Hilton Worldwide announces record two-year period
Hilton Worldwide has announced that 2009 was the second best year in the company's 91-year history, building on its record year regarding development in 2008.
Despite major challenges for the hospitality industry overall during 2009, Hilton Worldwide added 302 new hotels and more than 45 000 rooms, to a total count now of more than 3 500 hotels and 585 000 rooms. In 2008, Hilton Worldwide opened 327 properties.
For the fourth consecutive year, Hilton Worldwide opened more newly-constructed guest rooms in the US than any other company, reports Smith Travel Research in its US Pipeline Report for December 2009. The group's pipeline includes more than 900 hotels with more than 129 000 rooms scheduled to open.
"Despite the serious challenges resulting from the macroeconomic environment, last year was an outstanding year for our company in many significant ways," says Christopher Nassetta, president and CEO of Hilton Worldwide.
"As the global markets continue to improve, I believe Hilton Worldwide is better positioned than ever to achieve our mission to be the pre-eminent global hospitality company, the first choice of guests, team members and owners alike."
Other highlights from last year include:
- Signed or approved 281 hotel deals with more than 46 000 rooms.
- Moved into first place in terms of open and operating rooms in the US.
- Maximised opportunities globally, with 37% of its pipeline of rooms now outside the US, compared to 15% two years ago. In addition, in 2009 some 50% of room construction starts occurred outside the US versus 17% two years ago.
- Increased both its market share and customer satisfaction ratings in each of its ten brands.
- Expanded its luxury portfolio by more than 100% within the US and nearly 50% elsewhere.
- Launched a new mid-tier extended-stay brand, Home2 Suites by Hilton, and approved 53 hotels for development as well as broke ground on the first property in the US.
- Was the only hotel company with multiple brand winners in "J.D. Power's 2009 North America Hotel Guest Satisfaction Study." Embassy Suites ranked highest in guest satisfaction among upscale chains for the sixth time, and Hilton Garden Inn ranked highest in guest satisfaction among mid-scale full-service chains for the seventh time.
- Received the Readers Choice "Best in Business Travel" and "Best Hotel Web Site" (Hilton.com) by Business Traveler magazine for its Hilton brand. Hilton also received many other accolades including the "Best Hotel for Meetings" and "Best Hotel for Business Services" by Executive Travel Leading Edge Awards.
- Was honoured by Entrepreneur magazine when its Hampton brand was selected as the fourth-best franchise business in the US in its Franchise 500 list.
- Unveiled its new name and corporate logo that better reflect the global company it is today and will continue to be in the future.
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