SINGAPORE – 23 August 2022 – Leading global hospitality company Hilton (NYSE: HLT) has announced six landmark signings in Asia Pacific (APAC) across its portfolio of luxury brands - Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, Conrad Hotels & Resorts and LXR Hotels & Resorts - in the year to date, a mark of growing optimism in luxury travel across the region.
With the signing of Waldorf Astoria Xi'an, Waldorf Astoria Shanghai Qiantan, Waldorf Astoria Kuala Lumpur, Waldorf Astoria Sydney, Conrad Nagoya and an LXR Hotels & Resorts property in Bali, Hilton's pipeline of luxury hotels in the region increases to 20. When these hotels open in the coming years, travellers will enjoy an exquisite portfolio of more than 50 luxury hotels across Asia Pacific.
With a growing middle class, increased consumer spending and an underserved lodging market, Asia Pacific presents a US$10 trillion consumption growth opportunity over the next decade 1.
Clarence Tan, senior vice president, Development, Asia Pacific, Hilton said, "Hilton is Asia Pacific’s fastest growing hospitality company. Our recent signings and robust pipeline reflect the confidence that owners, developers and investors have in Hilton to capture growing demand and deliver strong returns in APAC’s most sought-after destinations. As we continue to pursue quality organic growth and enhance our network effect, we purposefully prioritize the right partnerships to deploy the right brands in the right locations. The future of luxury travel presents immense opportunities for growth. While owners and developers are increasingly optimistic about the luxury travel sector, they remain highly selective when it comes to partners and brands that will optimize their yield and look to Hilton with confidence to expand their business."
Post-pandemic recovery has prompted increasing owner and developer interest in hospitality real estate, as the APAC hotel investment volume in 2021 grew 46% year-on-year to exceed US$12 billion 2, and investors focused on acquiring luxury or resort assets 3. The luxury travel segment is also expected to burgeon as 42% of APAC consumers who intend to take an international trip seek out luxury experiences 4.
Nils-Arne Schroeder, vice president, Luxury, Asia Pacific, Hilton said, "The strength and recognition of our luxury brands are key drivers of growth for our luxury portfolio in Asia Pacific. With more destinations in Asia Pacific becoming increasingly attractive to luxury travellers today, we are seeing a growing demand for our brands which are known globally for providing unforgettable stays, delivered with unrivalled hospitality and intuitive, personalized service. The future of luxury travel in this region is brighter than ever, as our portfolio of luxury brands continue to enter exciting new markets and elevate the benchmark of luxury hospitality to new heights."
Hilton’s latest signings mark a further closing of key city gaps as its award-winning luxury brands debut or expand in key travel destinations such as Japan, Australia, Malaysia, Indonesia and China.
China in particular holds great potential in shaping the future of luxury travel5 as it is home to the world’s largest consumer economy and is set to become the largest luxury goods market by 2025 6. Travel demand is also shifting as the country’s new generation of young and discerning travelers seeks higher levels of personalization, wellbeing, sustainability and quality in their luxury travel experience.
The signings of Waldorf Astoria in Xi’an and Shanghai Qiantan put the brand on track to double its portfolio in China and offer its unrivalled luxury in eight world-class hotels. When open, Waldorf Astoria Xi’an will be one of the tallest buildings in this ancient capital of the 13 Dynasties. Designed by the famed design firm, Yabu Pushelberg, the hotel will draw inspiration from the city’s rich millennia-old culture and integrate oriental elegance into modern design. Waldorf Astoria Shanghai Qiantan will mark the city’s second Waldorf Astoria hotel. Located in Shanghai’s brand-new CBD – the New Bund area – the hotel will boast panoramic views of the Huangpu River and immerse guests in the tranquility and glamour of China’s commercial capital.
Today, there are more than a dozen Conrad hotels operating in China. When the other nine hotels in the country’s pipeline open – including Conrad Shenzhen and Conrad Chongqing next year – guests will be able to enjoy the discreet yet sophisticated luxury that the brand is known for in more than 20 destinations.
Landmark Brand Entries into New Markets
Set to open in 2024, Waldorf Astoria Kuala Lumpur and Waldorf Astoria Jakarta – set to be the city’s tallest building – will mark the entry of the iconic Waldorf Astoria brand into Malaysia and Indonesia. A year later, Japan will welcome the country’s first Waldorf Astoria hotel in Osaka (Waldorf Astoria Osaka). In 2026, Hilton will introduce this premier luxury brand to Australia and Sydney’s iconic Circular Quay with Waldorf Astoria Sydney. Waldorf Astoria will more than double in presence in Asia Pacific over the next 5 years.
Conrad Kuala Lumpur, slated to open next year, will mark the brand’s debut in Malaysia, while Nagoya, the manufacturing and craftsmanship capital of Japan, will welcome the opening of its first Conrad hotel (Conrad Nagoya) in 2026. Today, almost 60% of the global Conrad estate is in Asia Pacific. The brand commands the largest share in Hilton’s APAC luxury portfolio and will grow by almost 50% when hotels in its pipeline open.
Set to open as the first LXR-branded resort in South East Asia in 2023, the 72 all-villa resort in Bali, Indonesia will join a collection of unique, independent luxury properties around the world, which includes the recently opened and award-winning ROKU KYOTO, LXR Hotels & Resorts in Japan.
Please find a list of Hilton’s recent luxury signings and upcoming openings in Asia Pacific:
2 https://www.cbre.com/en/press-releases/rebound-in-asia-pacific-hotel-investment-signals-sectors-growing-appeal-as-inflation-hedge-cbre
3 https://www.traveldailymedia.com/asia-pacific-hotels-industry-attracts-usd8-5-billion-of-investment-in-2021/
4 https://sg.yougov.com/en-sg/news/2022/02/07/APAC-2022-travel-outlook-forecast/
5 https://www.cnbc.com/2022/01/24/chinas-consumers-spent-73point6-billion-on-luxury-goods-at-home-in-2021.html
6 https://www.bain.com/insights/from-surging-recovery-to-elegant-advance-the-evolving-future-of-luxury/
About Hilton
Hilton (NYSE: HLT) is a leading global hospitality company with a portfolio of 18 world-class brands comprising 7,000 properties and 1.1 million rooms, in 122 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 Fortune's 100 Best Companies to Work For list and been recognized as a global leader on the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices for five consecutive years. Hilton has introduced several industry-leading technology enhancements to improve the guest experience, including Digital Key Share, automated complimentary room upgrades and the ability to book confirmed connecting rooms. Through the award-winning guest loyalty program Hilton Honors, the 139 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 stories.hilton.com for more information, and connect with Hilton on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube.
About Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts
Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts is a portfolio of more than 30 iconic properties that creates a unique sense of place with a relentless commitment to elegant service, one-of-a-kind experiences and culinary expertise in landmark locations around the world. Inspired by their timeless environments and sincerely elegant service, Waldorf Astoria hotels deliver an effortless experience from the moment a guest books through checkout. In addition to the brand’s renowned hotel offerings, Waldorf Astoria boasts a best-in-class residential portfolio that provides the comfort of a private home combined with the unsurpassed amenities and high-touch service of Waldorf Astoria. Waldorf Astoria is part of Hilton, a leading global hospitality company. Experience an unforgettable stay at Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts by booking at waldorfastoria.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 Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts at stories.hilton.com/waldorfastoria, and follow the brand on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
About Conrad Hotels & Resorts
Spanning five continents with more than 40 properties, Conrad Hotels & Resorts has created a seamless connection between bold design, impactful experiences and curated contemporary art to inspire the curious and conscientious travelers. Conrad is a place where guests are empowered to explore through intuitive service and experiences that authentically connect them with local culture. Experience an inspiring stay at Conrad Hotels & Resorts by booking at conradhotels.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 Conrad Hotels & Resorts at stories.hilton.com/conradhotels, and follow the brand on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
About LXR Hotels & Resorts
LXR Hotels & Resorts is a collection of independent luxury properties that celebrate the timeless pursuit of personal adventure. Found in the world's most alluring destinations, LXR Hotels & Resorts connects legendary properties into an exclusive network of hotels that are set apart by individual design, an unrivaled commitment to personalized service and elegant, yet locally immersive experiences for their guests. Each member of the collection features its own enchanting pedigree, story and character that is steeped in the originality of its locale and provides a luxurious base of exploration for the intrigued, yet discerning adventurer. LXR Hotels & Resorts is part of Hilton, a leading global hospitality company, and each property benefits from the strength of the Hilton enterprise and its award-winning Hilton Honors program. Experience a positive stay at LXR Hotels & Resorts by booking at lxrhotels.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 LXR Hotels & Resorts at stories.hilton.com/lxr.
