Hilton Accelerates Reports Record Room Growth in 2023 in the Caribbean and Latin America

• 3 months ago
• Categories: Development

Expects to bring first in market openings across multiple brands, including the Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica Cacique and Zemi Miches All‑Inclusive Resort, Curio Collection by Hilton.

Hilton (NYSE: HLT), achieved a year of exceptional growth in the Caribbean and Latin America (CALA), entering new markets and celebrating brand milestones in 2023. Last year, Hilton opened 19 new hotels and approximately 4,000 rooms in the Caribbean and Latin America, representing more rooms added in the region than in any other year in the company’s history. Hilton’s CALA portfolio is comprised of more than 220 hotels and over 40,000 rooms spanning 15 brands and 29 countries and territories. The company’s pipeline in the region continues to strengthen with more than 35 new hotel deals signed in 2023. With a strong year of signings in 2023 and a robust pipeline of 110 properties, the company expects this momentum in the region to continue.

“The record growth that we achieved in the region in 2023 is a result of our strategic focus to bring the right hotels to the right destinations at the right time by partnering with exceptional owners,” said Pablo Maturana, vice president of development, Caribbean and Latin America, Hilton. “Hilton’s award-winning brands continue generating interest from hotel developers in the region, where we have almost tripled our presence in the last decade with a diversified portfolio of hotels. The momentum of our growing pipeline reflects the power of our brands and our ability to meet the demands of leisure and business travelers.”

Hilton’s accelerated growth in CALA spans 29 countries and territories with Mexico, Argentina, and Dominican Republic standing out as top performing growth markets in 2023. In Mexico, Hilton has approximately 120 hotels open and in the pipeline. In Argentina, Hilton has 10 open hotels and plans to almost double its presence in the next several years. And, with six hotels in operation and more than 10 in development, Hilton plans to nearly triple its footprint in Dominican Republic.

Key Drivers of Growth

• Conversions accounted for more than 40% of the openings in 2023. Highlights of conversions throughout the year included Hilton Mendoza, the first Hilton branded hotel in Argentina’s famed wine-making region and Hilton San Salvador, the company’s first hotel in El Salvador.
• New build hotels were added in strategic locations. Highlights include Embassy Suites by Hilton Aruba Resort near the dazzling waters of Eagle Beach; Hilton Garden Inn La Romana, overlooking Catalina Island, in Dominican Republic, and Hilton Monterrey in Mexico, located in the center of the city’s financial district.
• The all-inclusive segment continued to be a catalyst for growth. In 2023, Hilton signed and opened Hilton Cancun Mar Caribe All-Inclusive Resort in Mexico, marking Hilton’s return to Cancun’s hotel zone, and The Rif at Mangrove Beach Corendon Curaçao All-Inclusive, Curio Collection by Hilton with views of the sparkling Caribbean Sea. It also signed the highly anticipated Zemi Miches All-Inclusive Resort, Curio Collection by Hilton, located on a half-mile stretch of pristine beachfront in Dominican Republic, expected to open later this year.

Brand Milestones

• Hilton’s focused-service brands celebrated global milestones and market firsts. Hilton Garden Inn welcomed its 1,000^th hotel worldwide with the opening of Hilton Garden Inn San Jose Airport City Mall in Costa Rica. The brand also added new markets to its portfolio with openings in Dominican Republic, Panama and Puerto Rico, while Hampton Inn by Hilton premiered in Ecuador.
• The game-changing Tru by Hilton brand had a breakout year with its arrival in Mexico and 10 new deals signed in CALA in 2023. With 20 hotels in the pipeline, Tru by Hilton is set to premiere in Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Honduras and Puerto Rico, and will continue cementing its presence in Brazil and Mexico.
• Hilton’s lifestyle brands grew as travelers increasingly sought unique experiences in urban and resort destinations. Curio Collection by Hilton expanded its presence in Argentina, Brazil and Colombia, while Tapestry Collection by Hilton made its debut in Chile and Puerto Rico.
• Hilton’s flagship Hilton Hotels & Resorts brand continues to strengthen its leading presence in the region with notable openings including Hilton Mendoza in Argentina, Hilton Monterrey in Mexico and Hilton San Salvador in El Salvador.

2024 Planned Openings

Hilton has plans to open more than 15 hotels across the Caribbean and Latin America in 2024, including the following highlights.

• DoubleTree by Hilton Buenos Aires, marking the debut of the DoubleTree by Hilton brand in Argentina, is now open.
• Motto by Hilton Cusco, the first Motto by Hilton hotel in Peru, nestled in Cusco's Historic Center, is now open.
• DoubleTree by Hilton Lima San Isidro is in the financial district, with amenities that include a signature restaurant, heated outdoor rooftop pool, solarium, and fitness center. (Q1)
• Hilton Garden Inn Asuncion Aviadores del Chaco, representing the company’s arrival to Paraguay. (Q2)
• Perla La Paz, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, located in the golden zone of La Paz’s boardwalk alongside sweeping vistas of the Gulf of California and Ensenada de La Paz, and Tropicana Los Cabos, Tapestry Collection by Hilton in the heart of the coastal getaway of San Jose del Cabo. (Q3)
• Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica Cacique is planned as the first Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts in Costa Rica. It is exceptionally situated on a peninsula with unobstructed ocean views in a tropical paradise known for its dramatic scenery, lush forests and beautiful beaches. Year-round barefoot luxury living at the Waldorf Astoria Residences Costa Rica Cacique will also provide the comfort of a private home featuring artfully designed living quarters, unsurpassed amenities and the legendary service of Waldorf Astoria. (Q4)
• Zemi Miches All-Inclusive Resort, Curio Collection by Hilton, the first all-inclusive Curio Collection by Hilton hotel in Dominican Republic. (Q4)
• Bermudiana Beach Resort, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, expected as Hilton’s first hotel in Bermuda, steps away from pristine pink coral sand beaches. (Q4)
• Tru by Hilton Chillan Ferrat, marking the debut of the Tru by Hilton brand in Chile. (Q4)
• Tru by Hilton Cali Sur, planned as the brand’s first hotel in Colombia. (Q4)