Hilton Sets Sights on Growth in Thailand
Hospitality Company aims to convert 2,000 rooms in 24 months, fueling its expanding presence in-country and reviving the tourism sector
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THAILAND - Leading global hospitality company Hilton (NYSE: HLT) has announced its commitment to convert up to 2,000 rooms in 24 months in Thailand, with a focus on its full service brands Hilton Hotels & Resorts and DoubleTree by Hilton, as well as focused service brand Hilton Garden Inn.
Emerging from one of the industry’s most challenging years, Hilton’s recent full year 2020 earnings results showed signs of optimism in development activity globally, with conversion signings for Hilton across the globe increasing more than 30 percent versus the prior year.
With the impact of the global pandemic on Thailand’s economy backed by recent projections of tourism returning to pre-pandemic levels up to three years later, coupled with increased digital adoption across industries that arose as a result of restricted movement and a heightened desire for contactless interactions, independent hotel owners can benefit from rebranding their hotels with Hilton to leverage Hilton’s strong commercial engines and industry-leading technology solutions.
In recent years Hilton has inked a number of landmark signings in Thailand, paving the way for the market launch of its focused service brand, Hilton Garden Inn, when opens in Phuket in the final quarter of this year, as well as the debut of its lifestyle brand, Canopy by Hilton, in the country in 2023.
Holding Hilton’s largest portfolio in South East Asia with 11 hotels across four brands and an additional eight in the pipeline, which will see the entry of two new brands into the market, Thailand is poised for meaningful growth in the coming years.
“We are encouraged by the recognition our brands continue to receive within the industry, most recently in a report by leading market intelligence company Smith Travel Research, which placed five of our brands amongst the Top 15 in the global pipeline. The strength of our portfolio and commercial engines have helped preserve and optimize value for our owners throughout one of the most challenging years the industry has ever faced. The trust we see from our partners in our award-winning brands gives us confidence that steering our focus onto rebranding opportunities would allow us to help independent hotel owners in Thailand maximize the potential of their assets,” said Guy Phillips, senior vice president, development, Asia and Australasia, Hilton.
“As much as we continue to witness the impact of the global pandemic on the travel industry, across the board we are optimistic about recovery in the mid- to- long term, first through domestic travel that will be followed closely by what we believe will be exponential pick up in international travel as travel borders reopen in a safe and cautious manner. Our commitment to Thailand remains unchanged: across our hotels in South East Asia and Thailand, we continue to prioritize the wellbeing and safety of our guests and team members whilst ensuring we deliver the utmost levels of hospitality to everyone who passes through our doors. Even as the needs and demands of travelers evolve, we believe they will continue to recognize our brands for the reliable service, exceptional experiences and exacting standards of safety we are known for all over the world,” said Paul Hutton, vice president, operations, Hilton in South East Asia.
Hilton currently operates across five locations in Thailand–Bangkok, Phuket, Koh Samui, Hua Hin and Pattaya. These properties fly the flags of Hilton’s full range of luxury, full service and focused-service portfolios, including Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, Conrad Hotels & Resorts, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, DoubleTree by Hilton and Hilton Garden Inn.
About Hilton Garden Inn
The award-winning Hilton Garden Inn brand provides business and leisure guests upscale, affordable accommodations and modern amenities for an experience that is simply on another level. The Hilton Garden Inn Promise affirms the brand’s goal to make each guest’s stay better and brighter. Guaranteed. With more than 920 hotels in 50 countries and territories around the world, the brand ensures today’s busy travelers have a bright and satisfying experience, starting with the first hello. Experience a positive stay at Hilton Garden Inn by booking at hgi.com or through the industry-leading Hilton Honors app. Hilton Honors members who book directly through preferred Hilton channels have access to instant benefits. Learn more about the brand at newsroom.hilton.com/hgi, and follow Hilton Garden Inn on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
About Hilton
Hilton (NYSE: HLT) is a leading global hospitality company with a portfolio of 18 world-class brands comprising more than 6,600 properties and more than 1 million rooms, in 119 countries and territories. Dedicated to fulfilling its founding vision to fill the earth with the light and warmth of hospitality, Hilton has welcomed more than 3 billion guests in its more than 100-year history, earned a top spot on the 2020 World’s Best Workplaces list, and was named the 2020 Global Industry Leader on the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices. In 2020, Hilton CleanStay was introduced, bringing an industry-defining standard of cleanliness to hotels worldwide. Through the award-winning guest loyalty program Hilton Honors, the more than 118 million members who book directly with Hilton can earn Points for hotel stays and experiences money can’t buy. With the free Hilton Honors app, guests can book their stay, select their room, check in, unlock their door with a Digital Key and check out, all from their smartphone. Visit newsroom.hilton.com for more information, and connect with Hilton on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube.