Leading global hospitality company Hilton revealed plans to surpass 150 luxury hotels in the Asia Pacific in the coming years—quadrupling its luxury portfolio across the region compared to last year. Alongside its operating and upcoming Waldorf Astoria, Conrad, and LXR-branded hotels, Hilton has also entered into an exclusive partnership with Small Luxury Hotels of the World, adding more unique properties to its Asia Pacific portfolio and complementing its existing luxury offerings.
“Demand for our luxury brands is on the rise, as owners and developers continue to seek out premium returns and trusted partners in destinations across the Asia Pacific,” said Alan Watts, President of Asia Pacific at Hilton. “From Tokyo to the Maldives, Shanghai to Jaipur—the luxury segment is growing exponentially, and Hilton’s luxury brands are poised to capture the significant opportunity across the region.”
With the addition of distinctive properties, such as Lanson Place Causeway Bay Hong Kong and Gangtey Lodge, Bhutan, from Small Luxury Hotels of the World, Hilton’s luxury pipeline in Asia Pacific continues to gain momentum. Recent signings, including Waldorf Astoria Jaipur and Conrad Jaipur in India, and Conrad Yokohama in Japan, further bolster this growth. Over the next two years, Hilton will open seven Waldorf Astoria properties in Osaka, Kuala Lumpur, Sydney, Shanghai, Tokyo, Xi’an, and Hanoi. Conrad Hotels & Resorts is expanding with upcoming properties in prime travel destinations across China, including Xi’an, Chengdu, and Nanjing, as well as in Nagoya, Japan.
“Waldorf Astoria will more than double its presence in APAC over the coming years, from six to 13 hotels, and we’ll add another 21 Conrad Hotels & Resorts properties to our existing 27,” said Clarence Tan, Senior Vice President of Development, Asia Pacific, Hilton. “Our growth momentum demonstrates owner confidence in the strength of our brands and capabilities in managing iconic properties in gateway cities and destination resort locations.”
Over the past year, Hilton has expanded its luxury offering, introducing LXR Hotels & Resorts to Southeast Asia with Umana Bali, its second property in the region, following ROKU KYOTO in Japan. The company’s luxury footprint has further expanded with the openings of Conrad Shenzhen and, most recently, Conrad Chongqing, Hilton’s 700th property in the Greater China region.
Luxury travel trends driving growth
The robust growth of Hilton’s luxury portfolio is fueled by a burgeoning luxury travel market in the region and a rising demand for unique experiences. Hilton’s 2024 Trends Report on GenerAsian Travellers reveals that the majority of Asian consumers are prioritising travel over other purchases and are spending more on travel this year than they did the year before.
In addition, Hilton has observed that the demands of the luxury traveller are evolving, influencing their luxury travel consumption decisions and how Hilton meets these demands. Travellers are seeking transformational wellness experiences, creative F&B concepts, as well as art and culture.
According to Hilton’s Trends Report, 77% of respondents across China, India, Japan, and Singapore expressed a desire to better understand their heritage through travel, with 75% eager to learn more about other Asian cultures. Furthermore, 88% of respondents unequivocally ranked exploring local and traditional food and beverage as their top priority.
“There is a fascinating amalgamation of trends taking place in the Asia Pacific, with travellers keen to explore who they are thoughtfully and sustainably by seeking out authentic, hyper-personalised experiences that enable them to seek personal improvement,” said Candice D’Cruz, Vice President of Luxury Brands, Asia Pacific, Hilton. “As these trends intersect, we are excited to be offering cutting-edge experiences that surprise, delight, and inspire our guests.
Hilton’s global commitment to luxury
In addition to its exclusive partnership with Small Luxury Hotels of the World, Hilton has entered the fast-growing luxury lifestyle hotel market with the addition of NoMad and added Signia by Hilton to its luxury brand lineup, offering an approachable, sophisticated luxury experience and a vibrant atmosphere for meetings and events.
Hilton has also recently introduced Hilton for Luxury, a premier global luxury travel advisor (LTA) preferred partner programme exclusive to Hilton’s award-winning luxury brands. The programme, formerly known as Impresario, will arm its customers with improved connectivity and access through a dedicated private website, exclusive offers from Hilton Luxury Brands, a team of dedicated on-property ambassadors, as well as Forbes-certified agents available through the Hilton for Luxury Concierge Desk, further enhancing the guest experience.
