United Kingdom
United States
Asia Pacific
Hilton expands leisure portfolio
Hilton International has embarked on major expansion of its resorts worldwide. The company plans to open 14 new properties representing 3,500 rooms over the next three years. This will increase the number of Hilton Worldwide Resorts to 60 in 28 countries. The push reflects the changing mix of hotel customer, now 60% leisure and 40% business, according to Hilton. Destinations targeted this year include: Bali, Indonesia; Phuket, Thailand; Cebu, Philippines; Dubrovnik, Croatia; and Barbados. Resort openings next year are planned for Brazil, Fiji, Venice, France and the Seychelles, while properties are due to open in Miami Beach, New Mexico, Margaret River, Australia; and Krabi, Thailand, in 2006. The company is to expand its range of specialist packages such as wedding, honeymoon, spa, golf and diving as part of a move to strengthen links with operators and agents. Hilton says between 60%-90% of its resort room nights came through operators and agents last year. More than 30 UK operators and over 20 in Germany, Austria and Switzerland feature Hilton resorts. Group chief executive David Michels described Hilton Worldwide Resorts as a growth area, adding: “As the demand for our resort package grows, our aim is to offer guests best service in exotic locations throughout the world.” Report by Phil Davies
Phil Davies
Kittipong Prapattong’s Plan for Thailand’s Tourism Growth: Taxes, Visas, and Campaigns
James Jin: Didatravel’s Journey from China to Global Reach and the Impact of AI on Travel
Darien Schaefer on Pensacola’s Evolution: From Small Town to Global Destination
Florida Tourism’s Next Frontier: Dana Young on Expanding Beyond the Classics
Patrick Harrison on Tampa Bay Tourism’s Resilience and Marketing Strategy
Bubba O’Keefe on Clarksdale’s Vibrant Music Scene
Commemorating Elvis and Embracing Tupelo’s Culture with Jennie Bradford Curlee
Craig Ray and the Expansion of the Blues Trail
Presenting Mississippi’s Cultural Trails with Katie Coats
Robert Terrell: A Journey Through BB King’s Influence
Rochelle Hicks: Celebrating Mississippi’s Musical Legacy
Exploring Jacksonville with Katie Mitura: The Flip Side of Florida
Dozens fall ill in P&O Cruises ship outbreak
Boy falls to death on cruise ship
Turkish Airlines flight in emergency landing after pilot dies
Unexpected wave rocks cruise ship
Woman dies after going overboard in English Channel