winning extended-stay hotel concept.
Doubling growth in the region
The visit began in Argentina, where Hilton debuted more than 20 years ago with the opening of the renowned Hilton Buenos Aires in Puerto Madero. Today, the company welcomes travelers at 10 hotels and hopes to double its presence in the coming years.
In Peru, the team visited DoubleTree by Hilton Lima San Isidro, which opened in January 2024, and Hilton Garden Inn Lima Miraflores. With 11 hotels in operation and 7 more on the horizon, Hilton continues to expand its presence in the country.
In Colombia, Hilton executives met with owners to discuss the future of the country's tourism sector at the Hilton Bogota Corferias. Colombia is one of Hilton's largest markets in the CALA region, with 23 hotels open and additional projects in the portfolio, including the first Tru by Hilton brand hotel in the country opening in Cali at the end of this year.
The executive visit culminated in the highly anticipated Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica Punta Cacique, which will set a new benchmark for Barefoot Luxury, uniquely combining Costa Rica's "Pura Vida" lifestyle with the sophistication and personalized service of Waldorf Astoria once it opens in late 2024. Hilton continues to grow in Costa Rica with 10 hotels in operation, including the recently opened Hilton Garden Inn San Jose Airport, the brand's 1,000th hotel worldwide, and the recently signed Heredia Stadium Hotel, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, which marks the brand's debut in Costa Rica.
Hilton's impressive growth is prevalent throughout the region, reflecting the power of the company's award-winning brands and its ability to meet the demands of leisure and business travelers.
Mexico, Hilton's largest market with more than 90 hotels operating, will continue to grow with more than 30 hotels planned.
With six hotels in operation in the Dominican Republic and more than 10 in development, Hilton plans to nearly triple its presence in the country with notable openings, including the new 502-room Zemi Miches, All-Inclusive Resort, Curio Collection by Hilton. its doors at the end of 2024.
Brazil will continue to be a priority for the company. Over the next three years, Hilton plans to introduce two new brands to the country, Homewood Suites by Hilton and Motto by Hilton, and introduce the first Hilton-branded residences with the opening of Qoya Residences Curitiba, Curio Collection by Hilton.
Celebrating the light and warmth of hospitality
Nassetta also joined hundreds of team members at Hilton Buenos Aires and Hilton Pilar in Argentina, Hilton Lima Miraflores in Peru and Hilton Bogota Corferias in Colombia to celebrate the company's award-winning culture, which made history in 2023 as the #1 Best Workplace in the World and has been recognized as a Great Place to Work throughout the region. In 2024, Hilton obtained the #1 position in Peru and Uruguay, a recognition it has obtained for three consecutive years. It was also ranked #1 in the Dominican Republic and the Caribbean for the second year in a row. In addition, Hilton was highlighted as #2 Great Place to Work in Argentina and Panama, thus maintaining its position as the leading hospitality company in Latin America.
"We are proud to be the #1 Best Workplace in the World. We remain committed to building a strong culture for our more than 26,000 Hilton team members throughout the Caribbean and Latin America and in addition to our nearly 469,000 team around the world," Nassetta said. "Our hospitality has been a transformative force for good for over a century, and our robust portfolio in the CALA region has the potential to create thousands of new jobs in the years to come, creating progress and prosperity for all."
Over the past five years, Hilton properties have added more than 8,500 local jobs throughout the Caribbean and Latin America. The company estimates that its regional workforce will grow by approximately 30% with the opening of new hotels throughout the region.
Source: Hilton.