Tag Archives: Hilton

Dubai and Hilton partner to elevate tourism

 

In a significant move to elevate Dubai’s global tourism appeal, the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) and Hilton have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), focusing on enhancing visibility and refining service excellence in the city’s hospitality sector. This partnership aligns with Dubai’s Economic Agenda, D33, aimed at positioning Dubai as a top destination for both leisure and business, and further exemplifies DET and Hilton’s commitment to creating premium experiences for international visitors.

The MoU establishes a foundation for joint marketing initiatives, emphasising Dubai’s unique offerings through global advertising campaigns and social media. By incorporating seasonal travel packages, the partnership will showcase Dubai’s signature attractions while offering Hilton Honors loyalty program members exclusive Dubai experiences. Hilton, with over 195 million Honors members worldwide, will leverage DET’s resources, particularly in team training offered through Dubai College of Tourism. This will ensure Hilton staff are skilled in cultural awareness and customer service, elevating the standard of guest experiences throughout Dubai.

His Excellency Issam Kazim, CEO, Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), highlighted the role of Hilton in Dubai’s tourism evolution, emphasising that this MoU will bolster Dubai’s presence on the world stage while enhancing service quality within the city. This collaboration exemplifies Dubai’s culture of public-private partnership and strengthens the city’s tourism ecosystem. Through this partnership, more global travellers are expected to discover Dubai’s offerings, fostering advocacy and encouraging repeat visits.

Hilton, a global hospitality leader with 24 properties across nine brands in Dubai, will bring its extensive industry expertise to this strategic partnership. Guy Hutchinson, Hilton’s President for the Middle East and Africa, commended Dubai’s leadership in tourism innovation and Hilton’s commitment to supporting Dubai’s vision for unmatched hospitality. Hilton looks forward to participating in DET’s training programs to cultivate the next generation of hospitality professionals.

Dubai’s tourism sector has shown impressive growth, with the city recording a 7.5% increase in international visitors from January to August 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, when a record 17.15 million overnight visitors were welcomed. The hotel industry has achieved an average occupancy rate of 76.2% this year, reflecting Dubai’s sustained popularity as a premier travel destination. The DET-Hilton partnership is poised to enhance Dubai’s hospitality standards, supporting Dubai’s position as a global tourism leader.

Hilton signs first hotel in Udaipur

 

Hilton has announced the signing of its flagship brand, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, in Udaipur, marking its debut in the iconic “City of Lakes.” In collaboration with Elysian Hotels Private Limited, the 118-key Hilton Udaipur is set to open in early 2026. This new development adds to Hilton’s existing footprint in Rajasthan, which includes Hilton Jaipur and DoubleTree by Hilton Jaipur Amer, further reinforcing Hilton’s growth in the state following recent signings of its Waldorf Astoria brand in 2023 and a third Conrad property in Jaipur.

Known for its historic architecture and scenic lakes, Udaipur stands as one of Rajasthan’s prime tourist destinations. The new Hilton Udaipur will provide panoramic views of Lake Pichola and Fateh Sagar Lake, enhancing its appeal as a choice destination for travellers. Its location offers easy access to Udaipur’s city center, airport, and railway station. The property will feature 118 luxurious rooms and suites, blending modern amenities with local aesthetics, and will cater to Rajasthan’s burgeoning wedding market with extensive indoor and outdoor event spaces, totaling over 2,200 square meters.

Guests will enjoy culinary experiences across four dining options, including an all-day restaurant, specialty venue, and bar, as well as an outdoor pool, spa, fitness center, and executive lounge. This variety of amenities is designed to provide a comprehensive hospitality experience for both leisure and business travellers.

Hilton’s expansion in Udaipur aligns with its broader growth strategy in South Asia. With this latest signing, Hilton’s presence in South Asia has grown to 55 properties, further solidifying its commitment to the region.

Hilton Buys Graduate Hotels for USD 210 Million

 

 

As reported by Reuters, Hilton revealed its acquisition of Graduate Hotels from Adventurous Journeys Capital Partners for USD 210 million on Thursday. This move marks Hilton’s first brand purchase in over two decades and comes amidst increasing pressures in the hotel industry, which have created opportunities for consolidation. Hilton sees significant potential in the Graduate brand, which primarily serves locations near major colleges and universities in the United States and the United Kingdom, estimating a global market of 400-500 hotels.

“University towns tend to have steady demand, from students, parents, and visiting academics, largely unconnected to the global economy,” remarked Richard Clarke, an analyst at Bernstein. Despite the relatively modest size of Graduate Hotels, with only around 35 operating and pipeline properties, Hilton’s shares experienced a slight increase during premarket trading following the announcement.

CEO Chris Nassetta highlighted during Hilton’s fourth-quarter earnings call that the current challenges in the industry offer opportunities for modest acquisitions. The transaction is expected to close in the second quarter, with Hilton projecting a fee contribution of approximately USD 16 million for the first full year of ownership.

manav thadani

Hotelivate’s 19th HICSA to showcase South Asia’s culinary innovations and design

Hotelivate will host the 19th Edition of its Hotel Investment Conference – South Asia (HICSA) at the JW Marriott Bengaluru Prestige GolfshireResort and Spa from 2 – 4 April 2024.


While the previous few editions have focused on post pandemic resilience, revival of the industry and thereafter exponential growth opportunities, this edition of HICSA will be centered around the hospitality palate. The theme for HICSA this year is Savouring South Asia: Innovations in Food Tech and Designwhich aims at unlocking the potential of South Asia’s culinary future and creating a sustainable, delightful, and technologically advanced hospitality ecosystem. The conference will serve as a knowledge-sharing hub, fostering dialogues aiming to shape the future of the industry.


Commenting on the 19th anniversary of HICSA, Manav Thadani, Founder Chairman – Hotelivate said “We are excited to bring HICSA 2024 again this year to the “Silicon Valley of India”. This year we are focusing on the aspect of technology in our business and no other city would be more appropriate than this one. India is the heart of South Asia’s thriving hospitality industry and this year’s conference promises to be a dynamic platform for exploring investment prospects, trends, and best practices, and to network with the industry’s brightest minds. We believe HICSA will set the stage for numerous investment ventures in this rapidly evolving region. We are extremely grateful for the support we have received from our delegates, patrons, speakers, and sponsors as we come together in celebration of all things remarkable in food, beverage, and hospitality.”

Hotelivate is proud to announce the presence of three global CEOs at their prestigious conference that brings together a diverse range of participants from the hospitality, real estate, and investment industries. This year, as speakers atthe 19th Edition of this conference, there will be Sébastian Bazin – Chairman &CEO – Accor, Mark S. Hoplamazian – President & CEO – Hyatt Hotels Corporation and Federico J. González – Executive Vice-President – Radisson Hotel Group.


Accor promises nonstop potential and opportunities with its tagline – “Live Limitless”. In a thought-provoking keynote session at HICSA2024 titled “Live Limitless: Going ALL The Way”, Sébastian Bazin – Group Chairman & CEO – Accor,will talk about his vision in the ever-evolving hospitality scape. “We are proud to be partnering with Hotel Investment Conference South Asia for their 2024 event. HICSA is an incredible platform for the global hospitality industry, bringing us together in India – a country which is alive with endless potential for the travel sector and unique experiences. It is clear that India’s moment is now, actively shaping tomorrow’s journeys and paving the way for the future of hospitality. Our collaboration with HICSA reflects our commitment to India and our vision to become a true trailblazer in this vital market”, said Sébastian. He has a finance background and has held various leadership roles in the hospitality sector. He joined Accor’s Board in 2005, became its Chairman and CEO in August 2013, and chairs the Gustave RoussyFoundation’s Board. Additionally, Sébastien has been on GE’s Board since 2016 and took on the role of CEO for Accor’s Luxury & Lifestyle division in January 2023.
In an exclusive interview titled “Heart of Hyatt: Enjoy Life Everyday”, Ashish JakhanwalaChairman, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, SAMHI Hotels will be in conversation with Mark Hoplamazian, Chief Executive Officer, Hyatt Hotels. When asked, Mark Hoplamazian commented that “It is valuable to have a platform like HICSA that brings together key voices from the industry. For the upcoming 19th edition of HICSA, I am excited to underscore the pivotal role that the India and Southwest Asia region plays in Hyatt’s intentional growth strategy. This region is a catalyst for innovation in everything from guest experience to F&B to events and I am so excited about the development opportunities ahead.” Mark became President and CEO of Hyatt Hotels Corporation in late 2006. Prior to this, he had led The Pritzker Organization, LLC, advising Pritzker family businesses, including Hyatt.
He has a background in international mergers and acquisitions at The First Boston Corporation in New York. Mark serves on Hyatt’s Board of Directors and holds positions with VF Corporation, the American Hotel & Lodging Association, Brand USA, and the World Travel & Tourism Council. He is also involved in civic and industry leadership roles.
In an exclusive interview, Manav Thadani – Founder Chairman of Hotelivate, will engagewith Federico J. González – Executive Vice Chairman – Radisson Hotel Groupand CEO – Louvre Hotels Group in a conversation centeredaround “Happiness and Change”.Commenting on this edition of HICSA, Federico said “HICSA is a platform to explore and capitalize upon untapped growth opportunities within the multitude of destinations in India. As one of the largest international hotel groups in the country, Radisson Hotel Group remains committed to deepening its presence in this vibrant market. The engaging discussions at HICSA will provide an opportunity to not only address the challenges confronting the industry but also to collaboratively map out the areas of upliftment within the sector. At Radisson Hotel Group, we are actively driving change through industry-leading initiatives such as the Hotel Sustainability Basics and a commitment to Net Zero. Our diverse portfolio of country-specific brands as well as our growth strategy and recent accolade as ‘Best Hotel Chain – South Asia by Pacific Area Travel Writers Association (PATWA) International Travel Awards’ at ITB Berlin 2024 stand as a testament to our focus in India as well as our commitment to excellence.” Federico has extensive global executive leadership experience in hospitality, leisure, and FMCG. He was CEO of NH Hotel Group and Deputy GM of Disneyland Paris. He also held senior roles at Procter & Gamble. Federico is known for his marketing expertise and has authored three books. He advocates for ambitious profitability, purpose, and diversity in organizations.

On Day 1, the conference will feature some exclusive interviews and keynote addresses in an endeavour to make the event more content rich. The day will close with the ‘HICSA Hotels of the Year Awards’ presented by MakeMyTrip, that recognizes the most remarkable new hotel developments in the South Asian region. The nominations include hotels across six categories: Luxury/Upper Upscale Hotel; Upscale Segment; Upper Mid-Market Segment; Mid-Market Segment; Budget/Economy Segment; Boutique Hotel Segment. The winners will be shortlisted by a designated jury and then finally determined by the HICSA 2024 delegates through a voting process and announced as part of the conference program.  

The first full day of the conference will culminate into a ‘Culinary Carnival’ – a celebration of gastronomy, bringing together talented chefs, artisanal food vendors, and passionate hoteliers at the JW Marriott Bengaluru Prestige Golfshire Resort and Spa. In line with the theme this year, the focus will be on a gastronomic extravaganza. A diverse and mouth-watering array of dishes from celebrated restaurants, both standalone as well as in hotels, across India will showcase their cuisines, from street food classics to gourmet delicacies. Marriott International, ITC Hotels, InterContinental Hotel Group, Massive Restaurants, The Leela Hotels, Resorts & Palaces, Hyatt International and Atelier House Hospitality and would be some of brands showcasing their top restaurants.

Day 2 of HICSA will feature curated panel discussions and mini keynote sessions with industry leaders. Post the famous “Hot Seat: Leaders on Fire”, which will bring to light leadership dilemmas, the conference will ultimately conclude with the prestigious MakeMyTrip General Manager of the Year Awards 2024. While the Hotel Operations Summit India (HOSI) took a hiatus in 2023, our commitment to celebrating excellence in the hospitality industry remains steadfast. These awards have beenseamlessly integrated into HICSA as a part of the main conference. These awards are a wonderful opportunity to recognize and highlight the hard work and outstanding performance displayed by the General Managers untiringly running the show. Theclosing dinner will be at Falak, The Leela Bhartiya City as the perfect end to this event. The 19thedition of HICSA promises to be a remarkable convergence of insights, innovation, and inspiration, offering an unforgettable experience that will leave a lasting impact. Join us as we embark on this exciting and intellectually stimulating journey together.

Phuket records 81.6% recovery from India

TAT, Phuket Tourism Association host roadshows in Mumbai & Chennai

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Mumbai Office in association with the Phuket Tourist Association recently concluded the Endless Phuket Roadshow 2024 in Mumbai and Chennai, having recorded 81.6 recovery in inbound from India.

The aim was to highlight the diverse attractions of Phuket and expanding business ties with the travel trade fraternity in India.
The event held in The St Regis, Mumbai was attended by eminent dignitaries such as Donnawit Poolsawat, the Consul-General of the Royal Thai Consulate, and Thaneth Tantipiriyakij, President of Phuket Tourist Association.

Likewise, the roadshow held in Hilton Chennai was graced by the presence of Pornpan Jankrajang, Deputy Consul General Royal Thai Consulate-General, Chennai.

The two-city affair saw 29 sellers from the region, inclusive of Thai hoteliers, DMCs and attraction promoters interact with over 125 Indian travel agents, sharing crucial destination knowledge, and exploring productive business relationships.

Thaneth Tantipiriyakij, President, Phuket Tourist Association, said, “Phuket is a cherished destination among Indian travellers, and I am happy to report that the region has experienced an 81.6% recovery from 2019 in terms of inbound Indian travellers. The Endless Phuket Roadshow 2024 assisted us in further engaging with travel agents to successfully showcase the unique attractions and experiences in the region, both popular and lesser-known. Our positive business engagement with travel agents will aid us in more effectively tapping into the Mumbai and Chennai markets, attracting a greater number of Indians to the island in the coming months.”

This roadshow is a part of Thailand’s vision to increase destination awareness and make India its foremost source market for tourism.

 

Isla Brown Joins Curio Collection

 

Luxury Greek resorts level up with brand partnership. Brown Hotels and Hilton recently announced a franchise agreement, bringing two “Isla Brown” hotels in Greece under the Curio Collection by Hilton banner. This move elevates the resorts’ premium and luxurious flair, offering guests unique experiences and access to Hilton’s loyalty programme.

The partnership includes the Isla Brown Chania Resort on Crete and the Isla Brown Corinthia Resort & Spa in Agioi Theodoroi. Both remain under Brown Hotels’ management and operation, but will debut as Curio Collection members this spring, ready for the summer season.

“Joining the Curio Collection by Hilton strengthens our resorts’ global reach and appeal”, says Leon Avigad, Founder and CEO of Brown Hotels. He highlights the collection’s focus on hotels and the added benefits for guests, including participation in the 180 million-strong Hilton Honors loyalty programme.

The collaboration involves infrastructure and service upgrades at both resorts, further enhancing their luxury offerings. Additionally, guests gain access to benefits through the Hilton Honors program, solidifying a loyal customer base.

This partnership strengthens Hilton’s presence in Greece, Alan Mantin, Managing Director of Hilton Development in Southern Europe, emphasises the popularity of resort hotels and the “uniqueness of the Greek islands” as key attractions.